From January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its official currency, fixing an exchange rate of 1 euro for 1.95583 leva. This transition affects all areas of economic and social life. Here are the main changes:

Banking:

  • Bank accounts in leva are automatically converted to euros without fees, with IBAN and contractual terms remaining unchanged.
  • Salaries, pensions, and social payments will be in euros, maintaining their real value.
  • Loans and mortgages in leva are also converted to euros, without changes to the terms.
  • Short technical interruptions of banking services are possible around December 31 / January 1.
  • Planning payments and cash on hand is recommended.

Taxes and NRA (National Revenue Agency):

  • All taxes, social security contributions, and fines will be in euros from January 1, 2026.
  • Tax period declarations up to the end of 2025 are submitted in leva, and after that - in euros.
  • Tax relief refunds for children will be in euros.

Trade:

  • Dual circulation of leva and euros until the end of January 2026, after which the euro becomes the sole currency.
  • Change is returned in euros, unless there is insufficient availability.
  • Prices in establishments will be in leva and euros until August 8, 2026.
  • Fiscal devices will record sales in euros.

Customs:

  • All customs duties will be calculated and paid in euros.
  • Customs declarations will be submitted in euros.
  • Conversion of virtual accounts.

Currency exchange:

  • Free and indefinite exchange at BNB (Bulgarian National Bank).
  • No fees at commercial banks during the first 6 months.
  • Exchange at post offices during 2026.

Rounding: Amounts are rounded to the second decimal place based on the third digit.