As a result of the switch to the euro, the BNR will remove the Bulgarian leva from the list of foreign exchange rates. The main stages of the introduction of the euro by Bulgaria

Following Bulgaria's accession to the euro zone and the adoption of the euro as the official currency starting January 1, 2026, the National Bank of Romania will stop publishing, from January 5, 2026, the exchange rate of the Bulgarian lev (BGN) in relation to the leu (RON), BNR officials told HotNews on Monday.

Bulgaria will have a seat at the decision-making table for the euro zone and will be able to express itself on the future of our common currency, the European Central Bank says.

Conversion rate: 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN

What role does the euro play for Bulgarian banks and companies?

When the changeover is made to the new currency, some prices may increase if retailers choose to take advantage of the transition to gain undue advantage. Bulgaria will, however, have effective safety measures and mechanisms in place to prevent such situations.

In the months before and after the changeover to the new currency, all prices will be displayed in both leva and euro, so that consumers can easily check the correctness of conversions. The national authorities will strictly monitor and enforce the correct use of the conversion rate to protect Bulgarian citizens against unjustified price increases.

Interest rates

Starting in January, interest rates in Bulgaria will directly follow the decisions of the ECB Governing Council, which take into account economic conditions in the euro area as a whole. The Governor of Българска народна банка (National Bank of Bulgaria) will take part in the meetings of the Board of Governors as a full member.

Bulgarian leva to euro exchange

At commercial banks and post offices

Until June 30, 2026, you can exchange Bulgarian leva banknotes and coins into euros for free at commercial banks and some post offices in Bulgaria. After this date, commercial banks and post offices will continue to offer this service until at least 31 December 2026, but may charge a fee.

For individual transactions with a value greater than BGN 30,000, it is necessary to notify the commercial bank at least three business days in advance. At post offices, the daily exchange limit is BGN 10,000 per person. However, for individual transactions exceeding BGN 1,000, the post office must be informed three to five working days in advance.

At the National Bank of Bulgaria

You can exchange Bulgarian leva banknotes and coins into euros at the National Bank of Bulgaria for free and for an unlimited period. The service is available at the head office in Sofia, as well as at the branches of Cash Services Company AD in Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna and Plevna. For more information, see the website of the National Bank of Bulgaria and the section containing answers to frequently asked questions about joining the euro area (only available in Bulgarian).

At other national central banks in the euro area

Between January 1 and March 2, 2026, other national central banks (NCBs) in the euro area will exchange Bulgarian leva banknotes for free, at the fixed parity. The exchange limit is BGN 2,000 per applicant/transaction in one day.

The main stages of the introduction of the euro by Bulgaria – in brief

July 8, 2025- The EU Council approves Bulgaria's accession to the euro zone.

August 8, 2025 – Prices are displayed in both leva and euro for one year.

1 November 2025 – Commencement of front-loading and secondary front-loading of euro cash to commercial banks.

December 1, 2025- Secondary advance supply of initial sets of euro coins for businesses and the public.

1 January 2026 – The euro is introduced and euro banknotes and coins are put into circulation. For one month, both leva and euro cash can be used to make payments.

Bank accounts in leva are automatically converted to euros.

Leva banknotes and coins can be exchanged into euros free of charge at commercial banks, some post offices and the National Bank of Bulgaria.

1 February 2026 – Euro banknotes and coins become the only legal tender.

30 June 2026 – Commercial banks and post offices may start charging fees for exchanging leva notes and coins.

January 1, 2027 – Commercial banks and post offices are no longer required to exchange leva banknotes and coins.

Leva banknotes and coins can be exchanged indefinitely, free of charge and without restrictions at the National Bank of Bulgaria.