As of January 1st, 2026, Bulgaria will switch to the euro, and for a period of one month the lev and the euro will be in parallel circulation, dariknews.bg reported.
During this transitional period, both currencies will have the status of legal tender, in order for the transition to the new national currency to take place smoothly and in an organized manner.
During the first month after the introduction of the euro, people will be able to pay in both levs and euros in retail outlets and service centers in the country. Merchants, in turn, will be obliged to return change in euros, except in cases where this is impossible for practical reasons. In this way, part of the available leva will gradually be withdrawn from circulation through the retail network, which will serve as an additional exchange channel for Bulgarian citizens.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 974/98 of 3 May 1998, a rule has been introduced during this transitional period, according to which a merchant may refuse to accept more than 50 leva and stotinki coins in a single transaction. The measure aims to facilitate cash handling and prevent operational difficulties in retail outlets.
After midnight on 1 January 2026, the balances in all bank accounts will be automatically converted from leva to euro, and ATMs will only dispense euros. This ensures that citizens do not have to take any additional steps to convert their funds.
The one-month transition period aims to ensure a balanced, transparent and consumer-safe transition to the new currency. After its completion, the euro will remain the only legal tender in Bulgaria, and the lev will finally be withdrawn from circulation.