Raising the cash payment limit in Bulgaria to €10,000

Fiscal Council Analysis

Mar 24, 2026 12:33 68

Raising the cash payment limit in Bulgaria to €10,000 - 1

Bulgaria is among the EU Member States that maintain a relatively low threshold for cash payments for business purposes, which creates practical difficulties for companies, entrepreneurs and consumers. In view of the upcoming implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 on combating money laundering, which will introduce a harmonised maximum limit of €10,000 for business transactions across the EU from 2027, the government may want to review its current approach and bring its national rules in line with the new standard, the Fiscal Council writes.

The EU regulation is designed to provide both flexibility and predictability. While Member States may maintain stricter limits, the harmonised ceiling ensures that businesses across the Union operate under predictable conditions, reducing administrative complexity, facilitating cross-border trade and increasing financial efficiency. Maintaining a lower threshold than the EU maximum could put Bulgarian businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared to their counterparts in other Member States.

Furthermore, the regulation balances financial transparency and anti-money laundering objectives. While a limit is set for business transactions, payments between individuals are not limited, recognising that the use of cash in everyday life is legitimate and often necessary. This shows that the EU framework is flexible enough to protect against illicit financial activity without unnecessarily restricting legitimate business operations. By increasing the limit to €10,000, Bulgaria can align with European standards while maintaining mechanisms for monitoring and preventing suspicious transactions.

Raising the national threshold will also reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. Currently, businesses that comply with the lower limit often have to split payments or use multiple financial instruments to comply with the law, which leads to additional costs and delays. A limit of €10,000 will simplify transactions, reduce operational costs and support a more dynamic business environment, which is particularly important for start-ups looking to expand their operations in the EU market.

Country – Cash payment limit

Austria – No limit

Belgium – €3,000

Bulgaria – 5,000 €

Croatia – 10,000 €

Cyprus – No limit

Czech Republic – 10,500 €

Denmark – No limit

Estonia – No limit

Finland – No limit

France – 1,000 € (residents) / 15,000 € (non-residents)

Germany – No limit