Bulgaria will have a view, a voice, a vote.
Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB
Bulgaria joined the euro area on 1 January 2026. This is a historic milestone for the country and a significant opportunity for people and businesses across the euro area. The transition will lead to greater economic stability, smoother transactions and stronger integration across Europe. For Bulgaria, adopting the euro means building a stronger foundation for long-term growth and resilience.
Change can bring questions and concerns. However, the ECB and national authorities are working closely together to ensure the transition is smooth for everyone, with careful planning and a strong focus on price stability.
Exchanging Bulgarian lev for euroAt commercial banks and post offices
You can exchange Bulgarian lev banknotes and coins for euro free of charge at commercial banks and certain post offices in Bulgaria until 30 June 2026. After this date, commercial banks and post offices will continue to offer this service at least until 31 December 2026, but they may charge a fee.
For single transactions over BGN 30,000, you must notify the commercial bank at least three business days in advance. At post offices, the daily exchange limit is BGN 10,000 per individual. However, for single transactions over BGN 1,000, you must inform the post office three to five business days in advance.
At the Bulgarian National Bank
You can exchange Bulgarian lev banknotes and coins for euro at the Bulgarian National Bank indefinitely and free of charge. This service is available at the head office in Sofia as well as at the offices of the Cash Service Company AD in Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna and Pleven. For more information, visit the Bulgarian National Bank’s website and its FAQ on the accession to the euro area (available in Bulgarian only).
At other euro area national central banks
From 1 January to 2 March 2026, other euro area national central banks (NCBs) will exchange Bulgarian lev banknotes free of charge, at the fixed conversion exchange rate. The exchange limit is BGN 2,000 for any given party/transaction on any one day.
Banknotes qualifying for exchange
Further details are specified in Guideline ECB/2006/10 of 24 July 2006 on the exchange of banknotes after the irrevocable fixing of exchange rates in connection with the introduction of the euro.