Introducing the euro in Bulgaria: A step-by-step guide to the dual circulation period (January 2026)

Calculators:

• https://psdox.com/bgn2eur/
• https://accdox.com/resto26

From 1 January 2026, Bulgaria officially enters the euro area, which means the start of a critical transition period known as "double circulation". During this 31-day period - from 1 to 31 January 2026 - the Bulgarian lev and the euro will both be legal tender in the country. This period is extremely important for traders, accountants and all citizens as it requires compliance with specific rules and procedures.

What is the Dual Circulation period?

Legal framework and basic rules

During this 31-day period, the Bulgarian lev (BGN) and the euro (EUR) are both legal tender. This means that merchants are obliged to accept both currencies, but are operating under new change rules.

The dual circulation period is a statutory transition phase during which retail outlets are required to accept payments in both BGN and euros. The purpose of this period is to gradually withdraw the Bulgarian lev from circulation and to facilitate citizens in the transition to the new currency. During these 31 days, the retail outlets practically function as a currency exchange office, helping people to convert their existing levs into euros through their daily purchases.

Basic rules for traders

During the period of dual circulation, traders must comply with strict rules laid down by law. The most important requirement relates to the return of change.

The change rule: The trader is obliged to return change exclusively in euros, regardless of whether the customer has paid in levs, euros or mixed. This rule is intended to speed up the process of removing levs from circulation. The only exception is in the case of an emergency situation where the trader does not have a momentary stock of euros - then change in BGN or mixed is allowed, but this should not become a practice.

Coin restriction: Merchants are not required to accept more than 50 coins in a transaction. This rule prevents cash registers from being blocked with an excessive amount of pennies.

Receipts: As of 1 January 2026, cash registers operate with a base currency of euros. The final amount in both currencies and the fixed exchange rate of BGN 1.95583 per euro must be displayed on each fiscal receipt.

Three main payment scenarios

Three different payment scenarios are possible during the dual circulation period. Understanding them is key for both merchants and consumers.

Scenario A: Payment in euros only

This is the simplest and most desirable option. When the customer pays entirely in euros, the process works as standard without the need for conversion. For example, with a €25 bill, the customer gives a €50 note and receives €25 change. There is no currency risk or complicated calculations.

Scenario B: Payment in BGN only

This scenario will be most common in the first days of January, when citizens try to "get rid" of their available levs. In this option, the process is as follows: the amount in levs is converted into euros by dividing by the fixed exchange rate of 1.95583, then calculating the change in euros.

For example, in an account of 15.30 euros, if the customer gives 40 levs, the system automatically converts the levs into 20.45 euros. It then calculates the change: 20.45 minus 15.30, which gives 5.15 euros. The cash register physically receives levs, but returns change only in euros, so merchants should have a sufficient supply of euro coins and notes.

Scenario C: Mixed payment

The most complex option involves paying with a combination of levs and euros. In this scenario, the system first converts levs into euros, then adds the two balances and calculates the change. For example, on a €45 bill, if the customer gives a €20 note and a €50 note, the process is as follows: the levs are converted into €25.56, which is added to the €20, giving a total of €45.56. The restato is 56 euro cents, which is returned entirely in euro coins.

Accounting and IT aspects

From 1 January 2026, the official currency of Bulgaria is the euro, which means that all accounting systems must switch to working with the euro as the main currency. The opening cash balance on 1 January will be converted into euros by division by 1.95583.

In January, it is critical to maintain two analytical accounts for the Treasury account: one for levs and one for euros, reflecting the physical availability in both currencies. At the close of the day, turnover is recorded in euros, but physical verification involves counting denominations of both currencies, which must match the total book balance in euros.

• Find answers to the most frequently asked developer questions

Important dates and deadlines

• December 31, 2025: Preparation period, dual price labeling
• 1 January 2026: X-Day - start of dual circulation
• 1-31 January 2026: Dual circulation period with mandatory change in euros
• 1 February 2026: End of dual circulation, only euro is legal tender
• Until 30 June 2026: Ability to exchange leva for cash free of charge at banks and BNB

Practical preparation tips

Starter packs with euros: The BNB will provide special packs with euro coins for traders before the beginning of January. It is extremely important to request these from your servicing bank, as in the early days payments in leva will quickly deplete your euro change stocks.

Software update: Make sure your ERP or POS system can automatically switch the base currency at midnight on 1 January. This is critical for the smooth operation of cash transactions.

Staff training: Cashiers should be specifically trained not to instinctively give change in BGN when the customer has paid in BGN. It is recommended that the levs be kept in a separate cash compartment and not used for change.

The period of dual circulation represents a historic moment for the Bulgarian economy and requires careful preparation by all participants in the trade process. Compliance with legal requirements, quality software and good staff training are key to a successful changeover. For citizens it is a convenient opportunity to convert their levs through everyday purchases, and for traders it is a responsible task to facilitate this process while strictly observing the rules for making change exclusively in euros.