Bulgarian National Bank reports lev cash down 58% and over EUR 4.3 billion issued as euro exchange continues

The Bulgarian National Bank reported that, as of 16 January 2026, the exchange of lev banknotes and coins into euro is running normally in line with the applicable regulatory framework and agreed operational and logistics plans. Cash in circulation totalled BGN 13.0 billion, representing around a 58% withdrawal of lev cash compared with the start of 2025. Euro banknotes and coins supplied to credit institutions are being delivered under the approved schedules and procedures, with more than EUR 4.3 billion in euro cash already put into circulation to support payment system operations and cash demand. To maintain continuous access to exchange services, the Bulgarian National Bank’s cash desks and the territorial branches of Cash Services Company AD will continue extended opening hours including Saturday exchanges on 17, 24 and 31 January 2026, alongside some banks offering Saturday service during January. For the first six months of 2026, credit institutions are to provide free-of-charge exchange of lev banknotes and coins into euro in unlimited amounts at the official exchange rate, with a prior request required for amounts above BGN 30,000 with a minimum notice period of three working days. Depositing lev and exchanging it into euro to a customer account is also free of charge, with the same treatment for a bank’s own customers and non-customers. Identification is done using an identity card, and a declaration of source of funds is required only when exchanging an amount equal to or exceeding EUR 5,000.