The Bulgarian National Bank published a status update on Bulgaria’s euro cash changeover, stating that the exchange of lev banknotes and coins into euro is proceeding in line with the applicable regulatory framework and operational plans. It reiterated that the dual circulation period ends on 31 January 2026 and that the euro becomes the only legal tender in Bulgaria from 1 February 2026. Lev banknotes and coins in circulation total BGN 7.7bn, representing a 75% withdrawal of lev cash in circulation compared with the start of 2025, while more than EUR 6.1bn in euro banknotes and coins have been put into circulation. To maintain access to exchange services, BNB cash desks and the territorial units of Cash Services Company AD will continue Saturday openings and will carry out lev-to-euro exchanges on 31 January 2026, with some banks also providing Saturday service. During the first six months of 2026, banks exchange lev cash into euro free of charge in unlimited amounts at the official exchange rate, with a three-working-day prior request required for amounts above BGN 30,000; depositing and converting lev into a customer’s euro account is also free. The BNB will exchange lev banknotes and coins into euro free of charge, in unlimited amounts, with no time limit, and reported 179 bank-related signals received by the reporting date.
National Bank of Bulgaria 2026-01-30
Bulgarian National Bank updates on euro cash changeover with over EUR 6.1bn issued and dual circulation ending 31 January 2026
The Bulgarian National Bank reported that the exchange of lev banknotes and coins into euro is progressing according to the regulatory framework, with the euro becoming the sole legal tender from 1 February 2026. Currently, BGN 7.7 billion in lev cash has been withdrawn, and over EUR 6.1 billion has been circulated. Banks will offer free lev-to-euro exchanges for the first six months of 2026, with the BNB providing unlimited exchanges indefinitely.