What is the timeline for Bulgaria’s euro changeover?

Bulgaria becomes the eurozone’s 21st member on 1 January. January features dual pricing at tills and on receipts. From February, local cash and card payments settle only in euro. Banks and vendors may update IBANs and fee tables during January, so confirm details before your next transfer.

How will lev to euro conversion work for bank deposits?

Customer account balances convert to euro at the official rate set by authorities. Statements will reflect the new currency and a clear conversion entry. Direct debits and standing orders should continue after updates. Check any linked contracts or pricing that referenced lev and confirm revised terms in writing.

Should UK businesses update contracts and pricing now?

Yes. Replace lev with euro in invoices, quotes, and payment terms. Align settlement to SEPA where relevant, and set rounding and dispute rules. Refresh ERP fields, tax codes, and price lists. Review FX hedges, since GBP/EUR is now the key pair for Bulgaria trades, improving netting across EU exposures.

Could Bulgaria inflation rise after the switch?

Short-term pressure can come from rounding, menu costs, or sentiment. Regulators audit key sectors, and the ECB anchors broader stability. Track January-February sales data, wages, and supplier notices. Lock near-term prices where possible, and use index clauses for longer deals to manage unexpected changes.

Law and Government

Bulgaria Joins Eurozone on January 1: Banks, Prices, Disinfo Risks

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Bulgaria joins euro on 1 January, becoming the eurozone’s 21st member after ERM II and Schengen milestones. For UK readers, the shift touches banks, retailers, and travel. Dual pricing runs through January, with euro-only cash and card payments from February. We see fewer FX frictions, simpler invoices, and clearer statements for euro trades. Still, Bulgaria inflation worries and disinformation could affect sentiment and spending today. We outline what matters for payments, contracts, and price checks, and where to find official guidance.