SOFIA, Bulgaria — As Bulgaria readies itself to adopt the euro, the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has announced that, during the one-month transition period starting on January 1, 2026, all ATMs across the country will dispense only euro banknotes.
This measure will coincide with the dual circulation phase, during which both the Bulgarian lev and the euro will be accepted as legal tender.
The move marks a significant step in Bulgaria’s integration into the eurozone, a process which has been years in the making. The BNB has confirmed that all logistical preparations are in place to ensure a smooth transition for consumers and businesses alike.
Production of Euro Coins Underway
Bulgarian euro coins are currently being prepared, with national designs already approved and production contracts finalized. The coins will be minted as soon as the European Union Council formally approves Bulgaria’s accession under Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
The quantity of coins to be produced will depend on the volume of lev coins expected to return to the central bank, anticipated demand for different denominations, and reserve levels.
While the minting process falls under national jurisdiction, the production plans must be approved by the European Central Bank (ECB).
The coins will feature Bulgarian national symbols, including a unique €2 coin bearing the inscription “БОЖЕ ПАЗИ БЪЛГАРИЯ” (“God Save Bulgaria”) in Cyrillic along the edge. This nod to Bulgaria’s historical coinage from 1882 to 1943 aligns with similar traditions in other eurozone countries.
Cash Circulation and Storage Plans
The BNB has made detailed preparations to secure a sufficient supply of euro banknotes and coins for the first year of use. Withdrawn lev banknotes and coins will be stored in secure facilities and will not be repurposed for euro coin production.
Starter kits containing Bulgarian euro coins will be available to the public and businesses in the lead-up to the transition, though they may not be used until January 1, 2026.
Commercial banks will distribute kits to both individuals and merchants, while the BNB and Bulgarian Posts will offer them only to the general public.
Payment Procedures and Currency Exchange
Although levs will remain legal tender during the transition month, all ATM withdrawals will be in euros. Public payments in cash, such as taxes and fees, can still be made in levs but only in person. From the transition date, all bank transfers must be conducted in euros.
Bulgaria’s lev-based payment systems, including BISERA 6 and RINGS, will cease operation on the date of euro adoption. However, lev-based transactions at bank counters will still be allowed during the dual circulation period, with change returned in euros.
For 12 months after the transition, all banks will be required to exchange levs for euros at the fixed rate. After that, the service will be optional for commercial banks, though the BNB will continue to provide lev-to-euro conversions indefinitely.
Merchants Urged to Prepare
Businesses are encouraged to coordinate with banks for early access to euro currency, though it must not be released into circulation prior to the official date.
The BNB has called on retailers and service providers to ensure full readiness for the shift, emphasizing the importance of smooth consumer transactions during the critical first weeks of 2026.
With just over a year until the changeover, Bulgaria stands on the threshold of a major economic milestone, as preparations accelerate for full eurozone membership.