Bulgaria Completing Transition to Euro as Lev Payments to End February 1

Jerusalem, 29 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Sofia (BTA) – From the first day of February 2026, the euro will become the only legal tender in Bulgaria, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) reminds the public.

On January 1, Bulgaria began transitioning from the lev to the euro. As of February 1, the lev ceases to be a payment currency, and the euro becomes the only legal means of payment for goods, services and obligations. Consumers must pay in euros, and merchants must accept, process payments and return change only in euros. The possibility of payments in both currencies expires on January 31.

However, the Law on the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria obliges prices to be displayed in both euros and levs by August 8, 2026. For the smooth running of the processes, the CPC recommends that merchants procure a sufficient amount of coins in euros. Those of them who do not comply with the rules for double labeling, correct currency conversion, transparent pricing or other requirements of the law are subject to sanctions by the CPC and other control bodies.