Adoption of the Euro in Bulgaria as of 1 January 2026: What Traders and Businesses Need to Know (Practical Guide)
The adoption of the euro in Bulgaria in 2026 is the most significant financial change for Bulgarian businesses in decades. The new Euro Adoption Act introduces specific obligations for traders, shop owners, online stores, restaurants, manufacturers, and service providers. It is crucial for businesses to begin preparations now in order to avoid sanctions and ensure fair practices toward customers.
Below we present practical steps and key requirements drawn from the most up-to-date legal provisions, including the important rules on dual price display until 8 August 2026, the regulations for payments in euro and leva in January, as well as the measures against speculative price increases.
Dual Price Display – Legal Requirement Until 8 August 2026
The obligation for dual price display is already in force as of 8 August 2025. The Euro Adoption Act states that it will remain mandatory until 8 August 2026, and during this period all traders must continue to display their prices simultaneously in leva and euro. This applies to both physical and online points of sale. The order of the currencies does not matter—either can stand first.
What does this mean in practice?
- A label in a grocery store must show: 39 лв./1.22 € or 1.22 €/2.39 лв. (example based on the fixed exchange rate 1.00 EUR=1,95583 BGN).
- Every retailer must display dual prices on their website and on the online platforms they use.
Prices for promotions, sales, and discounts must also be displayed in both currencies, but under slightly different rules, which is important for preventing “hidden” price increases. You can find useful instructions on dual pricing here: https://kzp.bg/bg/za-evroto/163
Sanctions for violations range between 150 BGN and 100,000 BGN, and for repeated violations – up to 200,000 BGN. For large enterprises with an annual turnover above 50 million BGN, fines may reach even 0.5%–1% of annual turnover.
Dual Pricing Period: Consumers Can Pay in Both BGN and EUR
Throughout January 2026, businesses will enter a critical transition period:
- Customers may pay in both leva and euro.
- All traders are obliged to accept both currencies.
- Change must be returned only in euros.
For example, if a customer buys electronics priced at 40 лв./20.45 € and pays with an old 50-leva banknote, the trader must accept the payment and return the change of 5,11 EUR exclusively in euro. Exceptions are allowed only when the trader temporarily and objectively lacks sufficient euro cash, but such inability must be proven and short-lived.
Measures Against Speculative Price Increases (Anti-Speculation Rules)
The Euro Adoption Act explicitly prohibits unjustified price increases related to the introduction of the euro. This is a key part of consumer protection and the stability of the transition.
What counts as “unjustified”?
- Increasing prices solely because of euro adoption or “because the euro is coming.”
- Changes not linked to real factors such as rising raw material costs, logistics expenses, etc.
- Misleading promotions—e.g., a product costing 5.00 BGN before 1 January being “discounted” from 3.30 € to 3.00 €, which obviously represents a price increase.
Large traders with annual turnover above 10 million BGN have additional obligations:
- Daily publication of individual sale prices for goods in the major consumer basket defined by the Consumer Protection Commission.
- Publication of detailed price lists including data on discounts, duration, and reference prices.
Fines under the Euro Adoption Act for violations are substantial:
- 5,000 to 100,000 BGN, and up to 200,000 BGN for repeated violations.
- For large enterprises – up to 1,000,000 BGN or a percentage of turnover.
This makes price discipline a critically important part of business preparation.
What Should Businesses Do Now?
1. Review pricing practices – every price increase must be documented.
2. Technical audit – fiscal devices, POS software, online catalogues must operate in both currencies.
3. Employee training – especially on giving change in euro.
4. Transparent communication with customers – information boards, dual labels, accurate promotions.
5. Plan sufficient euro cash availability – especially for January 2026, when customers may still pay in leva.
6. Large traders – must follow daily price-publishing requirements on their websites.
The adoption of the euro in Bulgaria is not only a legal challenge but also an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate professionalism, transparency, and competitiveness. Early preparation will prevent fines, stress, and operational disruption.
Dr. Miroslava Hristova Law Firm can provide full assistance on all matters related to the Euro Adoption Act and the adoption of the euro in Bulgaria. For more information, contact us at office@recht.bg.
The information presented in this article reflects the legislation in force as of 01.12.2025 and does not constitute legal advice or guidance for action by individuals interested in the topic.