Bulgaria will join the eurozone on 1 January 2026 as its 21st member state, replacing the Bulgarian lev with the euro. A one-month dual circulation period will run throughout January 2026, during which both the lev and the euro may be used for payments. From 1 February 2026, the euro will become the country’s sole legal tender. The fixed conversion rate has been set at 1.95583 leva per euro.
As part of the changeover, Bulgarian lev banknotes will also be exchangeable in Slovakia. From 1 January to 2 March 2026 inclusive, the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) will exchange lev banknotes at its headquarters in Bratislava and its Košice branch. The service will be free of charge for both individuals and companies, with a daily limit of 2,000 leva per person or transaction. Only banknotes eligible for exchange will be accepted.
Cash desk opening hours for both locations are published on the NBS website.
In Bulgaria, the Bulgarian National Bank will exchange lev banknotes and coins free of charge and without any time limit. Commercial banks and selected post office branches in Bulgaria will also provide free exchange services until 30 June 2026. After that date, banks and post offices will continue to exchange the currency at least until 31 December 2026, though fees may apply.