From 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will introduce the euro as its official currency. This is a long-awaited step in our European integration, but also a serious challenge for business - legal, technological and psychological. Although the fixed lev/euro exchange rate has been in place for a long time, the actual changeover will require a reworking of a number of processes, systems and communications.
Beyond the calculator: why this change is significant
The changeover is not just a formal conversion of values. It should introduce a new way of thinking.
In the second half of 2025, all prices will need to be displayed in both euros and euros. This requirement is not just regulatory - it is intended to prepare consumers - but it is also an opportunity. A product that today costs BGN 9.90 will cost EUR 5.06. Although the value is the same, the psychological effect is real.
What matters is how the prices will look on the labels, in the online shop or in the offer you send by email. It is worth investing in a clear visual style, with an understandable message. It's not enough to simply show the exchange rate - people will expect logic, certainty and a sense of control. However, they also need time to embrace this change and businesses need a clear transition plan. It's not just about ‘calculating’, it's about trust, clarity and communication.
What needs to be done in practice?
Preparation needs to cover several key areas:
Legal and contractual commitments - all long-term contracts, offers and commercial terms need to be adapted. It is good practice to include a clause for automatic conversion to the euro at the fixed rate, without the need for annexes.
Also, if your business operates with customers overseas, the transition can be an excellent opportunity to align your offer policy and rethink whether all your currency operations are efficient.
Pricing and consumer perception - In July 2025, you should already be able to print invoices and receipts that show values in euros. This is not only a regulatory requirement - it's also a trial period where you will find weaknesses and have time to react.
Technology readiness - from cash registers to ERP systems to e-commerce, all digital solutions must be able to work with euros, display both currencies, convert automatically and meet accounting standards.
Team training - One of the most common mistakes is to view this change as a technical task only. But the people - your team, partners, suppliers, even customers - are the ones who will actually implement the change.
Explain what's coming. Make an internal presentation. Do simulations. If you sell products for which customers ask the price, prepare employees on how to answer calmly and confidently. If you have an online chat or call center - have them ready there too with clear explanations.
Archive and accountability - all reports before 1 January 2026 will remain in euros. It's important that your systems support historical reference, revisability and parallel reporting, especially in the early months after transition.
SAF-T - the next big challenge
In parallel with the currency change, Bulgarian businesses will face another innovation - the introduction of SAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax), which is a digital standard for exchanging accounting and tax data with the NRA. Although the introduction will start in stages from 2026 and will cover the largest companies first, all will have to switch to it within a few years.
Preparing for SAF-T is not just a matter of “a new version of the program.” It is a process that requires data structuring, internal accountability and discipline. If your business is just thinking about what XML is or doesn't support automatically generated reports, you need to start preparing now.
Key dates every business needs to know
July 2025 - Mandatory dual display of prices (in Euro and Euro) on labels, in online stores and in offers begins. The aim is to get consumers used to the new currency.
Second half of 2025 - accounting and ERP systems should be ready to issue invoices and reports with both currencies. This is a test period to identify and address weaknesses.
1 January 2026 - the euro becomes the only legal tender. All new contracts, invoices, receipts, payments and banking transactions will be carried out entirely in euros. The leu will cease to be used for payments.
By the end of 2026 - businesses should be ready to switch to SAF-T, the exact timetable will depend on the size and activity of the company. Large taxpayers will be the first.
The possibilities behind change
This change is also an opportunity. An opportunity to review how you work. To optimize your processes. To reach out to partners who can help - either with automation or advice. Transition time can also be improvement time.
At Plana Solutions, for example, we are already working with our partners to implement dual currency reporting solutions, customized transition plans and adaptation to new standards such as SAF-T. If you are looking for a partner or need assistance in this process, you can contact us - here.