Bulgaria's Euro Changeover: What Changes for Founders and Company Owners in 2026

It's official: since 1 January 2026, Bulgaria pays in euro. After years of preparation, the lev (BGN) was replaced at the fixed rate of €1 = 1.95583 leva. For you as a founder or company owner this is more than symbolic – it changes, in very practical ways, how you set up and run a business in Bulgaria. In this article we summarise what has changed, the deadline existing companies need to meet, and why Bulgaria has become an even more attractive place to start.

The key facts about the euro adoption

• Changeover date: 1 January 2026 – the euro has been the official currency ever since.
• Fixed conversion rate: €1 = 1.95583 leva. All amounts were converted at this rate – the same mechanism once used for the Deutsche Mark.
• Accounts and contracts: bank balances and ongoing contracts were converted automatically and free of charge.

What changes when you form a company?

Since 1 January 2026 the share capital of new companies is stated directly in euro. The legal minimum capital of an OOD or EOOD (the Bulgarian limited company) is now €1, and the smallest permissible share is one eurocent. In practice most founders still choose a round amount such as €100.

The formation documents – articles of incorporation and the founder's resolution – also state the capital in euro. Our free document generator has been fully switched to euro and prepares the paperwork exactly as the commercial register expects it since 2026.

Important deadline for existing companies: 31 December 2026

If your Bulgarian company was founded before 2026, the Registry Agency converted the registered capital automatically and free of charge into euro. One task remains with you, though: within twelve months – i.e. by 31 December 2026 – an updated version of the articles of association or incorporation deed showing the converted euro amounts must be filed with the commercial register. The publication is exempt from state fees.

Because the conversion can produce awkward figures, the law allows OODs to adjust the capital by up to 5% to get back to round share values – without going through the usual capital increase or reduction procedure. If you need help with this, get in touch with us.

Taxes and accounting: everything in euro

Accounting, tax returns and invoices have been running in euro since 2026. The thresholds were converted too: mandatory VAT registration now applies from a turnover of €51,130 per calendar year – and since 2026 it is measured per calendar year instead of over the last twelve months. The attractive tax rates remain unchanged: 10% corporate tax, 10% personal income tax, 5% withholding tax on dividends. For an overview, see our article on Bulgarian taxes.

Why this is a win for foreign founders

• No more currency risk: there is no foreign currency between your home bank account and your Bulgarian one – no conversion, no exchange-rate swings, no fees.
• Simpler banking: euro transfers to Bulgaria are ordinary SEPA payments.
• Full price transparency: salaries, rents and services can be compared directly with Western European prices – and remain considerably lower.
• A location without friction: together with Bulgaria's full Schengen accession in early 2025 (no more border checks, including at land borders), the country has never been more seamlessly integrated into the EU.

Checklist: what to do now

• Existing company? File the updated articles with euro capital with the commercial register by 31 December 2026.
• Check that contracts, price lists and invoice templates are fully converted to euro.
• Keep an eye on the new VAT threshold (€51,130 per calendar year).
• Planning a new company? Set the share capital directly in euro – for example with our free document generator or conveniently with our all-inclusive package for €400.

Conclusion

The euro adoption removes one of the last practical hurdles for foreign founders in Bulgaria. The tax advantages stay, the currency question disappears. If you want to know what this means for your specific plans: check our FAQ or talk to us directly – we guide you from the idea to the registered company.