Bulgaria adopts the euro and completes Schengen accession

What changed

• The euro replaced the Bulgarian lev as legal tender on 1 January 2026, with the lev fixed at 1.95583 to the euro during conversion.
• Bulgaria is a full member of the Schengen area, so residence-permit holders can travel within Schengen under the standard 90/180-day rule.
• Bulgaria no longer operates a citizenship-by-investment programme; residence-by-investment remains available.

Routes affected

• Single Permit for Residence and Work
• EU Blue Card (Bulgaria)
• Residence by Investment

Primary source