As of January 1, 2026, Bulgaria is now part of the eurozone. The euro has replaced the lev, and on the same day, the minimum wage jumped to €620.20 (1,213 BGN). This is a 12.6% increase compared to 2025 and sounds like good news for the wallet. But on social media and during coffee breaks, people mostly talk about one thing: will we lose purchasing power due to price rounding? Let's examine the topic step by step, with facts and practical advice.

1. What exactly changed for our salaries on January 1, 2026?

All salaries, pensions, and social payments were automatically converted at the fixed rate of 1 euro = 1.95583 BGN. No one lost a single cent in the conversion.

The new minimum wage 2026 of €620.20 directly affects around 600,000 people – from personal assistants and social workers to employees in retail and services. The hourly rate is now €3.74.

This increase was planned years ago to bring us closer to European standards for adequate minimum incomes.

2. Fear of inflation: Is the risk of price rounding real?

Many Bulgarians remember the euro transition in Croatia, where there was a slight price increase in the first months. Here, concerns are similar: will merchants round up?

Experts from the BNB and economists reassure: the expected inflationary effect from the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria is minimal – between 0.2% and 0.4%. This is far less than normal annual inflation.

The Consumer Protection Commission and the Ministry of Economy are strictly monitoring for abuses. Stores are required to display prices in both euro and lev until the end of 2026, so we can easily compare. If you notice unjustified increases – report them on the hotline.

3. Long-term benefits for the labor market and incomes

The euro is not just a new currency – it is a door to greater stability. Without currency risk, foreign investors will come more easily, meaning new job opportunities and higher wages in the future.

Bulgaria has already been the fastest-growing EU economy in terms of real incomes in recent years. With the euro, we can directly compare our salary in euro with colleagues in Germany, Austria, or Greece. This will put additional pressure on employers to raise wages.

Additionally, remittances from Bulgarians abroad (over 1.2 million people) now arrive without fees or exchange losses.

4. Practical tips: How to track your money in the new reality

- Check your insurance contributions easily and quickly through the unified portal for electronic services of the NSSI (EPEU). Log in with PIC or qualified electronic signature and see everything in euro – contributions, seniority, benefits.

- If you're looking for a better job, now is a good time. The market is adapting, and many companies are restructuring their salary packages in euro.

- Use platforms like wherewework.bg to see current job postings, compare salaries, and read employer reviews from real employees. Prepare an up-to-date CV and apply – competition isn't too high yet.

Conclusion

The switch to the euro in Bulgaria and the new minimum wage in euro of €620.20 are a big change, but we shouldn't be overly afraid. Short-term risks from price rounding are small and controlled, while long-term benefits – higher incomes, more investments, and better labor market opportunities – are real.

Stay informed, monitor your expenses, and take advantage of the new opportunities. 2026 could be the year when our salaries start catching up with our European neighbors faster than ever.