Bulgaria’s Euro Adoption: What App Store Developers Need to Know
Bulgaria is poised to join the Eurozone, officially adopting the euro (EUR) as its official currency on January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN). This significant economic shift will directly impact App Store developers selling digital goods and subscriptions within the country. Understanding the implications and necessary adjustments is crucial for a seamless transition and continued revenue flow.
The change extends to all App Store transactions in Bulgaria, meaning both purchases and subscription renewals will be processed in euros starting on the adoption date. Consequently, developers will receive their earnings from Bulgarian sales in EUR.
Apple is proactively streamlining the financial transition. If you currently have the Bulgarian lev (BGN) selected as your bank currency within App Store Connect, it will be automatically updated to euro (EUR) on December 1, 2025. If a different currency is already designated for your bank account, payouts will continue to be issued in that existing currency.
The official conversion rate, established by the Council of the European Union on July 8, 2025, is fixed at 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR. This rate will be used for all conversions related to the currency switch.
How the Currency Change Impacts App Pricing
The method for updating app and in-app purchase pricing will vary depending on your setup. Here’s a breakdown:
- Apps with Bulgaria as a Base Storefront: If Bulgaria is your primary storefront for pricing, all prices will be converted to euros based on the 1.95583 conversion rate and then rounded down to the nearest supported euro price point. This conversion may also trigger price adjustments in other storefronts to maintain consistent price equalization across regions.
- Other Apps and In-App Purchases: For apps where Bulgaria isn’t the base storefront, pricing will be converted to euros using Apple’s standard equalization process for euro markets subject to Value Added Tax (VAT).
Developers retain full control over their pricing and can adjust app, in-app purchase, and auto-renewable subscription prices at any time through App Store Connect.
Auto-renewable subscriptions will continue uninterrupted. Existing subscriptions, as well as any newly scheduled price changes, will be automatically updated to reflect euro pricing. Subscribers will receive an email notification informing them of the currency change.
Dual Pricing Requirement: In accordance with the Euro Act, developers are legally obligated to display both the Bulgarian lev (BGN) and euro (EUR) prices for in-app purchases within their applications. This dual-pricing requirement will be in effect from now until the transition period concludes on August 8, 2026. Ensure this information is prominently displayed wherever prices are shown to your Bulgarian users.
Reporting will also be updated to reflect the currency change. Sales and Trends reports will show transactions in euros after January 1, 2026. Monthly financial reports will differentiate between earnings from sales occurring before the change (reported in the BG report) and those after the change (reported in the EU report).
All refunds processed after January 1, 2026, will be issued in euros, regardless of the original purchase date.
Did You Know?:
What challenges do you anticipate facing when adapting your pricing strategy for the Bulgarian market? And how will you ensure a smooth user experience during this currency transition?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official date Bulgaria will adopt the euro?
Bulgaria will officially adopt the euro as its currency on January 1, 2026.
- How will the euro adoption affect my existing auto-renewable subscriptions in Bulgaria?
Auto-renewable subscriptions will not be interrupted. Prices will be automatically updated to euros, and subscribers will receive an email notification.
- What conversion rate will be used for changing Bulgarian lev prices to euros?
The fixed conversion rate of 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR, established on July 8, 2025, will be used for all conversions.
- Do I need to manually update the prices of my apps and in-app purchases?
While not always required, you have the flexibility to manually adjust prices at any time through App Store Connect. Apple will automatically convert prices based on your storefront setup.
- What are my obligations regarding displaying prices to customers during the transition period?
You are required to display both the Bulgarian lev (BGN) and euro (EUR) prices for in-app purchases within your app until August 8, 2026.
Learn more about the Bulgaria EUR adoption.
Explore the European Central Bank’s information on the euro.
Visit the Bulgarian National Bank for further details on the currency transition.
Stay informed and proactive to ensure a smooth transition for your App Store business in Bulgaria. Share this article with your fellow developers to help them prepare for these important changes.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance related to your situation.
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