Legal Alert: Bank of Russia Lifts Restrictions on Cross-Border Money Transfers for Certain Categories of Individuals

The Bank of Russia has announced the removal of previously imposed limits on cross-border money transfers for certain categories of individuals. The information was published on the bank’s official website.

According to the announcement, in light of the stable situation on the foreign exchange market, from 8 December 2025 the Bank of Russia has decided to lift the monthly cap of USD 1 million (or the equivalent in another foreign currency) on outbound cross-border transfers by Russian citizens and foreign nationals from “friendly” jurisdictions.

At the same time, from 8 December 2025 to 7 June 2026, the following restrictions will remain in force:

• Foreign nationals from “unfriendly” jurisdictions who are employed in Russia may transfer funds abroad only up to the amount of their earned salary;
• Foreign nationals from “unfriendly” jurisdictions who are not employed in Russia, as well as legal entities from such jurisdictions, remain prohibited from transferring funds abroad, with the exception of foreign companies controlled by Russian individuals or legal entities.

This update has been prepared by Asari Legal’s Regulatory practice team.