TITLE: Russia's Central Bank Extends Foreign Currency Cash Withdrawal Restrictions Until September 2026
BODY:
On March 6, 2026, the Central Bank of Russia (Bank of Russia) announced it is extending restrictions on cash foreign currency withdrawals for a further six months until September 9, 2026. The restrictions remain in place due to international sanctions prohibiting Russian financial institutions from acquiring cash currency from Western countries.
For individuals whose foreign currency accounts or deposits were opened before March 9, 2022, the Bank of Russia maintains a withdrawal limit equal to the account balance as of 00:00 Moscow time on that date, capped at 10,000 US dollars or equivalent euro, regardless of the deposit or account currency—provided they have not previously exercised this option. Remaining funds continue to be available in Russian rubles. Payments cannot be less than the amount calculated at the official Bank of Russia exchange rate for funds placed before September 9, 2022; funds placed after that date are paid at the bank's rate on the payment date.
Banks are prohibited from charging citizens commissions on currency withdrawals from accounts or deposits for the six-month period. Currency transfers without account opening and through electronic wallets are issued in rubles at the official Bank of Russia exchange rate.
For non-resident legal entities, cash disbursements in US dollars, euros, British pounds, and Japanese yen are prohibited until September 9, 2026, with no restrictions on other currencies. Resident legal entities may withdraw cash in US dollars, euros, British pounds, and Japanese yen during the next six months only for business travel expenses in accordance with established legislative standards. No restrictions apply to other currencies provided operations comply with Russian Federation legislation.