Foreign cash withdrawal limits extended to March 2027
The Bank of Russia has extended restrictions on foreign cash withdrawals for another six months until March 9, 2027. The central bank cited ongoing Western sanctions prohibiting domestic institutions from purchasing foreign cash.
Strict thresholds for retail deposits
Individuals with foreign currency accounts opened before March 9, 2022 retain the right to withdraw up to $10,000 or the equivalent in euros, provided they have not previously utilized the quota.
Any remaining balances must be paid out in rubles.
For funds deposited before September 9, 2022, conversion cannot fall below the official Bank of Russia exchange rate on the withdrawal date, whereas later deposits convert at the commercial bank rate.
In addition, the central bank renewed the ban preventing banks from charging withdrawal fees on foreign currency accounts.
Foreign transfers received without opening an account or through electronic wallets continue to be disbursed solely in rubles.
Tight rules for corporate currency access
Corporate rules remain equally restrictive under the extended regime.
Non-resident legal entities cannot withdraw cash in US dollars, euros, British pounds, or Japanese yen until March 9, 2027, though other foreign currencies face no limits.
Resident companies may withdraw these four currencies exclusively to finance lawful business travel expenses.
The Bank of Russia stated that the measures remain necessary because Western sanctions continue to block domestic institutions from buying foreign banknotes.
A temporary regime turned permanent
The repeated renewal of cash withdrawal limits confirms that Russia remains structurally isolated from major Western currency flows.
What began as an emergency measure in 2022 has solidified into a permanent feature of the domestic banking system.
This prolonged rationing reflects an enduring deficit of physical banknotes that shows no signs of easing.
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