2026–2027 Russia Cryptocurrency Regulation: Licensing, Taxation, and New Rules

Russia’s cryptocurrency regulation is based on Federal Law No. 259-FZ “Digital Financial Assets and Digital Currency,” which took effect in 2021. This law clarifies the legal status of digital currencies as property and prohibits their use as a means of payment for goods and services within the country. Between 2024 and 2026, the Central Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance jointly developed the latest regulatory framework for the crypto market, planning to introduce a phased approach to organized digital currency trading. The core system is expected to be fully implemented by 2027. Currently, this period serves as a transition phase, with compliance requirements for market participants gradually becoming clearer, and official registries and regulatory mechanisms being established.

Under the new model, only Russian legal entities registered in the Central Bank’s registry and meeting requirements for ownership transparency, financial stability, and customer data protection are permitted to legally operate in the cryptocurrency sector. Operators must comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, securely store transaction data, and submit reports to regulators and tax authorities. Under the official framework, anonymous transactions are prohibited: customer identity verification procedures are mandatory, including identity authentication and, when necessary, source of funds verification. As a result, the cryptocurrency market is gradually being integrated into the broader financial regulatory system.

Digital currency transactions are expected to be conducted through authorized platforms that impose specific requirements on assets and investors. Non-qualified investors may face certain restrictions, and regulation of high-risk instruments will be strengthened. Meanwhile, cryptocurrencies are still not recognized as legal tender in Russia and are treated as property, which directly impacts tax policies. Individuals earning income through crypto trading must pay personal income tax at the standard rate—13% for tax residents (with progressive rates for high-income earners), and 30% for non-residents. Companies pay corporate income tax according to general rules. The obligation to report income lies with the taxpayer, and related transactions are subject to existing laws.

Within Russia, except for specific special management mechanisms and pilot schemes mainly related to foreign economic activities, the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment is prohibited. Illegal activities such as unregistered operations, violations of customer identification requirements, or tax evasion may result in administrative or criminal penalties. Overall, by 2026–2027, Russia’s crypto regulation is evolving toward a controlled, licensed market model characterized by transparent trading, state oversight, and tax reporting, aiming to legitimize the industry while reducing legal risks for market participants.