Is it permitted to transfer cryptocurrency abroad? And is it permitted for non-residents?

Territorial jurisdiction:

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Russia

Short answer:

Yes, it is permitted to transfer cryptocurrency abroad, including to non-residents.

Denis Polyakov GMT Legal

Denis Polyakov

Head of Digital Economy practice at GMT Legal

Federal Law No. 259-FZ dated July 31, 2020, does not prohibit the transfer of digital currency (including cryptocurrency) abroad, nor does it restrict the possibility of its transfer to foreign persons, including non-residents. The law prohibits the use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment within the territory of the Russian Federation but does not regulate cross-border transfers per se. Accordingly, the transfer of cryptocurrency to the address of a foreign counterparty or individual is permissible, provided it is not related to the payment for goods and services within the Russian Federation. It is important to consider the following: • possible tax consequences upon receipt or transfer of income; • currency control regulations, particularly if the transaction involves conversion to fiat currency and interaction with Russian banks; • and the legal requirements of the recipient’s jurisdiction. In practice, such transfers are technically feasible and do not formally violate Russian law, provided they are not used as a means to circumvent prohibitions on cryptocurrency payments within the country.

June 22, 2025

June 22, 2025

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