Russia Eases Crypto Rules: Investors Can Now Buy Bitcoin Legally

The Bank of Russia announces plans to allow investors to legally purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies under new rules.

The plan sets up clear rules for trading crypto in Russia without being overly strict, enabling both qualified and unqualified investors to access cryptocurrency. This follows  Sberbank’s expansion of its crypto services, indicating growing involvement from major institutions 

The Bank of Russia believes these new rules will attract foreign investment and encourage innovation in the country’s financial sector. Similar systems are also being developed in other places, like the IMF and El Salvador’s Bitcoin regulation.

Russian Lawmakers will review the proposal, with a draft law expected by July 1, 2026. Starting July 1, 2027, penalties could be applied for illegal crypto-related activities.

Meanwhile, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and stablecoins will remain banned as a payment method in Russia, as officials classify them as high-risk due to their price volatility and lack of guarantees.

Bank of Russia Differentiates Crypto Rules for Investors

According to the Bank of Russia, unqualified investors will face strict limits and can only buy popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. This reflects growing interest from large institutions, like the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF, which is one of the largest in the world.

Unqualified investors must also pass a knowledge test first and are limited to purchasing up to 300,000 rubles of cryptocurrency per year through licensed platforms.

On the other hand, qualified investors would have more freedom. They could buy any cryptocurrency except those focused on privacy, have no limits on how much they can invest, but they must confirm that they understand the risks involved.

In addition to these rules, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can only be bought or sold through licensed exchanges, brokers, or trust managers, and Russians living abroad can also make purchases. Transfers between accounts, including those in foreign countries, are permitted but must be reported to tax authorities to ensure transparency.