Russia's central bank will remove restrictions on foreign currency transfers abroad for Russian citizens and residents of “friendly countries” from December 8.

Russia classifies countries as "friendly" or "unfriendly" based on whether they have imposed sanctions. Western nations including the United States, European Union members, the Great Britain, Japan and Australia are designated unfriendly, while China, India, Iran, Turkey and Persian Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates are among those considered friendly.

"Given the stable situation in the foreign exchange market, from December 8, 2025, the Bank of Russia is lifting the previously established limits on foreign currency transfers abroad for Russian citizens and individuals who are non-residents from friendly countries," the central bank said.

Current limits allow transfers of no more than $10,000 per month or the equivalent in other foreign currency through money transfer systems.

The central bank also said non-residents from "unfriendly" countries working in Russia will be permitted to transfer funds abroad in the amount of their salary until June 7, 2026.

Russia imposed strict capital controls following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022 to stabilise the rouble and prevent capital flight after Western countries imposed sanctions on the Russian financial system.

The controls included limits on foreign currency withdrawals and transfers, restrictions on foreign currency purchases and requirements for exporters to convert foreign currency earnings into roubles.

Moscow has gradually eased some restrictions as the rouble stabilised. The currency has faced renewed pressure in recent months, with the unofficial exchange rate reaching historic lows against the dollar.

The lifting of transfer limits may facilitate transactions for Russians living abroad and for foreign workers from friendly countries employed in Russia.

The cross‑border foreign‑currency transfer limits were first introduced in March 2022, in the immediate aftermath of the full‑scale invasion of Ukraine and the first wave of Western sanctions.