Russian Federation

  • Deferred taxi localization for self-employed drivers

    Self-employed taxi drivers are granted a deferral from taxi localization requirements, allowing them to continue using imported vehicles until 1 January 2033. This exemption applies provided that the vehicle is included in the official taxi register and falls within a special regional quota capped at 25%.

  • Extended simplified redomiciliation to special administrative regions

    Until the end of 2026, Russia extended the availability of a simplified procedure for the redomiciliation of companies to its special administrative regions, facilitating the transfer of corporate registration from foreign jurisdictions to Russian legal territory.

  • Ruble conversion of unfriendly-currency bonds

    Until 31 December 2026, holders are permitted to replace bonds denominated in the currencies of so-called “unfriendly” states with corresponding bonds denominated in rubles, enabling the conversion of foreign-currency debt into domestic-currency instruments.

  • Tariff quota on ferrous scrap exports outside the EAEU

    For 2026, Russia set a tariff quota of 2.2 million tons for the export of ferrous metal scrap and waste to destinations outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), limiting the volume eligible for preferential export conditions.

  • Extended ban on Gas Oils exports

    The temporary ban on the export of motor gasoline, diesel, as well as marine fuel and other gas oils, including those purchased at exchange auctions, is extended until 28 February 2026, maintaining restrictions on gasoline shipments abroad in order to secure domestic fuel supply.

  • Relaxed borrower assessment in Occupied regions

    In 2026, banks are permitted not to calculate the debt burden ratio of borrowers residing in Russia’s newly incorporated regions, temporarily relaxing standard creditworthiness assessment requirements. This is meant to helps stabilize local economies affected by conflict and isolation but shifts risk to the banking sector and, indirectly, the state.

  • Relaxed criteria for foreign branches of Russian Banks

    When granting permits in 2026 for banks to establish foreign branches, Russian authorities will continue to disregard violations related to participation in deposit insurance systems, maintaining relaxed regulatory criteria for such approvals.

  • Eased entry rules for foreign bank branches

    In 2026, foreign banks are permitted to operate in Russia through branch offices without meeting the previously required minimum credit rating threshold, easing entry and operational requirements for foreign financial institutions.

  • Updated offshore list for financial compliance assessment

    For 2026, Russia updated the list of offshore jurisdictions used to assess whether participants in financial companies comply with regulatory and disclosure requirements. The revised list affects how compliance and eligibility criteria are applied.

  • Revised rules for forced securities conversion

    Russia revised the rules governing the forced conversion of securities issued by foreign companies into shares of an international company. The measure enables coercive conversion of foreign-issued securities into Russian entities, reducing investor protections while strengthening state control over assets affected by sanctions.