The Russian Central Bank has implemented new regulations requiring tax identification numbers, social security numbers, and electronic signature keys to open digital ruble accounts, while prohibiting citizens from using them for business purposes.
The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has officially revised the requirements for opening digital ruble accounts, creating a complex process that could limit access for ordinary citizens and small businesses. This move comes amid plans for a widespread rollout of Russia 's central bank digital currency (CBDC), scheduled to begin in September 2026.
According to the new regulations , individuals and sole proprietors wishing to open a digital ruble account must provide their tax identification number and social security number to the financial authorities. In particular, they are required to register with the Russian Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA), a requirement now applied to all users wishing to access government services through the “Gosuslugi” portal. To complete the procedure, applicants must also appear in person at the ESIA to receive a unique electronic signature key.
The regulations also clarify that standard digital ruble accounts of Russian citizens are only permitted for transactions unrelated to business activities. According to Russian cryptocurrency media outlet Bits, reporting on Friday, this restriction aims to clearly separate personal transactions from commercial activities within the CBDC ecosystem.
Expanding the range of occupations permitted to use the license.
However, self-employed individuals who are not registered as sole proprietorships are still permitted to use the account for money transfer transactions related to their professional activities. The new regulations also expand the group of professionals allowed to use CBDC accounts for professional purposes, including individual entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, notaries, lawyers, patent attorneys, mediators, bankruptcy administrators, and appraisers.
The changes do not affect digital ruble accounts opened by legal entities such as companies, banking institutions, and other organizations. However, branches of these organizations will not be allowed to open CBDC accounts, creating a centralized management structure at the head office level.
The digital ruble project has been underway for several years, with limited trials beginning in 2023. A full-scale rollout was initially planned for 2025, but the CBR (Central Bank of China) postponed it to allow banks and businesses more time to prepare their technology infrastructure and operational processes.
Following President Putin's call last spring for the mass adoption of CBDCs, the monetary authority quickly set a new timeline. According to a schedule approved by lawmakers in Moscow, the digital ruble will be rolled out in several phases, with the first phase beginning on September 1, 2026. By this time, Russia's largest banks must be able to process digital ruble transactions for their clients.
Some CBR officials expect the digital ruble, the third form of legal tender alongside cash and banknotes, to eventually account for up to 5% of cashless payments. However, others remain skeptical about the extent of Russian public acceptance of CBDCs.
According to Kirill Tremasov, advisor to CBR Governor Elvira Nabiullina, the main benefits will be felt in the public sector and the Russian economy as a whole. An estimate published in August showed that the digital ruble could contribute an additional $3.3 billion annually to the Russian economy through reduced transaction costs, faster payment speeds, and improved tax collection efficiency.
