A legislative proposal regarding the regulation of the cryptocurrency market has been submitted to the State Duma., 2026/04/02 09:25:47

On the evening of April 1, the Russian government submitted the bill “On Digital Currency and Digital Rights” to the State Duma. The initiative has been registered on the legislative activity portal.

The document outlines the foundational regulations for the cryptocurrency market in Russia and proposes the establishment of a legal framework for cryptocurrency operations. Specifically, it suggests the introduction of digital depositories—organizations under the supervision of the Bank of Russia. A separate license will be required for their operations. It is anticipated that these entities will account for rights to cryptocurrencies, conduct transactions with digital assets, and maintain records of the assets.

The bill also introduces regulations for cryptocurrency exchanges. These exchanges must be registered in the Russian Federation and included in a special registry maintained by the Bank of Russia. The regulator will have the authority to impose additional requirements on them, including a minimum charter capital requirement.

According to the document, transactions involving digital currency and digital rights on organized exchanges can only be conducted by licensed participants—companies holding an exchange or trading system license. Registered brokers will be able to manage digital assets on behalf of their clients.

Before engaging in cryptocurrency transactions, individuals will be required to undergo mandatory testing. For non-professional investors, limits on the volume of transactions are expected to be established.

Cryptocurrency is not recognized as a means of payment within Russia and is classified as property. An exception is made for foreign trade operations. Transactions by residents are permitted only through regulated market participants. Additionally, the bill prohibits advertising the use of digital currency as a means of payment.

Specific provisions of the document address mining. Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs will be allowed to mine cryptocurrency only after being included in a special registry maintained by the Federal Tax Service. Individuals will be permitted to mine without registration, provided they adhere to established energy consumption limits. All mining participants will be required to report their mined assets to tax authorities.

If adopted, the law will come into effect on July 1.

Furthermore, the State Duma is considering a separate bill concerning criminal liability for illegal mining and the activities of mining infrastructure operators without registration. This initiative has also been submitted by the Russian government.