Russia Restricts Cash and Gold Exports Abroad

РИА Новости

Starting April 1, 2026, new restrictions on the movement of cash across Russia’s border will come into force, RBC reports. President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree setting a $100,000 limit on cash exports to countries of the Eurasian Economic Area (EAEU). From May 1, the restrictions will also apply to gold bars weighing more than 100 grams.

The EAEU includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Three observer states — Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Cuba — may attend meetings by invitation but have no voting rights in the bloc’s final decisions.

End of Free Capital Movement from Russia to the EAEU

From April 1, 2026, legal entities and individual entrepreneurs will no longer be able to freely export cash to EAEU member states, as stated in the presidential decree. The document introduces a strict cap of up to $100,000.

At the same time, the regulation provides for targeted exceptions. In Moscow and Vladivostok airports, business travelers may exceed the threshold, but only if they provide certified bank statements confirming that the funds were withdrawn from their accounts, or other documents to be defined by the government.

Regulation of Russia’s Gold Market

A second key element of the decree is tighter control over refined gold. From May 1, the export of gold bars weighing more than 100 grams will be prohibited.

Lawmakers introduced several exceptions. Certain allowances apply when traveling to EAEU countries via Moscow airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo) and Vladivostok (Knevichi), provided there is an official permit from the Russian Assay Office.

Individuals may export gold to non-EAEU countries only through these same four airports and only with authorization from the Assay Office. Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs retain the right to export gold to countries outside the union without additional territorial restrictions, though they must also obtain the required certification.

Reasons Behind the Restrictions

The official rationale is to protect national security and financial stability. However, the drivers behind the move are broader, reflecting both economic and political considerations. Discussions about such measures have been ongoing for the past two years. As early as late 2023, the Federal Customs Service reported a multiple increase in gold exports by individuals, raising concerns among regulators.

In December 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak presented a five-year structural transformation plan for the economy, which included limiting the uncontrolled export of funds and precious metals. The goal is to reduce risks to the financial system and increase transparency in circulation.

In January 2026, Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Moiseev confirmed that the ministry had submitted proposals to restrict the export of gold bars weighing from 100 grams.

Earlier drafts of the decree provided for more lenient timelines. It was initially expected that, starting September 1, individuals would be required to declare the origin and purpose of funds exceeding $10,000 when exporting them to EAEU countries. However, the final version signed by the president moved the timeline forward and shifted the focus toward the corporate sector and the precious metals market.

Impact on the Economy and Business

The new measures are expected to strengthen financial stability, curb unauthorized capital outflows, and enhance oversight of large financial transactions. For the broader economy, this signals a shift toward tighter regulation of financial flows within the EAEU.

At the same time, the restrictions create additional administrative burdens for businesses. Companies and entrepreneurs dealing with large amounts of cash or precious metals will need to prepare documentation in advance, increasing costs and requiring more careful planning.

Analysts at International Investment note that the EAEU is becoming a space with more visible financial controls. For member states, the new rules mean tighter monitoring of capital flows and reduced risks of capital flight within the integrated economic area. For businesses and investors, however, the changes increase the need for thorough documentation and financial planning, while also making investments in Russian assets more complex and potentially riskier.