Open a Cryptocurrency Company in Russia

Find out how to open a cryptocurrency company in Russia, from incorporation to the VASP license, and get support from our local company formation specialists.

Open a Cryptocurrency Company in Russia

To open a cryptocurrency company in Russia, you are required to follow the same steps as you do while incorporating any other company. However, it is always recommended to get a consultation from field experts. You are welcome to rely on the services of our agents specialized in opening a company in Russia. They can assist you in obtaining a crypto license in Russia. 

How to set up a cryptocurrency company in Russia

A cryptocurrency company in Russia is required to comply with local financial activities rules and its registration must be done as described by the Russian Company Act. Let’s review some of the formalities for the Russian cryptocurrency company:

  • A limited liability company (OOO in Russian) is the most used structure for opening a business in Russia.
  • Articles of Association are important documents for setting up a business in Russia.
  • The company name is checked for uniqueness; Russia has no formal name reservation.
  • The company’s representative must consider its registration for the payment of taxes. VAT and corporate tax are the most important taxes in Russia.
  • Under the law 'On Digital Currency and Digital Rights' (main provisions in force since 1 September 2026), crypto exchanges, exchangers, brokers and custodians need a Bank of Russia licence; existing operators have until 1 July 2027 to obtain it. We can help you open a cryptocurrency company in Russia.

The Russian cryptocurrency company registration can be supervised by our team of company formation specialists in Russia who can handle documents and other requirements. We can tell you more about how to obtain a Bank of Russia licence for crypto activities under the 2026 law.

What can you do with a Russian cryptocurrency company?

If you want to open a cryptocurrency company in Russia, you can implement virtual currency and offer licensed crypto services (paying for goods and services with cryptocurrency inside Russia remains prohibited; crypto may be used for foreign-trade settlements). Moreover, investing in cryptocurrency is a great alternative to traditional investments. Here are some other benefits of a Russian cryptocurrency company, with the mention that our specialists can help you obtain a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in Russia:

  • The costs for various transactions are significantly reduced. Intermediaries can be taken out of the equation when it comes to cryptocurrency transactions, and therefore, certain fees can be eliminated.
  • Offering payment with cryptocurrencies brings confidence, reputation, and sales. Even though Russia is at the beginning of the road with virtual currency, the market is starting to grow rapidly.
  • Cross-border transactions are much simplified due to cryptocurrency. A cryptocurrency company in Russia may be involved in such transactions and may benefit from the fees paid by traders/clients. Talk to us about how to apply for a crypto license in Russia.
  • Cryptocurrency payments are therefore irreversible, a big plus for virtual currency creators.
  • Privacy and protection come bundled with the use of cryptocurrency. Customers are protected regardless of the type of transaction used or the virtual currency adopted.

Therefore, the Russian cryptocurrency company is in the attention of investors due to the advantages presented above, plus many others. We remind you that first of all you need to obtain a crypto license in Russia and then activate on the market with the newly established company. Call us if you want to open a cryptocurrency company in Russia.

Navigating Russia’s evolving cryptocurrency regulations 

Cryptocurrencies are now officially recognized as a form of digital assets. However, it’s important to note that, while these digital currencies are acknowledged as property, they are not considered legal tender. This distinction lays the foundation for Russia’s evolving regulatory landscape.

In the rapidly changing world of cryptocurrencies, Russia has taken substantial steps to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges and e-wallet services. From 1 September 2026 they must be licensed by the Bank of Russia (transition period until 1 July 2027). This is necessary in order to ensure they conform to strict anti-money laundering (AML) laws and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) standards.

News brought by the legislation regarding cryptocurrency in Russia

Starting on September 1st, 2024, Russia began using cryptocurrency as an international payment method. The authorities reviewed the use of cryptocurrency in Russia, following the social context in which international transactions in virtual currency are located and supported. Here is other interesting information in this direction:

  • Since 1 September 2026, crypto settlements in foreign trade are permitted by law (previously they ran under an experimental regime).
  • It is stated here that the Central Bank of Russia is the authority that supervises payments in cryptocurrency, now that they are allowed in this country, and ensures that the legislation is respected.

About the national payment system key and cryptocurrency in Russia

Transitioning cryptocurrency in international trade involves the National Payment Card System in Russia. The clearing is made by the Russian Central Bank, which supervises any transaction involving virtual currency. Among Russia’s reliable partners in this direction is China. The authorities have agreed to use both digital Rubble and cryptocurrency for payments from Russia to China. Moreover, the Chinese authorities have also implemented the digital Yuan and thus the transactions between the two countries are perfectly legal. At the moment, mass rollout of the digital ruble has been under way since 1 September 2026: the largest banks must offer it and retailers with revenue above RUB 120 million must accept it; businesses use digital Rubles in everyday transactions, or rather, as a payment method.

Statistics about cryptocurrency in Russia

Below we present some interesting statistical data about cryptocurrency in Russia and the direction of development:

  • Revenues of over USD 1.637 million in the cryptocurrency sector in Russia are estimated until the end of 2024.
  • The average revenue per user in Russia is estimated at over USD 66.
  • More than 24.59 million virtual currency users were projected (market estimate, not official data) in Russia by the end of 2025.
  • Russia is observing a rising interest in cryptocurrencies as investors look for alternative financial prospects in this territory.

Besides offering you a guide regarding opening a company in Russia, our company formation experts also offer other services. For instance, if you are looking for accounting services for your cryptocurrency company in Russia, you are welcome to consult us. Our accountants in Russia will help your company to comply with the local financial requirements. Please consider contacting us if you have decided to open a cryptocurrency company in Russia. 

, Attorney at Law · 2 October 2026Evgeny M. Kuznetsov is the managing partner and founder of Herman & Smith LLC.