Starting from September 1, 2026, it will be possible to receive salaries in digital rubles in Russia. This was announced by Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market, commenting on plans for the phased introduction of a new form of national currency into economic circulation.
We are talking about expanding the practical use of the digital ruble, the third form of Russian currency along with cash and non—cash funds. At the first stage, the use of the digital ruble for payments will not be mandatory for everyone. Banks and enterprises with an annual turnover of 120 million rubles and above will fall under the requirements of the regulator. For them, the digital ruble will become part of the standard payment infrastructure.
"Starting from September 1, 2026, the digital ruble will be used, among other things, to pay salaries," said Anatoly Aksakov, chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market.
At the second stage, starting from September 1, 2028, the requirements will be expanded. The use of the digital ruble will have to be provided by all banks and companies with a turnover of 5 million rubles or more, which will actually cover most of the country's corporate sector and financial system.
At the same time, for citizens, the key principle remains unchanged — volunteerism. Russians will be able to independently choose in which form to receive income: in cash, non-cash or digital rubles. There are no plans to transfer salaries to digital format.
The digital ruble is an electronic form of money issued by the Bank of Russia and stored in digital wallets opened through banks. According to the regulator, its implementation will increase the transparency of settlements, reduce transaction costs and speed up payments between the government, business and the public.
Experts note that the gradual and phased nature of the implementation reduces risks for businesses and citizens. Companies get time to adapt IT systems, accounting and HR processes, and citizens get time to build trust in the new tool.
At the same time, the launch of salary payments in digital rubles can be an important step in digitalizing the economy and strengthening control over financial flows, especially in the budget and corporate sectors.
