First Salary Paid in Digital Rubles in Russia

The Treasury of Russia has for the first time transferred wages in digital rubles. The recipient was an official holding a government position. This step marked the beginning of the practical implementation of the digital ruble in the budgetary process.

The experiment is being conducted jointly with the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Russia. Based on its results, it is planned to refine the mechanism of transfers and payments in the new form of national currency. The digital ruble is an electronic version of the ordinary ruble issued by the Central Bank. It exists not in the form of cash bills or funds in a bank account, but as a record in a special digital wallet.

From January 1, 2026, the Treasury and the Central Bank will ensure the possibility of using the digital ruble for a wide range of operations. Through it, it will be possible to transfer funds to budgets of different levels and make payments at the expense of federal funds. At the same time, participation remains voluntary: budget payments will be made in digital rubles only with the consent of the recipient.

The digital ruble should increase the transparency of budget operations, reduce transfer costs and speed up the movement of funds. For citizens, this means more convenience and new services, and for the state, it means increased control over the targeted use of budget money.

Read more materials on the topic:

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The State Duma adopted a law on the mass introduction of the digital ruble from September 1, 2026

The digital ruble will begin to be used in the budget system of Russia from October 2025