Is Buying Tether (USDT) Legal in Russia?

Yes, Russians can legally buy, trade, and hold Tether (USDT). However, cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender under Russian law, so they cannot be used for payments or debt settlements.

The framework is clear: ownership and trading are permitted, but payments in crypto are banned under Federal Law No. 259-FZ, “On Digital Financial Assets” (2021). The law allows holding and investment but restricts replacing the ruble in transactions.

Investors should use Russian crypto exchanges that comply with local regulations or international platforms with strong AML and KYC controls. Trading on unlicensed offshore services risks legal issues, frozen accounts, and blocked transfers.

How to Buy Tether (USDT) in Russia

The most practical way for Russians to buy USDT is through Bybit, one of the largest global exchanges serving more than 160 countries. Bybit supports deposits in Russian rubles (RUB) via local banks such as Sberbank and Raiffeisenbank through third-party payment providers and P2P transfers.

Bybit lists over 2,000 cryptocurrencies with strong liquidity on USDT pairs. It also offers yield opportunities on stablecoins, giving investors the option to earn passive income after purchase.

Step-by-step guide to buying USDT on Bybit with a Russian bank:

1. Create an Account: Register on Bybit and complete KYC to enable deposits and trading.
2. Enter Amount and Currency: On the One-Click Buy page, select RUB and enter the amount you want to spend. Bybit will display the USDT equivalent.
3. Select Payment Method: Choose your bank (e.g., Sberbank or Raiffeisenbank) through the supported payment provider.
4. Confirm Purchase: Review the order and confirm. The USDT will be credited to your Bybit wallet instantly.

RUB to USDT Fees

Russian investors converting rubles (RUB) into Tether (USDT) should be aware of the main costs involved. Here’s a breakdown of typical fees:

• Deposit Fees: Transfers from banks such as Sberbank or Raiffeisenbank through third-party providers often come with low or no fees. Card payments or certain intermediaries may charge around 1% to 2%.
• Withdrawal Fees: Converting USDT back into rubles usually carries minimal fees, while sending USDT to an external wallet incurs blockchain network charges, which vary based on congestion.
• Trading Fees: Exchanges like Bybit charge about 0.1% per trade. Some platforms use a maker-taker model, with maker fees near 0.1% and taker fees closer to 0.2%.

To reduce costs, investors should favor bank transfer or P2P deposits and trade on platforms with transparent fee structures, such as Bybit.

Best Exchanges for Buying USDT in Russia

If Bybit isn’t an option and you want to compare more platforms, several other exchanges support ruble deposits and USDT trading for Russian investors:

Tax Implications for Tether (USDT) in Russia

Russia now classifies Tether (USDT) and other cryptocurrencies as taxable property, a shift that took effect on January 1, 2025. This means profits from trading or converting USDT are taxed in the same way as income from traditional investments.

• Individual Taxation: Personal income tax is 13% on annual crypto earnings up to 2.4 million rubles, rising to 15% on amounts above that threshold. Income under 50,000 rubles per year is exempt from reporting and taxation.
• Corporate Taxation: Registered businesses and mining entities face a 25% corporate tax on profits from trading or mining. Mining and crypto transactions are not subject to VAT.
• Taxable Events: Tax applies when USDT is exchanged for fiat, calculated using the market value at the time of conversion based on approved exchange rates.

Accurate records are essential, as non-compliance can lead to fines of 20% - 40% of the unpaid tax, and serious cases may result in criminal charges.

Final Thoughts

Buying and holding USDT in Russia is legal, but investors must use regulated platforms, track fees, and remain compliant with the Federal Tax Service’s rules.

Choosing exchanges like Bybit, Gate  or reputable alternatives ensures secure access to liquidity, while accurate record-keeping helps avoid penalties under Russia’s updated tax framework.