Russia’s Finance Ministry begins paying wages in digital rubles

Russia’s Ministry of Finance has begun paying some employees their wages using the digital ruble, a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The first salary disbursements occurred on October 1, 2026.

Participation in the program is voluntary, allowing staff to choose between the digital currency or traditional payment methods. The payments are processed through accounts opened on the Bank of Russia platform. This move transitions the digital ruble from testing scenarios into a functional payroll context.

The ministry stated that the rollout utilizes “proven rails” established during 2025 federal budget spending trials. The integration of the digital ruble into the budget and payroll processes is being conducted through a collaboration between the Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance.