If your company works with employees or freelancers based in Russia, paying salaries efficiently and legally can be a challenge. With ongoing geopolitical and financial restrictions, many traditional payment methods are either unavailable or have become more complex. In this article, we will explore the most viable options for paying salaries to Russia in 2025, highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and the best way to ensure smooth transactions.
Available Payment Methods in 2025
1. Cryptocurrency Transfers
Cryptocurrency has become a popular alternative for international payments due to its decentralized nature. Many freelancers and remote employees in Russia accept payments in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or USDT (Tether) to avoid banking restrictions.
- Pros: Fast, decentralized, and often lower fees than traditional banking methods.
- Cons: Volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and the need for recipients to convert crypto into rubles.
- Best for: Tech-savvy professionals comfortable with crypto transactions.
2. Direct Bank Transfers via Friendly Countries
Some countries, such as Kazakhstan, Armenia, and the UAE, maintain relatively unrestricted banking relationships with Russia. Businesses can use bank accounts in these countries as intermediaries to process payments to Russian employees.
- Pros: Maintains a level of banking security and regulatory compliance.
- Cons: Requires setting up an intermediary account and additional transaction fees.
- Best for: Companies with established banking relationships in friendly jurisdictions.
3. Payment Services & E-Wallets
Certain e-wallets and payment services still function for transactions with Russia, though options are limited.
- Services like: QIWI, YooMoney (formerly Yandex.Money), and some local fintech solutions.
- Pros: Fast transactions and ease of use.
- Cons: Limited availability for international transfers, risk of service restrictions.
- Best for: Small transactions and freelance payments.
4. Paying via Third-Party Payroll Providers
Some international payroll companies specialize in processing salaries for employees in sanctioned countries. These services handle compliance, currency conversion, and taxation.
- Pros: Fully compliant with local regulations and hassle-free for businesses.
- Cons: Higher service fees and dependency on third-party providers.
- Best for: Larger businesses with full-time employees in Russia.
What No Longer Works
Several previously popular methods are no longer viable for salary payments to Russia due to sanctions and banking restrictions:
- SWIFT Transfers: Many Russian banks have been disconnected from the SWIFT system, making direct international bank transfers difficult.
- PayPal, Wise, and Revolut: These services have ceased operations or severely restricted transfers involving Russian accounts.
- Most Western Banks: Major international banks no longer process payments to Russia, limiting traditional banking routes.
The Best Solution: Nowall’s Payment Services
For companies looking for a reliable, legal, and streamlined way to pay salaries to Russia, Nowall provides a dedicated solution.
How Nowall Works:
- Legally compliant transactions, ensuring adherence to international and Russian regulations.
- Fast and cost-effective payment processing via our optimized network.
- Secure transactions through verified financial intermediaries.
- Multi-currency support, including direct conversions to rubles for employees.
Why Choose Nowall?
- Avoid legal risks associated with unverified payment methods.
- Provide stable and timely salary payments to your employees.
- Reduce transaction fees compared to other international payroll services.
For customer reviews, more details, and a step-by-step guide on how to start working with Nowall, visit our dedicated service page: https://nowall.eu/services/ru-salary/.
Conclusion
In 2025, businesses paying salaries to Russia from abroad must navigate a changing financial landscape. While many traditional payment methods have been restricted, viable alternatives still exist. Cryptocurrency, intermediary bank transfers, e-wallets, and third-party payroll services each offer unique benefits. However, for a secure and hassle-free experience, Nowall’s payment services provide the most reliable solution. Contact us today to simplify your payroll process and ensure smooth salary transfers to Russia.
