NBU eases currency restrictions: what changes await businesses and citizens.

The National Bank of Ukraine has decided to ease some currency restrictions to support businesses and citizens. In particular, the changes concern dividends, transfers of foreign currency abroad, support for the domestic jewelry industry, and other aspects. This information was published by the NBU press service on their official website.

What will change for businesses and citizens

In total, six innovations have been introduced that will affect ordinary citizens and entrepreneurs. Most of the changes came into effect on August 6, 2025, except for the option to return mistakenly sent foreign currency from abroad, which will become available on August 7.

1. Repatriation of dividends for 2023. Enterprises can now transfer funds abroad within a total limit of 1 million euros per month. Previously, there was a restriction only on sending dividends for the period from January 1, 2024. This step is expected to increase foreign investors' confidence in Ukraine.
2. Expanded opportunities for hedging currency risks. Bank clients can now sell foreign currency for hryvnias on 'forward' terms without delivery of the underlying asset.
3. Transfers of foreign currency abroad. Businesses and citizens will now be able to return mistakenly transferred funds, and residents—marine agents—can send amounts abroad to return unused funds.
4. Support for the Ukrainian jewelry industry. Jewelry enterprises now have the opportunity to buy banking metals for cashless hryvnias under certain conditions, which will promote the development of this sector.
5. Regulation of external loans. Changes relate to loans provided by a pool of foreign creditors, including MFOs. Enterprises will be able to service and repay such loans if they come from highly rated foreign banks.
6. Stimulating currency liberalization. The NBU has expanded the list of operations allowed above the established limits and provided separate incentives for businesses supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The National Bank believes that the new currency restrictions will contribute to attracting foreign investment, fulfilling debt obligations, developing domestic production, and supporting the national currency in the market.

What else Ukrainians should know

On August 1, open banking started operating in Ukraine. Deputy Head of the NBU Oleksii Shaban stated that clients' confidential information will remain confidential. The benefits of the innovation will be available to all users.

Experts also predict that the dollar exchange rate in August 2025 may exceed the psychological barrier of 42 UAH per dollar if the euro weakens in the currency pair.