From May 10, 2025, new currency regulation rules came into effect in Ukraine. The National Bank of Ukraine announced the start of “stimulating currency liberalization,” which involves both easing a number of currency restrictions and some tightening them to prevent capital outflow. This is stated in a statement by the financial regulator’s press service.

One of the key innovations is expanding the capabilities of Ukrainian companies in the field of international settlements. Now companies can carry out certain currency transactions above the established restrictions, but within the investment limit. This limit is equal to the amount of foreign currency that the company received from abroad to increase its authorized capital, starting from May 12, 2025. The National Bank reassures: transactions will be carried out only within the limits of the funds raised, so the pressure on the foreign exchange market will be minimal.

In addition, other relief measures have been introduced. In particular, the procedure for opening any bank accounts for military personnel has been simplified - now they can do it much faster. It is also allowed to finance foreign representative offices of Ukrainian companies, pay consular fees abroad, carry out forward currency transactions, as well as pay for expenses related to legal proceedings against foreign counterparties that have failed to fulfill the terms of contracts.

One of the practical solutions was to increase the limits for payments abroad with corporate cards. This will make it easier for businesses to access international services, purchases and logistics services that are carried out outside Ukraine. Such steps should have a positive impact on the activity of Ukrainian companies in foreign markets.

However, the package of innovations also includes restrictive measures. In particular, from now on, banks cannot complete currency supervision if a non-resident returns funds to a Ukrainian importer in hryvnia through loro accounts of foreign banks. This decision is aimed at preventing abuse in settlements and artificial withdrawal of funds outside the country.

A monthly limit of UAH 500,000 has also been introduced for transactions abroad using payment cards linked to foreign currency accounts in Ukrainian banks. This restriction applies to certain types of services and is intended to minimize currency pressure and maintain balance of payments stability.

Overall, the updated currency regulation demonstrates the NBU's desire to gradually ease pressure on businesses and citizens in the context of economic stabilization, while maintaining control over risks and preventing financial speculation.