The National Bank since December 31, 2025 relaxed currency restrictions for residents of Defence City — a special state support regime for defense enterprises, which will start on January 5, 2026. This decision was made to simplify imports and certain cross-border operations in the defense industry. This is reported by LIGA.net.
Currency restrictions for Defence City: what the NBU allowed
According to the National Bank of Ukraine, the relaxations were developed jointly with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and relate to the purchase of foreign currency for importing goods and conducting certain transfers abroad.
The NBU Board Resolution dated December 30, 2025, No. 166 provides for exceptions to standard currency rules for funds attracted:
-
in the form of targeted grants, loans, or credits;
-
for the development of advanced technologies;
-
for the production of defense and dual-purpose goods;
-
for the purchase, modernization or creation of equipment necessary for such productions.
The Ministry of Defense will also be able to apply to the NBU for individual permits for currency operations of residents of Defence City, including acquiring shares in foreign companies, if this does not threaten financial stability.
Defence City regime: conditions and benefits for enterprises
The NBU notes that the adopted changes are intended to support the country's defense capability by providing defense enterprises with appropriate working conditions. Earlier, on December 17, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a package of documents for the launch of Defence City.
To obtain resident status, the enterprise must demonstrate strategic importance and meet established criteria, including having a defined share of defense revenues in the overall structure of profits. Residents of Defence City will receive significant tax benefits until 2036 or until Ukraine joins the European Union.
It is worth noting that in October Ukrainians bought a record $750 million in currency.