Elvira Nabiullina, chairing the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, confirmed that the Bank is coordinating closely with the government to streamline foreign citizens’ access to the Mir payment card. The aim is to speed up eligibility, simplify the application process, and reduce friction for international users who want to participate in Russia’s national card system. The message was delivered during a sitting in the State Duma, and the statement reflects a broader push to make the Mir card more universally usable while maintaining stringent security and regulatory safeguards across all channels.
On the topic of foreigners, the central bank leadership emphasized ongoing collaboration with lawmakers and executive agencies to ensure quicker issuance of Mir cards for non-residents. This involves simplifying verification checks, expanding remote identification options, and establishing clear, workably fast procedures so eligible foreigners can obtain their Mir cards without unnecessary delays. The leadership signaled that a legislative framework supporting remote identity verification would be introduced in the next spring session, aiming to codify these efficiencies into law.
Earlier discussions highlighted the central bank’s scale of operation and the card system’s reach. Olga Skorobogatova, the First Deputy Chairman, spoke at a major meeting with representatives from the banking sector and central bank officials, underscoring the continued growth and resilience of the Mir payment system. The bank noted that in the year 2022 a large portion of cardholders — around 60 percent — had at least one Mir card in circulation, totaling hundreds of millions issued across the system. This trend demonstrates Mir’s increasing footprint in everyday payments and its role in boosting financial inclusion and domestic payment infrastructure.
Further international interest was expressed by diplomats who see potential collaboration around Mir-based payment solutions. Mexico’s ambassador to Moscow indicated a willingness to begin negotiations on integrating Mir cards into bilateral financial arrangements, signaling a shared interest in expanding cross-border card usage and facilitating smoother transactions between Russian and Mexican users. In a similar thread, the ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo voiced support for exploring joint pathways to adopt Mir-based payment functionality in applicable settings, reflecting a broader curiosity from international partners about Russia’s digital payment ecosystem.
Taken together, these developments point to a cautious but steady expansion of Mir’s international relevance. Officials stress that any extension of Mir’s reach will prioritize security, consumer protection, and interoperability with global payment networks. The process will likely balance accelerating foreign access with the need for robust anti-fraud measures, privacy protections, and compliance with international standards. Observers note that the next spring legislative session could become a turning point, potentially shaping how remote verification is implemented and how foreign-issued Mir cards are integrated into domestic and cross-border financial flows. The overarching goal remains clear: to provide eligible foreigners with a fast, reliable, and secure way to participate in Russia’s centralized payments system while preserving the integrity of the financial ecosystem and ensuring consistent user experience across borders.