Sberbank reports that its self-employed service, known as Own Business, has surpassed 1.5 million active users. The platform continues to grow as more professionals switch to formalizing their work through the bank’s digital tools, reflecting a broader shift toward formalized freelancing in the region.
Data from the service shows that the largest shares of users operate in construction and repair, accounting for around 22.9 percent. Informatics follows with about 13.6 percent, while truck and car service sits at 13.2 percent. The beauty industry represents roughly 12.2 percent, and marketing, advertising and research comprise about 8.8 percent. These figures illustrate the diverse range of professions embracing self-employment within the program and highlight the growing appetite for formal income reporting among varied sectors.
Geographically, most registered self-employed individuals are located in Moscow, making up 20.4 percent of users. St. Petersburg accounts for about 7.3 percent, the Moscow Region 6.6 percent, Krasnodar Territory 4.8 percent, and the Sverdlovsk Region 3.2 percent. The typical profile is a 34-year-old professional with a near-even distribution between male and female participants, underscoring the program’s broad appeal across demographics.
Officials from Sberbank indicate that the service not only streamlines the payment of professional income taxes but also offers practical features for running a small business. In a representative statement, Anatoly Popov, Deputy Chairman of the Board, noted that the majority of users are individuals and that many establish ongoing relationships with regular clients. He added that the most common method for settling service payments is card transfers, underscoring the platform’s emphasis on convenient electronic payments.
After enrolling as self-employed through SberBank Online, a client can generate checks manually or automatically when funds arrive from individuals, send these documents to customers, and monitor income statistics. The service also allows for tax payments and the generation of registration and income certificates, including consideration of available tax bonuses, helping users keep their records organized and compliant.
Since June 2023, all self-employed individuals in Russia have had the option to register their brand within the platform, including a name, slogan, and logo. This brand registration supports selling products in markets and developing own franchise opportunities, creating new marketing and distribution pathways for independent professionals.