NBU increased limits for payments abroad: what does this mean for Ukrainians in Spain

Since August 11, 2026, the National Bank of Ukraine has relaxed a number of currency restrictions. The main thing for those living in Spain: the limits for withdrawing foreign currency cash and payments from hryvnia accounts have been doubled, and renting housing abroad is now directly included in the permitted transactions - you can pay both by card and bank transfer.

The changes were approved by Resolution No. 90 of the NBU Board of Directors of August 10, 2026, which amends the "military" Resolution No. 18 of February 24, 2022. Let's analyze point by point what exactly has changed and how to take advantage of it from Spain.

What has changed since August 11?

1. Purchase of non-cash currency - the limit has increased fourfold

The monthly limit for the purchase of non-cash foreign currency through a Ukrainian bank has been increased from 50,000 to 200,000 UAH. Within this amount, you can now purchase not only currency, but also non-cash banking metals and securities of foreign issuers.

2. Cash withdrawals from foreign currency accounts are twice as high

Daily cash withdrawal limit from foreign exchange accounts increased from 100,000 to 200,000 UAH equivalent. This applies to ATMs and cash registers both in Ukraine and abroad - including in Spain.

3. Payments from a hryvnia account abroad - now including rent

Monthly limit for payment for goods, works and services abroad from hryvnia accounts increased from 100,000 to 200,000 UAH equivalent. Two important innovations within this limit:

• directly added to the permitted operations rental of housing abroad;
• you can pay not only by card, but also by transfer from account to account (for example, via SWIFT) - the bank pre-purchases currency on the client's behalf.

4. New separate limit for transfers from a foreign currency account

Calculations currency card for goods and services abroad, as they were and remain without restrictions (except for certain categories of transactions). The innovation is in another way: now you can pay for goods, works and services abroad by transfer from a foreign currency account to the recipient's account (via SWIFT). A separate limit is set for such transfers - 200,000 UAH per month.

5. The limit of 500,000 UAH for accommodation has been extended to rent

The limit of UAH 500,000 per month, which was in effect for paying for accommodation services abroad (hotels, apartments) with a currency card, now applies to rental housing. Within this limit, you can pay both with a currency card and by transfer from a currency account.

Limits before and after: a short table

⚠️ What has NOT changed

Cash withdrawal limit from hryvnia cards abroad remained the same - 12,500 UAH in equivalent for 7 calendar days. The doubling applies only to foreign currency accounts. The limit of 100,000 UAH per month for the purchase of luxury items (jewelry, watches, etc.) also remained unchanged.

Practical: how to pay for rent in Spain from a Ukrainian account now

If you live in Spain but have income in Ukraine (self-employed, renting an apartment at home, salary, pension), you now have three work routes:

1. Currency card - if the landlord accepts payment by card (rare for private rental), the limit is 500,000 UAH/month for the category "accommodation + rent".
2. SWIFT transfer from a foreign currency account to the landlord's Spanish IBAN - within the limit of 500,000 UAH/month (rent) or 200,000 UAH/month (other goods and services).
3. Payment from a hryvnia account ‒ by card or SWIFT transfer with prior purchase of currency by the bank, within the total limit of 200,000 UAH/month for all foreign expenses.

💡 What to look out for in Spain

SWIFT is not SEPA. Ukraine has not yet joined the single euro payments area, so transfers from a Ukrainian bank are made via SWIFT: the commission is usually €15-30 (part of which may be retained by the correspondent bank), the term is 1-3 business days. For a monthly rental, these are significant costs.

Not every landlord will accept a transfer from Ukraine. Spanish landlords are used to internal transfers to IBAN ES or Bizum. The Spanish bank may check an incoming payment from Ukraine and request confirmation - keep the contrato de arrendamiento handy.

UAH 200,000 is the common limit. The limit for payments from a hryvnia account covers all foreign expenses together: purchases, subscriptions, and rentals. This is not a separate "rental" limit.

Your bank's terms may be stricter. The NBU sets a maximum, but a specific bank may require documents for a SWIFT transfer (lease agreement, payment purpose) or have its own internal limits. Before making your first payment, check with your bank about the procedure.

For most Ukrainians in Spain who work here and have an account in a Spanish bank, these changes will make little difference in their daily lives. But for those who still receive their main income in Ukraine, this is a real simplification: rent can now be paid directly from a Ukrainian account, without having to withdraw money through roundabout means.

Sources

• Official NBU announcement dated 10.08.2026
• Resolution of the NBU Board No. 90 dated 10.08.2026 (amendments to resolution No. 18 of 02/24/2022)