Russia enforces strict ban on foreign words in business names and signs

From Vladivostok to Moscow, raids are underway as Russia cracks down on foreign-language signage. Will this push for linguistic purity reshape the country's commercial landscape?

, and Administrator

2026 March 16 . 7:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old photo of a city street with buildings, trees, poles, people, and the sky. At... — The image shows an old photo of a city street with buildings, trees, poles, people, and the sky. At the top of the image, there is some text which reads "процесский сорограция в вительный обложденица, выпильющих соворь, фото, изображенных, комплективание, пригинованная следина" which translates to "The streets of the city of Moscow, Russia".

Russia enforces strict ban on foreign words in business names and signs

A new federal law in Russia now requires businesses to use only Russian words in their names and signs. Enforced since 1 March

The law bans establishments from displaying foreign words on signs or in business names. Only trademarks registered before the law's introduction are exempt. Inspectors from Vladivostok's Outdoor Advertising and Information Department are carrying out raids to enforce the regulations.

Businesses found in violation are first ordered to correct their signage. If they fail to comply, fines will be issued. Non-compliant signs may also be removed by force. No official figures have been released on how many companies have received complaints or penalties since the law took effect.

The Russification law aims to eliminate foreign terms from public signage. Inspections are ongoing, and businesses must adjust their names or face consequences. Fines and forced removals serve as the primary enforcement measures.