On July 17, 2025, the Legal Committee of the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce held a meeting focused on key legal issues affecting the business community. Kirill Shcherbakov, Partner and Head of the Corporate Practice at BBNP, delivered a presentation on the topic of the return of foreign companies to Russia and the legal implications of such processes.

In his presentation, Kirill explored the legal qualification of foreign business re-entry, the risks of asset expropriation, and the current regulatory landscape shaped by new legislative initiatives. Particular attention was paid to recent high-profile cases concerning the nationalization of foreign-owned assets and the transfer of ownership to the Russian state.

Kirill also addressed the draft legislation that may significantly impact the return of foreign investors — including restrictions on exercising call options, requirements for technology disclosure, and potential compensation mechanisms for prior damages.

He emphasized that any sustainable return of foreign businesses will require a carefully balanced legal framework that accounts for the interests of the Russian state, domestic investors, and the companies themselves. Conditions such as local corporate or technological control, compliance with disclosure obligations, and good faith conduct upon exit may become decisive factors.

BBNP continues to actively contribute to the dialogue between business and government, offering legal insights on the evolving regulatory environment for foreign investors.