How QR Codes in Russia Transform Its Digital Landscape
QR codes in Russia are rewriting the rules of digital engagement.
What was once a backup tool during the pandemic has become a centerpiece in the country's evolving digital identity. With a single scan, they effortlessly connect people to services, payments, promotions, and public records.
Committed to its vision, QR TIGER QR Code Generator is empowering businesses in Russia to create branded, secure, and fully trackable QR code experiences at scale.
How did we get here, and where is it going next? Let's uncover how Russia embraces QR codes and what life-changing benefits they bring to the country.
Table of Contents
How did the adoption of QR codes in Russia begin?
In Russia, the true adoption of QR codes began in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis forced the nation to adopt contactless systems for health safety and service efficiency.
The earliest adoption of QR codes was for digital health passes. One of the QR code requirements in Moscow and St. Petersburg was for residents to present their QR permits to access public spaces.
Even the Russian food delivery service Delivery Club has taken the initiative to provide their customers with temporary tattoos of QR codes. The purpose of the QR code was to encourage people to get vaccinated against the virus.
Meanwhile, the Russian Government began to see QR codes as a tool for digital transformation.
The technology led to the emergence of domestic payment platforms when the Central Bank of Russia actively promoted QR-based payment systems. As of 2024, purchases using QR codes grew to 2.6 trillion rubles.
QR codes integrating in the daily lives of Russians is becoming more evident each day.
To help international visitors navigate the country, QR codes for foreigners in Russia are now commonly found at airports, tourist attractions, and transport hubs offering multilingual support.
The Russian Government also recently announced that, from June 2025, all foreigners eligible for visa-free entry must obtain an electronic travel authorization.
The authorization will be provided as a QR code. This step is an attempt by the country to strengthen border security through digital means.
A QR code menu for restaurant and bars in Russia continues to be the standard practice, helping diners browse dishes and place orders seamlessly through their smartphones.
As of writing, Russia is ranked 30th with the highest QR code usage (45.2%) worldwide.
Top brands in Russia using QR TIGER QR codes
Several forward-thinking Russian companies leverage the QR code software’s advanced features to create dynamic, trackable, and branded QR codes.
With its easy-to-use dashboard, real-time scan analytics, and custom design tools, QR TIGER QR Code Generator has become the go-to solution for brands across the country.
Here are two top brands that innovatively use our QR codes for business success.
Tanuki
Tanuki, a well-known Japanese food chain in Russia, uses various QR code solutions to enhance in-store experiences.
They place these QR codes on their restaurant tables, which allow customers to access online menus and get discounts.
The visitors of Tanuki have great things to say about its services, which are powered by menu QR codes, food quality, and the restaurant's overall ambience.
The guests are most fascinated by the discounts the brand offers to QR code visitors and complimentary gifts like cakes with fiery fountains.
Larte Design
Larte-Design is a luxury automotive styling company based in Moscow that also relies on the QR code maker platform to create on-brand and secure QR codes.
High-end car parts come with a unique QR code that links to installation guides, promotional videos, or product verification pages.
More real-life examples of QR code usage in Russia (by industry)
Russian consumers are getting more and more comfortable with QR code interaction.
It’s mainly because they offer a frictionless way to access information, services, and content, which is ideal for a mobile-first population.
Tanuki and Larte-Design’s use cases already tell us how useful the technology is for businesses. Here are more ways in which Russia utilizes the power of QR codes and is transforming people’s lives through them.
Government policies
The Russian Government, which plays a pivotal role in adopting the QR code technology, uses it to modernize the economy, increase transparency, and improve public service delivery.
The QR code health passes, introduced during the pandemic, were required to enter shopping malls, restaurants, theaters, and even public transport in cities like Moscow and Kazan.
Most indoor establishments were mandated to have QR code entry systems to verify a person’s vaccination or test status before granting access.
Beyond the pandemic, Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has endorsed QR codes in education and administrative services.
They were aimed at reducing forgery in graduation certificates and ensuring easy verification.
Public services
From healthcare facilities to transportation, government agencies in Russia continue to enforce QR code systems to improve citizen access to services.
Russia introduced QR codes for vaccine certification, allowing residents to prove their immunization status when visiting public places even without their physical vaccination cards.
The Moscow Health Department directs citizens to use the vaccine QR code to enter malls, gyms, and restaurants. This helped streamline health verification while reducing paperwork and avoiding needless physical interactions.
Another case where QR codes are highly useful is integrating them into ticketing processes.
The Moscow Metro is one of the busiest underground transit systems in the world. With QR codes, passengers can now buy and store digital tickets on their phones and scan them at turnstiles instead of plastic cards or paper tickets.
QR code transport systems are also available for buses, particularly in cities like Kazan and Yekaterinburg.
Many public institutions and private offices in Russia continue to use QR codes for entry to maintain efficient access control and health compliance.
QR code payment systems
The financial system of Russia embraces QR codes as a secure and cost-effective alternative to traditional card payments.
In 2022, the Central Bank of Russia encouraged a cashless economy by promoting the Fast Payment System (FPS), a real-time payment service using QR codes.
Under FPS, the users can smoothly pay for a commodity by scanning the QR code generated by the merchant.
This benefits small businesses that want to avoid the high commission fees associated with card payment systems like Visa and Mastercard.
Some major banks in Russia have integrated QR payment features into their mobile application.
Furthermore, domestic alternatives like FPS-powered QR codes and Mir cards have gained traction in the country, addressing the problem of limited access to global card networks.
Marketing
QR codes have become indispensable in Russia's marketing world. It helps brands create interactive, trackable, and measurable campaigns.
QR codes are also used on billboards, event flyers, product packaging, and influencer merchandise.
MTS, a Russian mobile network operator, ran a QR codes campaign where QR codes were hidden all over the city.
Upon finding the QR codes and scanning them, the users would win prizes and discounts.
Architecture and heritage tours
Russia also uses QR codes in the tourism and travel industry across its cities and heritage sites.
As part of the smart tourism initiative, St. Petersburg placed QR codes in parks, historical buildings, and landmarks.
Tourists can scan the QR code to learn about the site's architecture and historical context in multiple languages.
Similarly, developers use QR codes for operational purposes if the building is modern. Residential buildings use them for secure entry, visitor management, and facility bookings.
Scanning a QR code embedded in a sculpture or installation at Moscow's Zaryadye Park also unlocks an augmented reality experience.
Things to keep in mind when using QR codes
The rise of QR codes in Russia can be attributed to a national push for digital transformation, public health needs, and growing smartphone penetration.
If you are planning to create a QR code for your business, it will be helpful for you to keep some of these things in mind.
Follow the rules
Russia has clear regulations regarding digital transactions, advertising, and data privacy. As a business owner, you should adhere to these rules.
You should ensure your QR codes comply with local laws, especially when handling user data or financial transactions.
It’s best to use QR code software that complies with data privacy regulations, such as ISO-27001.
Localize QR codes to widen the impact
Localization is crucial for QR code success in Russia.
Many customers in Russia prefer Russian over English. Therefore, it is important to localize your QR codes.
Ensure compatibility
Ensure your QR codes are compatible with iOS, Android, and Russian mobile apps like Sberbank or Yandex.
If you own a retail store and the shelf talker QR code you're using is not readable by any device, the customers will not be able to access the nutritional facts and other product details it stores.
The whole purpose of the code will be lost.
Also, it is important that before using the QR code, it is tested multiple times.
Prioritize security for QR code entry systems
Data security is a major concern not only in Russia but also in different parts of the world.
For added safety, use encrypted URLs, enable HTTPS, and consider a generator with password-protected QR codes or expiration features.
Adapt to the latest trends
According to a latest QR code trend report, consumer behavior continues to undergo massive transformations, even at this moment.
To ensure success, use QR codes wisely to ensure the smooth functioning of your business. 
What the future of QR codes looks like in Russia
QR codes are undoubtedly driving a new era of connectivity. From payment to public services, these two-dimensional barcodes are defining a new way for businesses to interact with their customers.
As Russia doubles down on digital innovation, QR codes are becoming vital to the country's technological infrastructure.
QR code for payment has already become a mainstream method in Russian retail, enabling consumers to complete transactions swiftly without physical cards.
Driven by a blend of necessity, innovation, and digital-first consumer behavior, the future of QR codes in the country looks incredibly promising.
Rediscover Russia with a single scan
As the country embraces rapid digital transformation, QR codes become essential tools for businesses, brands, and governments in Russia.
It may have been driven by necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerated innovation across various sectors, but the usage of QR codes in Russia continues to have a sharp rise.
Along this journey, QR TIGER continues to empower brands with customizable, dynamic, and trackable QR code solutions that ensure success and security above all else.
FAQ
Which country uses QR codes the most?
The US has been leading the QR code market, holding the largest share in 2023. The nation saw a remarkable 248% increase in QR code creation, producing over 200,000 more codes than in 2021.
Europe is the second-largest QR code market, with Germany, France, and the UK leading the way.
Are QR codes used internationally?
Yes, QR codes are used globally and have become a global tool for digital access.
Which country used the QR code first?
Japan was the first country to use QR codes.
