Lebanon’s Central Bank has announced that it will raise the withdrawal limits for Circular No. 158 and Circular No. 166. This change will take effect on March 1st, 2025, with the limit increasing to $500 per month for Circular No. 158 and $250 per month for Circular No. 166.

What is Circular No. 158 and who is eligible to use it?

Circular No. 158, first published on June 8, 2021, allows depositors who subscribed before June 30, 2023, to withdraw $400 per month (up to $4,800 annually, with a total cap of $50,000). You are eligible if you held Foreign Currency Yield (FCY) accounts as of October 31, 2019.

What is Circular No. 166 and who is eligible to use it?

Circular No. 166, introduced in February 2024, facilitates withdrawals of up to USD 150 for eligible clients based on their account status before and after specific dates. You are eligible if you had a positive balance as of June 30, 2023, and have available amounts until the date of signature. You are also eligible if you have not engaged in SAYRAFA transactions exceeding USD 75,000 or deposited trade checks into your accounts.