Central Bank Issues Intermediate Circulars 746 & 747 Amending BDL Basic Circulars 158 & 166
On November 28th, 2025, the Central Bank issued intermediate circulars 746/13770 and 747/13771. These circulars modify basic circulars 158/13335 on exceptional measures for the gradual withdrawal of deposits in foreign currencies and 166/13611 on exceptional measures for the repayment of foreign currency deposits constituted before the 30th of June 2023 respectively.
Both Intermediate circulars 746 and 747 state that institutions and licensed organizations can benefit from basic circulars 158 and 166. Additionally, individuals in addition to the institutions and licensed organizations that became eligible to benefit from gradual withdrawal of deposits in foreign currencies should sign the forms related to lifting bank secrecy on the sub account only for the Central Bank and Banking Control Commission of Lebanon (BCCL).
However, the difference between the two circulars is the monthly withdrawal amount amendment. Intermediate circular 746 increased monthly withdrawal limit by $200 to reach $1,000 (with an annual limit of $12,000) and intermediate circular 747 increased monthly withdrawal limit by $100 (with an annual limit of $6,000). These additional amounts can only be used through cards at point of sales (POS) and the amounts could be amended by the Central Bank as per his monetary policies. For the current payment cycle ending 30/06/2026, the annual withdrawal limit from intermediate circular 746 and 747 will be $11,000 and $5,500 respectively.
In case of two or more individuals benefit from joint or united accounts, the amounts paid (including those to be used at POS) shall be divided on a pro-rata basis.
The circulars were effective starting December 1st, 2025 for the period ending 30/06/2026, and can be amended or renewed until payment of all amounts transferred to the subaccount.
It is to be noted that both new intermediate circulars are published in the official gazette.
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