When opening a personal bank account in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK), a non-resident may have different purposes in mind. For example, receiving income, making payments, or keeping funds. The procedure depends on several factors, including compliance with state requirements and the requirements of a particular bank.

 

However, one thing remains unchanged regardless of the financial institution chosen. Opening an account in Kazakhstan for a foreigner requires advance preparation of the necessary documents and undergoing a bank verification process. To minimize the risk of refusal, foreigners often seek the assistance of professional lawyers.

 

In this article, we will discuss the basics. We will look at the conditions applicable to foreign citizens, whether it is possible to open an account remotely, and how the process generally works.

 

Why Open a Personal Bank Account in Kazakhstan

Depending on the purpose of staying in Kazakhstan and the nature of financial transactions, a bank account can simplify everyday payments and interaction with local counterparties. In particular, an account may be required for:

 

  1. Receiving income – for example, a salary, payment for services, or other funds received from Kazakhstan.
  2. Making payments within the country – paying rent, purchases, services, education, and other expenses.
  3. Receiving and sending money transfers – when it is necessary to conduct transactions through the Kazakh banking system.
  4. Keeping savings – including in tenge and, depending on the bank’s terms, in foreign currency.
  5. Using banking services – a mobile application, payment card, and other tools for managing the account.

 

Opening a personal account can make a foreigner’s financial transactions in Kazakhstan more convenient and predictable.

 

Can a Foreigner Open a Bank Account in Kazakhstan?

A foreigner can open a personal bank account in Kazakhstan. At the same time, the bank takes into account the client’s status – whether they are a resident or non-resident – and also checks the documents and the purpose of opening the account. As a rule, a non-resident needs to verify their identity and provide an IIN. Additional requirements may depend on the particular bank.

 

What Documents Are Required to Open a Personal Bank Account in Kazakhstan?

How can an individual open a bank account in Kazakhstan? First of all, it is necessary to prepare a basic set of documents:

 

Document Purpose
International passport Confirmation of the foreign citizen’s identity
IIN (individual identification number) Client identification
Document confirming stay in the RK Confirmation of the legality of staying in the country
SIM card of a local operator Registration and use of mobile banking

 

Before contacting a bank, a foreigner should clarify in advance the current list of documents and any additional requirements of the particular financial institution.

 

How to Obtain an IIN in Kazakhstan

Opening an account in Kazakhstan for a foreigner is impossible without obtaining an IIN. In 2026, it can be obtained in two ways:

 

  1. In person, directly in the country. A foreigner can travel to Kazakhstan and personally apply at a PSC (Public Service Center) to obtain an IIN free of charge within one business day (in standard cases).
  2. Remotely, through the eResidency program. As of January 1, 2026, Kazakhstan officially discontinued the possibility of obtaining an IIN free of charge through its embassies and consulates abroad. Instead, the state online eResidency program was fully launched.

 

Please note: obtaining an IIN through the official eResidency portal is a paid service. However, it completely eliminates the need for a foreigner to visit the country.

 

Is It Possible to Open an Account Remotely?

Is it possible for a non-resident to open an account in Kazakhstan remotely? This question is of interest to many people who do not plan to travel to the country. In most cases, the answer is yes – the state provides such an opportunity. This can be done in two ways – through intermediaries acting under a power of attorney or through the same eResidency portal.

 

The outcome of a remote application depends on whether the potential client passes the bank’s verification – Know Your Customer (KYC). This involves identifying the foreigner, verifying the accuracy of their information, and determining the purpose of the future relationship.

 

What Restrictions Apply to Non-Residents?

When opening accounts for non-residents, financial institutions conduct more thorough checks. They are required to establish the purpose of opening the account, the source of funds, and the legitimacy of the foreigner’s stay in Kazakhstan. These requirements are set out in the financial monitoring rules and apply to the opening of accounts and issuance of cards.

 

Potential restrictions include:

 

  • the bank may require a document confirming the legality of the foreigner’s stay in Kazakhstan;
  • the financial institution may request information about the purpose of opening the account and the source of funds;
  • remote account opening is not available to all categories of non-residents and depends on the terms of the particular bank.

 

A foreigner should check the requirements of the selected bank in advance and prepare documents confirming their connection with Kazakhstan.

 

How to Open a Personal Bank Account in Kazakhstan: Step-by-Step Guide

For a foreigner, opening a personal account usually consists of several stages. To avoid refusal or the need to visit the bank again, it is advisable to obtain legal assistance at each stage.

 

Obtaining an IIN

The first step is to obtain an individual identification number. In 2026, foreigners can obtain it in Kazakhstan or remotely through eResidency.

 

SIM Card Registration

Next, you need to obtain a local phone number. It may be required to register in the bank’s mobile application, receive confirmation codes, and use remote banking services.

 

Choosing a Bank

Before applying, it is worth comparing the terms of several banks and making sure that they work with non-residents. It is important to clarify in advance the list of required documents, whether a card can be issued, and the requirements for confirming your stay in Kazakhstan.

 

Personal Visit to a Branch

If the selected bank requires the account to be opened in person, the foreigner must personally visit a branch with the prepared documents. The bank accepts the application and begins the client identification procedure.

 

Undergoing Verification and Signing Documents

The bank conducts a compliance check of the client, determines the purpose of opening the account, and, if necessary, requests additional information. After successfully completing the procedure, the client signs the documents for opening the account and issuing a bank card.

 

Card Activation

After the card has been issued, it must be activated using the method provided by the bank. Usually, this can be done through the mobile application, an ATM, or when making the first transaction.

 

Which Banks in Kazakhstan Are More Convenient for a Foreigner to Open an Account With?

When choosing a bank to open a personal account in Kazakhstan, it is worth considering the fees, requirements for non-residents, and the availability of remote services. Below is a list of the most suitable options:

 

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Bank Features of Services for Individuals 
Freedom Bank eResidency card opening is fully online; a biometric passport with NFC, IIN, and a Kazakhstani phone number/eSIM are required. Multi-currency accounts and international transfers are available.
Halyk Bank Works with foreigners, but additional requirements apply to non-residents. When opening an account for the first time, a personal visit and documents confirming stay in Kazakhstan may be required.
Bank CenterCredit Provides services to individuals, including non-residents. However, the possibility of opening an account and the list of required documents should be clarified directly before applying.
Kaspi Bank Offers well-developed services for individuals; however, the terms of service for non-residents differ from those for citizens of Kazakhstan and may require in-person identification.

Contact the lawyers of AA Lawrange to choose a solution that meets your objectives.

 

Timeframe and Cost of Opening a Personal Bank Account in Kazakhstan

The timeframe and cost of opening a personal bank account in Kazakhstan are individual. For a non-resident, they may be affected by:

 

  • availability of an IIN and a Kazakhstani phone number;
  • completeness and accuracy of the prepared documents;
  • the need to confirm the legality of staying in the country;
  • the speed of completing the bank’s client verification;
  • the method of opening the account – in person or remotely;
  • the fees charged by the particular bank for account maintenance and card issuance.

 

Therefore, it is impossible to give a single cost or timeframe for opening an account that would apply to all foreigners. To obtain accurate information based on your situation, schedule a consultation with Lawrange. Our lawyers will assess your case and tell you what timeframe and expenses you should expect specifically in your situation.

 

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Kazakhstani Bank Account?

The mere fact of opening a bank account in Kazakhstan does not mean that its holder is automatically required to pay tax. Tax obligations arise depending on the individual’s status, the type of income received, and its source. For foreigners in Kazakhstan, income from sources in the Republic of Kazakhstan is subject to taxation. Moreover, the procedure and tax rate depend on the specific type of income.

 

If a salary, remuneration for services, dividends, or other taxable amounts are credited to the account, the account holder may have tax obligations in the country. In some cases, the tax is withheld by the payer, while in others, the non-resident is required to calculate and pay it independently.

 

The tax lawyer of AA Lawrange can help you understand this issue in greater detail. Contact us for a consultation to avoid misunderstandings with the tax authorities of Kazakhstan.

 

Why Can a Bank Refuse to Open an Account?

Having an IIN and prepared documents does not guarantee that a bank account will be opened in Kazakhstan for a foreigner. Before beginning to provide services, the bank is required to conduct a client verification and assess the associated risks.

 

The main reasons for refusal may include:

 

  1. An incomplete set of documents or inaccurate information.
  2. Inability to confirm the purpose of opening the account or the nature of the intended transactions.
  3. Lack of confirmation of the legitimacy of the foreigner’s stay in Kazakhstan.
  4. An unknown source of funds.
  5. Identification of increased risks during the compliance check.
  6. Suspicions of transactions related to money laundering or other violations of the law.

 

Thus, in practice, the potential reasons for refusal to provide banking services come down to errors in the documents and a negative result of the compliance check. Professional legal support can help minimize these risks.

 

Legal Assistance from Lawrange

The lawyers of AA Lawrange have been assisting clients with complex legal matters for more than 10 years, including matters related to international projects and opening bank accounts.

 

We take an individual approach and can provide comprehensive legal support – from business registration and account opening to subsequent account maintenance. If necessary, we are also ready to involve expertise in tax and financial matters. This makes it possible to assess the situation from different perspectives.

 

Are you planning to open a personal bank account? Or are you interested in how to open a corporate bank account in Kazakhstan? Schedule a consultation with Lawrange. We will review your situation, assess the requirements, and propose the optimal course of action.

 

FAQ

Can a non-resident open a bank account in Kazakhstan?

Yes, a non-resident can open a personal bank account in Kazakhstan. At the same time, the bank conducts client identification and verification and may also request documents confirming the purpose of opening the account and the client’s stay in the country.

 

Is it possible to open an account without a personal visit to Kazakhstan?

Yes, this option is provided for by the eResidency program. Foreigners can obtain an IIN and open a bank account remotely; however, the availability of remote services depends on the particular bank.

 

Is a visa required to open an account?

No special visa specifically for opening a bank account in Kazakhstan is required. However, you will have to confirm the legality of your stay in the country.

 

Is it possible to open an account without an IIN?

No, it is impossible to open a bank account in Kazakhstan without an IIN. Obtaining an IIN is a mandatory legal requirement of the National Bank and tax authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan for all individuals, including foreigners.

 

Which banks in Kazakhstan work with foreigners?

Foreign citizens are accepted by practically all major banks in Kazakhstan. The most popular and accessible options for non-residents are Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, Bank CenterCredit, and Halyk Bank. However, their terms and conditions for non-residents differ, so be sure to clarify them before applying.

 

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