Russian citizens can open a debit card at banks in Kazakhstan (popular options include Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, Bank CenterCredit, and ForteBank) for making payments, paying for international services, and personal needs. The process is strictly regulated by financial monitoring rules.
1. Documents to Submit to the Bank
To open a personal account, a nonresident must provide:
- International passport (must bear a stamp from the Border Guard Service confirming entry into Kazakhstan). Accounts are not opened based on a Russian Federation internal passport.
- The IIN received (a printed registration certificate from the Public Services Center).
- A Kazakhstani phone number (officially registered with a cell phone carrier under your IIN).
- A document confirming the legality of your stay in the country (notification of an immigrant’s arrival/certificate of temporary registration issued by a hotel or landlord, or an employment contract/temporary residence permit).
2. A critically important rule: The card is valid for 1 year
In accordance with a resolution of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, strict restrictions will be imposed starting in 2025 on foreign nationals without a residence permit:
- Time Limit: The maximum validity period for any payment cards issued to non-resident individuals is exactly 12 months (1 year).
- In-Person Reissuance: The card is automatically blocked after one year. To continue using it, a non-resident must visit a bank branch in Kazakhstan in person, go through the verification (compliance) process again, and request a reissuance. Remote renewal is not possible.
- Quantity limits: A foreign customer may open no more than 5 payment cards at a single bank.
3. Production Process
- Visiting a Bank: With your documents ready, you must go in person to a physical branch of the bank of your choice. Opening an account remotely by power of attorney is strictly prohibited.
- Compliance Check: The bank sends your information for an internal security review (which takes anywhere from 15 minutes to several days, depending on the bank).
- Card Issuance:
- At Kaspi Bank, they print a personalized card right in front of you at a special card machine in just 5 minutes.
- At other banks, it can take 1 to 10 business days to issue a physical card (a virtual card is usually available in the app during this time).
Do you need a bank card in Kazakhstan?
If you are a citizen of the Russian Federation and plan to open a personal bank card in Kazakhstan, we can help you understand the bank’s requirements and prepare the necessary documents.
EGSAT assists foreign nationals in Kazakhstan with obtaining an IIN, incorporating a company, handling banking matters, and providing accounting and legal support.
Submit a request—we'll advise you on your situation and recommend the option that's right for you.
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