How to open a bank account in Kazakhstan

Accounts, credit cards and paperwork required

In order to open a bank account in Kazakhstan, all foreigners need to present a Kazakh tax ID number, or RNN number. This number can be obtained at the tax office, where you will need to present your passport and migration card. Once your tax number has been issued, you can open an account in the bank of your choosing.

Documentation

There are two kinds of account you can open in Kazakhstan as an expat: a normal savings account or a work savings account, and the document you need to provide for each one varies.

Normal savings account:

• Original passport
• 2 copies of the passport, translated and notarized by qualified professionals
• 2 passport photographs
• INN document (from tax ID document)

The bank will charge 1% commision for all card and bank transactions for this account.

Work savings account:

• Original passport
• 2 copies of the passport, translated and notarized by qualified professionals
• 2 passport photographs
• INN document (from tax ID document)
• A letter from your place of work. Keep in mind that this document is normally only valid for a day, so be sure to inform your HR department which day you’re planning on going to the bank.

The bank will charge 0% commission on card transactions with the ‘Salary Card’ and 1% commission on all bank transactions.

There are a lot of banks in Kazakhstan to choose from but some of the most popular are:

• Kazkommertsbank
• Halyk Savings Bank of Kazakhstan  
• Bank Center Credit  
• Eurasian Bank
• Subsidiary Ban