A local bank account is needed for renting, buying a home, business and everyday payments. Here's what to prepare.
To open an account you must have an IIN and a passport with an entry stamp confirming legal border crossing. Some banks may ask for extra documents.
Kaspi — worth opening first: accepted almost everywhere, the card is issued on the spot (unnamed, valid one year), but it has no multi-currency accounts.
BCC (Bank CenterCredit) — often the most convenient: you first get a virtual card, then in about a week collect a named card (valid up to 8 years) with accounts in the currencies you need — handy for subscriptions and foreign services.
Freedom — harder to open: many forms, they may ask for proof of income and other documents. Halyk usually opens accounts only for residents (with a residence permit).
After identification the bank opens the account and issues a card — often the same day, and a named card (e.g. at BCC) within a week. Almost everything is then done in the mobile app.
A business account is opened separately, after the LLP is registered. Almost any bank works, but for transparent tariffs and service quality we recommend Forte for business. It's opened in person at a branch — you'll need the founding documents, passport and IIN; sometimes a notarised passport translation.
Bank terms and requirements change from time to time — check the current ones before your visit.
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