What are the restrictions for opening an account and receiving a card in Kazakhstan in 2025
Photo - © Anna Anikova / Lori Photobank
In early January, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market announced new rules. Starting from January 19, 2025, non-residents of the country can receive debit cards for only 12 months - then they will have to be renewed. Moreover, this applies not only to receiving cards, but also to renewing old ones. But cards issued before January 19 will be valid for the entire period. This is a blow, again, to "card tourists" - for them, unlike Russians permanently residing in Kazakhstan, it is not at all convenient to go there every year.
The restriction does not apply to business cards, diplomatic cards and investor cards, Bespalov notes.
"And one more important detail: this is not only about limiting the term, but also about stricter control over non-resident transactions. According to the initiators of this measure, most dubious and criminal 1000 mobile number database banking transactions in the country occur through non-resident cards, hence the tightening. It should be noted that by January 22, two Kazakhstani banks had already suspended issuing cards to non-residents. And if Kaspi Bank promises to resume issuing at the beginning of February, Home Credit Bank has taken a break for an indefinite period," the expert reminds.
Mrs. Raphol
Photo - © mrsiraphol / Freepik.com
1. Obtain a residence permit
The easiest way to get a long-term card is to become a resident of the country, i.e. to obtain a residence permit (RP). This is useful in any case if your interests are really connected with Kazakhstan, Bespalov points out.
It is still not very difficult for Russians to obtain this document. This can be done independently or through specialized migration companies that are ready to take on the paperwork. A lot of documents need to be collected, but the key condition is essentially one - proof of solvency.
Moreover, we are not talking about a residence permit for a year or two, as in most EU countries – in Kazakhstan, a residence permit can be obtained for 10 years at once (more precisely, for the entire validity period of your passport). That is, the problem can be solved for a very long time.
2. Register a business
Another way is to register a company (LLP) and work with a corporate account. Business cards, as mentioned above, are not subject to restrictions.
However, opening a company requires additional expenses, accounting, etc. Therefore, it is usually worth taking such a step if you have real business interests, Bespalov is sure.