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Open an EMI Account in Kazakhstan

Access innovative payment solutions for your business through a Kazakhstan-based payment provider.

Our Kazakhstan payment account is ideal for your company’s local and international payments, allowing you to send and receive payments within minutes. We process transactions in various local and foreign currencies.

Payment service providers offer special features for business payment accounts. This may include payment cards, currency exchange services, and online account management. At Offshore Pro Group, we help clients choose the best payment methods in Kazakhstan, prepare required documents, and guide them through application and account activation. We complete account opening procedures and manage accounts strictly in compliance with the latest legislation.

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Kazakh Payment Account at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Account typeCorporate and personal payment accounts
LocationKazakhstan
Currency optionsKZT and selected foreign currencies, depending on the provider
Local paymentsAvailable through Kazakhstan payment infrastructure
International paymentsAvailable depending on the provider
Payment cardsAvailable with selected account types
Remote onboardingAvailable for eligible applicants
Non-resident companiesMay be accepted, subject to compliance
Regulatory frameworkKazakhstan financial regulations
OnboardingSubject to KYC/AML review

Access Modern Kazakh Payment Infrastructure for International Business

Kazakhstan is a major financial and business center in Central Asia. It offers an effective and modern system of payment within the country as well as abroad. However, when dealing with cross-border transactions across multiple territories and countries, standard banking methods may have limitations for companies. Access to an offshore bank in Kazakhstan provides these companies with an optimal, cost-effective way to manage their current affairs.

A variety of payment services will be available at Your Company through its Payment Provider, including:

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Corporate payment account

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Personal payment accounts (subject to selected providers)

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Local KZT payment options

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International money transfers

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Functionality to hold multiple currencies

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Currency exchange services

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Physical and virtual credit/debit cards

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Management of digital accounts

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Solutions for collecting payments

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Online banking & mobile apps

Services available through your chosen payment provider will vary depending on the services the provider offers for a specific business type, the structure of the business owner(s), where the business is based, and how much the business expects to transact. Offshore Pro Group will work with you to identify a suitable package of payment services available in Kazakhstan, assist with document completion, help you choose the right provider, and facilitate the introduction process.

Why Open a Kazakhstan Payment Account?

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Access to Modern Payment Services

Opening a payment account in Kazakhstan lets businesses use an advanced payment system, making domestic payments easier and supporting a wide range of commercial transactions in Kazakhstan and abroad.

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Domestic and Cross-Border Payments

Many Kazakh payment service providers can handle both local KZT transactions and cross-border foreign currency payments. As a result, suppliers and customers can process payments and receipts through a single system, simplifying management.

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Multiple Currency Capability

Depending on the provider, businesses may be able to hold funds in Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT) and select foreign currencies, reducing the complexity of international trade and the number of banks they need to establish relationships with.


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Web-based Digital Account Administration

Modern payment systems enable businesses to service a digital account via a web portal or mobile application. Account holders can view the current account balance, review previous transactions, and manage the account online.

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Debit Cards / Virtual Debit Cards and Additional Business Banking Tools

Additionally, various Kazakhstani payment service providers can provide debit cards (physical or virtual), as well as other tools and services to help customers manage daily business affairs.

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International Companies & Non-Resident Applicants

In addition to serving international companies, many payment service providers in Kazakhstan also accept applications from non-resident applicants. As with local applicants, all new customers must complete a full compliance process and provide any additional information or meet any additional requirements outlined in the provider’s terms and conditions.

Who Can Apply for a Kazakh Payment Account?

Payment accounts in Kazakhstan are available for the following categories:

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    International trading companies
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    Import and export
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    E-commerce
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    Tech and SaaS
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    Professional services
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    Consulting
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    Logistics and distribution

Eligibility to open a payment account in Kazakhstan for entrepreneurs, including those who conduct business within Central Asia and internationally, varies by provider. Typically, locally incorporated companies as well as certain foreign entities can apply to open a payment account if they comply with providers’ requirements, including information on the company’s ownership, business activities, countries in which the company operates, and expected transaction volume, as well as information on the sources of money incoming from abroad. However, automatic approval is not granted. Each application is thoroughly assessed on an individual basis in accordance with the so-called KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements. Providers also reserve the right to refuse an application if it falls outside the supported customer profile or the company’s risk appetite.

Kazakhstan EMI Account vs Traditional Bank Account

The key differences between payment service providers (PSPs) and banks are outlined to clarify their focus in terms of the financial services available to businesses. Like banks, PSPs facilitate fund transfers but focus on processing payments, managing online accounts, and exchanging currencies. Many international companies choose to open accounts with PSPs because they enable quick, flexible transactions worldwide.

On the other hand, payment service providers have developed significantly over the last decade and now enable businesses to complete domestic and international transactions via electronic payments, manage accounts online, and exchange currencies. For companies operating globally, opening an account with a PSP can significantly increase the speed and flexibility of international transactions compared to a bank account.

FeatureKazakh EMI AccountTraditional Kazakhstan Bank Account
Primary purposeDigital payment servicesFull-service banking
Multi-currency supportCommonly availableVaries by bank
International transfersCore serviceAvailable, often with higher fees
Remote account openingFrequently availableMay require additional verification or in-person steps
Corporate cardsAvailable with selected providersCommonly available
Currency exchangeOften integratedUsually available
Lending and credit facilitiesGenerally not offeredSubject to approval
OverdraftsNot availableMay be available
Client fundsSafeguarded under EMI regulationsProtected under banking regulations
Suitable for international businessesYesDepends on the bank and customer profile

IBAN vs EMI: What Can a Modern EMI Offer?

Modern payment systems in Kazakhstan offer businesses more than deposits and withdrawals. In addition to services offered by various online financial service providers, they also enable digital finance operations—making and receiving payments online to make business financial management more efficient.

Currency management of multi-currency accounts

Kazakhstani businesses can keep money in different currencies and manage them in one account in KZT and other currencies supported by the service provider.

Local and international payments

Local payments within Kazakhstan are processed through the payment system, in conjunction with cross-border transactions with customers, suppliers, and partners globally.

Exchange services integrated into digital payment platforms

It is also possible to exchange currencies when using the services of a number of providers and to do so from within the online platform of your digital payment service provider’s current account.

Remote access to financial management tools

A digital payment system, in addition to guaranteeing safe online access to accounts, also provides remote access to financial management tools. This lets you monitor all your transactions, generate reports, and manage your accounts online via a PC and/or mobile.

What Do You Need to Open an Account?

Please note that each provider may have different requirements, but you typically need enough information to complete a verification check of the business and its owners, as required by anti-money laundering (AML) legislation.

In general, the following information will be required:

  • check circle Company registration documents.
  • check circle Information concerning the directors, shareholders, beneficial owners, and other significant parties involved in the company.
  • check circle Identification documents for all beneficial owners and authorized representatives of the company.
  • check circle Details regarding the nature of the business to be conducted by the account holder’s company.
  • check circle The transaction volume of your company’s activities and the geographic area in which your company will conduct business.
  • check circle Where relevant, a full explanation of the source of funds used within the company.

For any application, we rigorously verify information through our Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures.

Available Kazakhstan Payment Account Solutions

Offshore Pro Group helps clients open and set up payment accounts in Kazakhstan through a selection of payment services suitable for individuals and companies worldwide. Payment accounts can differ by account type, available payment options, cryptocurrency options, risk management policy, and pricing.

The current range of available payment accounts offered by Offshore Pro Group in Kazakhstan is outlined below. All account opening and approval conditions are subject to the client passing Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money-Laundering (AML) procedures, as well as the payment service providers’ internal risk assessment procedures.

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Option 1 – Corporate Account for International Business

This solution is ideal for international companies that need a multi-currency corporate account for international payments. The Corporate Account Platform supports SWIFT transfers, real-time online currency exchange, online banking, and cryptocurrency transactions, which can be instantly converted into fiat currencies. The solution also supports fund collection and payment processing.

The platform can serve a broad range of international companies. These include offshore companies and online businesses in sectors as diverse as IT, e-commerce, Forex, cryptocurrencies, online gaming, pharmaceuticals, commodities, and financial services. Higher-risk businesses are typically classified as such and charged higher fees and transaction costs than other businesses.

FeatureDetails
Account typeCorporate multi-currency payment account
Suitable forInternational and offshore companies, IT, e-commerce, Forex, cryptocurrency, gambling, pharmaceuticals, commodities, MSB/PSP and other businesses, subject to compliance
Regulatory statusThe financial institution is described as licensed and regulated by the Astana Financial Services Authority
Account openingRemote account opening available; personal visit is not required
Supported payment methodsSWIFT transfers, bank payments, and electronic wallets
CurrenciesMulti-currency account with real-time currency exchange available
International paymentsIncoming and outgoing SWIFT payments
Funds collectionFunds collection and payment processing services available
CryptocurrencyBlockchain module for sending and receiving digital currencies and converting digital assets into fiat
Crypto integrationIntegrated with a major cryptocurrency exchange platform
Online bankingFull internet banking functionality
Account managementRemote account management with account-management rights
Client risk categoriesCategory A – low risk; Category B – medium risk; Category C – high risk
High-risk businessesForex, cryptocurrency, gambling, pharmaceuticals, commodities, MSB/PSP, precious metals and other higher-risk activities may be accepted subject to enhanced assessment
High-risk jurisdictionsCompanies connected with certain higher-risk jurisdictions may be subject to enhanced monitoring or restrictions
Minimum depositVaries according to the client’s risk category
Additional servicesDedicated account manager, AML/KYC checks, bank statements, recommendation letters, SWIFT cancellation, transaction checks and other account services
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Option 2 – Personal Account

The second solution is a personal payment account that an individual can manage remotely, handling their fiat and digital currency. Multi-currency payments are combined with cryptocurrency functions, enabling the account holder to make international payments.

Applicants can easily open a personal remote account online. From there, they can manage all their fiat and digital currency from anywhere in the world. All transactions (SWIFT), currency accounts (multi-currency IBAN), currency exchange, cryptocurrencies, and online banking work seamlessly.

FeatureDetails
Account typePersonal multi-currency payment account
EligibilityIndividuals subject to KYC/AML and the platform’s internal compliance assessment
Account openingFully remote; no personal visit to Kazakhstan required
Registration timeframeFrom 5 business days, subject to successful compliance review
Supported payment infrastructureSWIFT and multi-currency IBANs
Supported crypto networksBTC, ERC20, TRC20 and BSC
International transfersSWIFT transactions available
Currency exchangeAvailable through the payment platform
CryptocurrencySupports cryptocurrency transactions and management of digital assets
Online bankingAvailable
Remote asset managementFiat and digital assets can be managed remotely
Risk assessmentClients are classified as Category A, B or C according to the platform’s risk assessment
High-risk profilesMay include clients connected with high-risk industries or jurisdictions subject to enhanced monitoring
Additional servicesAccount confirmation, account statements, SWIFT cancellation, express transactions and other account services
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Option 3 – Corporate Account with Multi-Currency and Crypto Functionality

This solution complements existing corporate payment methods of international companies. It particularly focuses on offering multi-currency transactions, offers operations with cryptocurrencies, and adapts onboarding processes to complex risk profiles of companies.

The online banking platform supports account opening, online money transfers, money collection, bill payments, and more, and also supports SWIFT transfers, real-time currency exchange, and online banking access. A blockchain module enables the platform to handle the transmission, receipt, and conversion of digital currencies into fiat currencies.

FeatureDetails
Account typeCorporate multi-currency payment account
Suitable forInternational companies, offshore structures, e-commerce, IT, Forex, cryptocurrency businesses, gambling, pharmaceuticals, commodities and financial service businesses, subject to approval
Remote onboardingYes, with no personal visit required
Payment methodsSWIFT transfers, bank payments and electronic wallets
Multi-currency functionalityYes
Currency exchangeReal-time currency exchange
International paymentsIncoming and outgoing SWIFT transfers
Funds collectionAvailable
Payment processingAvailable
CryptocurrencySend and receive digital currencies and convert them into fiat through the blockchain module
Crypto exchange integrationIntegrated with a major cryptocurrency exchange platform
Online bankingFull internet banking
Account managementRemote account management
Client risk assessmentThree categories: A (low risk), B (medium risk), C (high risk)
Minimum depositVaries according to the client’s risk category
Online bankingAvailable
Dedicated account managerAvailable
AML/KYC reviewRequired as part of onboarding and compliance procedures
Other servicesBank statements, recommendation letters, SWIFT cancellation, transaction checks, account closure and changes to UBO information

How to Open a Kazakh Payment Account

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Initial Consultation

Our team will assess your company’s operation, its corporate structure, where it is established, which of your customers are in which countries, and what you require from a payment perspective.

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Provider Selection

Based on your company profile, we will be able to select a number of service providers that meet your needs.

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Document Preparation

We can assist in preparing all corporate, personal, and commercial documentation necessary to open a bank account.

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Application Submission

Once the correct documents have been prepared and gathered, we submit them to the selected service provider as part of the onboarding process.

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KYC & Compliance Review

After receiving the submitted documentation, the bank/service provider will conduct a compliance/KYC (Know Your Customer) review of your company and its owners/shareholders and their interests, and your company’s business operations and projected transaction volume.

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Account Activation

Once a KYC & compliance review is completed successfully (and the application has been accepted), the payment account will be activated. Your account details, along with access to all services supported by the payment account, will then be provided, enabling you to make, receive, manage, and use other compliant features of the account.

Costs

Establishing and managing a payment account in Kazakhstan involves various costs and depends on the service provider, the account, and the customer’s risk profile. As a rough guide, the application fee for setting up a payment account typically ranges from USD 200 to USD 500. Monthly management fees for payment accounts can range from USD 30 to USD 75, depending on the service provider. In addition, you must deposit a minimum of USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 (depending on the risk category) to open an account.

ServiceIndicative cost
Account opening / application processingApproximately US$200–500
Monthly account maintenanceApproximately US$30–75
Incoming SWIFT paymentsAround US$49 + 0.55%–1.75%
Outgoing SWIFT paymentsAround US$49 + 1.25%–3.75%
Internal transfersApproximately 0.25%–0.75%
Currency conversionApproximately 0.75%
Cryptocurrency transactionsApproximately 0.25%–8%, depending on the transaction and risk category
Bank statements / confirmationsFrom approximately US$49
SWIFT cancellationApproximately US$49

The exact pricing depends on the payment provider selected, the account package, and your company’s transaction profile. Offshore Pro Group can help compare available Kazakh EMI solutions and identify the most cost-effective option based on your business requirements.

Discuss Your Requirements

How Offshore Pro Group Can Help

Offshore Pro Group provides professional assistance when opening a payment account in Kazakhstan. For example, foreign owned entities, international entrepreneurs, or companies trading internationally may find it easier to open a payment account with one of the providers we work with. We support our clients through all phases of the application process and provide them with information about potential payment options. Additionally, we ensure that their client applications are submitted to the chosen service provider compliant with the service provider’s compliance policies.

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Eligibility evaluation

To determine which payment solution would best fit your business model, we conduct an evaluation of your company’s structure, business activities, ownership and countries of operation.

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Selection of provider

We choose a payment service provider based upon your intended business use of the payment services and expected volume of transactions.

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Preparation of application

Our staff will assist you with gathering and completing the required corporate documents, identification and other supporting documentation required by the chosen payment service provider.

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Support for kyc and compliance

As part of the compliance process, we will assist you in presenting your business clearly by providing documentation regarding company ownership, business activities, transaction flows and source of funds.

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Coordination of application

During the onboarding phase, the Offshore Pro Group serves as your single point of contact between you and the payment service provider. We will also assist you with responding to requests for further information from the payment service provider.

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Additional support after application submission

Once you have submitted your application, if the payment service provider requires additional documentation or clarification during the compliance review, we will provide ongoing assistance to complete the compliance review and obtain final approval of your application.

Offshore Pro Group will only assist you in preparing a complete and accurate application. The decision to approve your application rests entirely with the payment service provider after they complete their own internal compliance and risk assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign company open a payment account in Kazakhstan?

There is no difference if you’re a foreign company when opening a Kazakhstan payment account. If your foreign-owned or non-resident company meets the provider’s compliance standards, they will allow your application. Each application is reviewed individually based on the company’s ownership, its operations, jurisdiction, and its expected transaction history.

A Kazakhstan payment account is similar but different from a traditional bank account. It allows you to make and receive payments, and some providers can hold multiple currencies and provide additional services to help manage payments. Traditional banks provide lending products like business loans, overdrafts, and mortgages, which are usually unavailable through most payment providers.

The documents needed to open a Kazakhstan payment account vary slightly among providers; however, they typically ask for the following documents:

· Company registration documents.

· Details regarding the directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners of the company;

· Identification documents for those authorized to act on behalf of the company;

· Information detailing what type of business activity the company operates;

· Projected volume of transactions and countries involved;

Additionally, further documentation may be required during the initial compliance check

It could take anywhere from several business days to several weeks to approve a payment account. Processing time will depend upon both the provider you choose and how complex your application is. Applications that are relatively simple and complete may be processed quickly, whereas more complex applications may require a longer period for compliance checks.

Most providers use electronic means to onboard new customers, and therefore many applications can be done entirely remotely. However, remote onboarding depends on both the provider and your compliance status.

Supported currencies vary between providers. Most Kazakhstan payment solutions support payments in Kazakhstani tenge (KZT), while selected providers also offer accounts and transactions in major foreign currencies, depending on the services provided.

Yes. These payment solutions are commonly used by trading companies, import/export businesses, e-commerce companies, technology firms, consultants, logistics businesses, and other organizations conducting domestic and international transactions.

Yes. Some providers offer both personal and corporate payment options. In addition to domestic and international transaction capabilities, personal accounts often include debit card issuance options, online banking, and currency conversion functions.

No. Every application is subject to an individual review under the provider’s Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and internal risk assessment procedures. Meeting the documentary requirements does not guarantee approval, and providers reserve the right to decline applications that do not fit their compliance policies or risk appetite.