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How to open a bank account and get a card as a foreigner in Russia

Step-by-step guide to opening a bank account and getting a debit card as a foreign citizen in Russia. Requires a passport and KYC verification under Federal Law 115-FZ. INN is legally optional but practically required by most banks.

Open official guideStarts with: Bank of Russia: banking services for non-residents

Route

Where this fits

Check what usually comes before or after this guide.

Before thisHigh Risk

How to buy a SIM card as a foreigner in Russia

Many banking flows are easier after you have a local phone number.

Next stepHigh Risk

Apply for a T-Bank debit card for Russian payments

T-Bank is a concrete foreign-citizen card flow to consider when a local Russian payment card is needed.

If this does not fitModerate Risk

Cash and foreign cards in Russia

If bank onboarding is not ready yet, keep a lawful cash and exchange backup for the first days.

Fast path

Do this in order

Start here if you only need the order. Detailed notes are lower on this page.

  1. Step 1

    Get an INN (recommended)

    If you do not have an INN, apply at the tax authority (FNS). Processing takes 5-10 business days.

    Tip: You can apply for an INN through Gosuslugi or in person at an FNS office.

  2. Step 2

    Prepare your documents

    Gather your passport with notarized translation, migration registration, and INN (if you have one).

    Tip: Make copies of all documents in advance.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a bank or use the mobile app

    Some banks (T-Bank, formerly Tinkoff) allow online account opening. Others (Sberbank) require an in-person branch visit.

    Tip: T-Bank has the best English-language app interface.

  4. Step 4

    Complete KYC verification

    The bank will verify your documents and perform identification under Federal Law 115-FZ. This may include biometric verification.

    Tip: KYC verification typically takes between 15 minutes and a few days.

  5. Step 5

    Receive your card

    After approval, you will receive a debit card. Some banks offer courier delivery.

    Tip: Activate your card through the bank's mobile app.

This guide is informational, not an official service. Requirements and app availability can change. Use the official links when you are ready to act.

Prepare

What you need

  • Valid foreign passport with notarized translation

    The passport translation must be notarized by a certified translator.

  • Migration registration or residence permit

    A document confirming your legal status in Russia.

  • INN (Individual Taxpayer Number)

    Legally optional per Bank of Russia regulations, but most banks require it in practice. Obtainable from the tax authority (FNS).

Checklist

Mark it off

Before you start

  • Valid foreign passportRequired
  • Notarized passport translationRequired
  • Migration registration or residence permitRequired
  • INN (tax ID, recommended)Recommended
  • Phone numberRecommended

After you are done

  • Bank account is openRequired
  • Debit card received and activatedRequired
  • Bank mobile app installedRecommended
  • Online banking is workingRecommended
  • PIN code is memorizedRequired

Details

Detailed notes

Use these notes when the fast path is not enough. Each step shows what to do, how to check it, and what to avoid.

  1. Step 1

    Browser

    Get an INN (recommended)

    1Open official page
    2Check address
    3Continue

    Step 1

    Get an INN (recommended)

    If you do not have an INN, apply at the tax authority (FNS). Processing takes 5-10 business days.

    Do

    Open the official or provider page linked from this guide, then follow the page instructions.

    Check

    Check the domain, page title, and provider name before you enter details or download anything.

    Avoid

    Avoid links from random chats, unofficial mirrors, or pages that imitate a provider.

    Tip

    You can apply for an INN through Gosuslugi or in person at an FNS office.

  2. Step 2

    Documents

    Prepare your documents

    1Prepare item
    2Check spelling
    3Keep copy

    Step 2

    Prepare your documents

    Gather your passport with notarized translation, migration registration, and INN (if you have one).

    Do

    Prepare the document, item, or information named in this step before you visit or submit anything.

    Check

    Check names, dates, spelling, and whether an original, copy, or translation is needed.

    Avoid

    Avoid sending sensitive document numbers or scans through unofficial forms.

    Tip

    Make copies of all documents in advance.

  3. Step 3

    Visit

    Office counter

    1Bring documents
    2Ask at counter
    3Keep receipt

    Step 3

    Visit a bank or use the mobile app

    Some banks (T-Bank, formerly Tinkoff) allow online account opening. Others (Sberbank) require an in-person branch visit.

    Do

    Go to the official office, provider branch, or service point named in the guide.

    Check

    Check working hours, address, queue rules, and whether the office handles foreigners.

    Avoid

    Avoid people offering shortcuts, guaranteed approval, or unofficial paid fixes near offices.

    Tip

    T-Bank has the best English-language app interface.

  4. Step 4

    Check

    Complete KYC verification

    1Compare source
    2Confirm status
    3Continue

    Step 4

    Complete KYC verification

    The bank will verify your documents and perform identification under Federal Law 115-FZ. This may include biometric verification.

    Do

    Compare the result with the official source or provider page before you rely on it.

    Check

    Make sure the name, status, date, provider, or app developer matches the expected result.

    Avoid

    Avoid continuing if the result looks different from the source-backed guide.

    Tip

    KYC verification typically takes between 15 minutes and a few days.

  5. Step 5

    Check

    Receive your card

    1Compare source
    2Confirm status
    3Continue

    Step 5

    Receive your card

    After approval, you will receive a debit card. Some banks offer courier delivery.

    Do

    Compare the result with the official source or provider page before you rely on it.

    Check

    Make sure the name, status, date, provider, or app developer matches the expected result.

    Avoid

    Avoid continuing if the result looks different from the source-backed guide.

    Tip

    Activate your card through the bank's mobile app.

Open when needed

Useful links

Open these when a step points you to an official page, provider page, or child guide.

Check before contacting a bank

Official linkBank of Russia: banking services for non-residentsOfficial Bank of Russia page about banking services for non-residents.cbr.ruOfficial link115-FZ: customer identificationLegal basis for KYC/AML checks. A bank may request additional documents.www.consultant.ruOfficial linkFNS: INN and tax registrationOfficial tax service website. INN is often requested by banks and employers.nalog.gov.ru

Avoid

Common traps

Going to the bank without a notarized passport translation

Order a notarized translation in advance from a certified translator.

Not getting an INN before visiting the bank

Obtain your INN through the FNS or Gosuslugi before applying at a bank.

Choosing a bank by proximity without checking requirements

Check the bank's website for specific requirements for foreign nationals.

Memory aid

Save the route

Use this as a quick reminder after reading the steps.

BankingHIGH RISK

Open a bank account

Prepare identity documents, complete bank verification, and receive a Russian card or approved account.

  1. 1Prepare documentsPassport, translation, registration, and INN if available.
  2. 2Contact the bankUse official channels and avoid unofficial intermediaries.
  3. 3Complete verificationThe bank checks identity and eligibility.
  4. 4Receive your cardUse only products issued in your own name.
Verified Jun 20, 2026ruvoya.ru

Questions

Quick answers

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Next

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Apply for a T-Bank debit card for Russian payments

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