In short: Suits those who want to open an account as remotely as possible and hold money in several currencies. The main limits are the 20,000 KZT issue fee and enhanced checks on international transfers.
Terms for non-residents
- Non-residents
- Yes
- Remote account opening
- Partly
- Visa / Mastercard
- Yes
- Russian-language support
- Yes
- Former name
- Freedom Finance Bank
- Owner
- Freedom Finance JSC (Freedom Holding Corp., Nasdaq: FRHC); beneficiary - Timur Turlov
- Founded
- 2020 (according to the finratings.kz catalogue)
- Size
- About 2.94 trillion KZT (IFRS, consolidated) as of 30 June 2026
- License
- Universal banking licence No. 1.1.551.129; securities market licence No. 1.2.253/45 of 12 June 2024
- App and website
- Freedom SuperApp; website in Kazakh, Russian, English and Chinese
- Opening and card issue for a foreigner
- 20,000 KZT, service is free
- Account currencies
- KZT, USD, EUR, CNY, AED and others
- Card delivery
- 3-5 working days in Almaty and Astana, up to 10 days in other cities
- Support
- Call centre 595
Pros
- One of the few banks where a foreigner can go through the whole process remotely: eResidency, online IIN, account and card
- Multi-currency accounts: tenge, dollars, euros, yuan and dirhams
- Courier delivery of the card, including to foreign clients outside Kazakhstan
- One of the fastest-growing banks in the country: assets of about 2.94 trillion KZT on 30 June 2026
Cons and limits
- Card issue costs a foreigner 20,000 KZT
- Without eResidency a branch visit is usually needed
- International transfers undergo additional checks; the bank has not sent SWIFT transfers to Israel since 2024
- No Mir card, and no information on the Faster Payments System (SBP)
## About the bank
Freedom Bank Kazakhstan belongs to Freedom Holding Corp., whose shares trade on Nasdaq. Before the rebranding it was called Freedom Finance Bank. The bank's sole shareholder is Freedom Finance JSC, and the group's beneficiary is Timur Turlov.
According to consolidated IFRS reporting, the bank's assets were about 2.94 trillion KZT on 30 June 2026, with capital of 258.4 billion KZT. According to the group, 5.7 million people use the Freedom SuperApp banking app as of 30 June 2026. The website is available in Kazakh, Russian, English and Chinese, and phone support is on 595.
## Account for non-residents
The bank accepts foreign citizens, including Russians. The basic set for a non-resident is:
- a passport with an entry mark;
- a Kazakh IIN;
- a Kazakh SIM card;
- a certificate of temporary registration, which reviews mention as part of the package.
The main distinction is the remote route. The eResidency programme has operated in Kazakhstan since November 2025: a foreigner receives a digital ID and an IIN online, then opens an account and a card. According to the bank, more than 11,500 people from 52 countries had received residency by May 2026. Digital residency itself gives neither citizenship nor a right to reside, and the decision to open an account is made by the bank after checks. Without eResidency the procedure is familiar: an IIN at a public service centre, a SIM card, and a card application in the app or at a branch.
## Cards and payments
The bank is a principal member of Visa and Mastercard. For non-residents it offers a debit card with a multi-currency account: tenge, US dollars, euros, Chinese yuan and UAE dirhams. A courier delivers the card in 3-5 working days in Almaty and Astana and up to 10 days in other cities. Since 5 September 2026, according to Bizmedia, the bank again delivers plastic to foreigners, including in CIS countries and beyond.
The bank does not issue Mir cards, and there is no confirmation of the Faster Payments System (SBP) working in Kazakhstan. Russian Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in the country, so a local bank card remains the main way to pay cashless.
## Who it suits
The bank is worth considering if you plan to open an account without coming to Kazakhstan and are ready to go through eResidency, need accounts in several currencies including yuan and dirhams, or prefer courier delivery of the card. If Mir matters, choose VTB (Kazakhstan). For everyday payments inside the country many use Kaspi Bank, but it has more requirements for Russian citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Russian citizen open an account at Freedom Bank Kazakhstan?
Yes, Russian citizens are served on the general terms for non-residents. You need a passport, a Kazakh IIN and a local SIM card. eResidency participants can complete most of the procedure remotely.
How much does a card cost for a foreigner?
According to a Digital Business review of 8 June 2026, opening and card issue cost a foreigner 20,000 KZT, and service is free. Check the current tariff in the app or with a bank manager before applying.
Can I get a card without coming to Kazakhstan?
For eResidency participants, yes: the account and card are set up remotely. Since 5 September 2026 the bank has again delivered plastic cards to foreign citizens, including in CIS countries. The bank uses biometrics for remote operations.
Does Freedom Bank issue the Mir card?
No, the bank issues Visa and Mastercard cards. If you need Mir, look at VTB (Kazakhstan).
Are Freedom Bank and Freedom Finance Bank the same bank?
Yes. The bank operates as Freedom Bank Kazakhstan JSC under the Freedom Bank brand, and its former name was Freedom Finance Bank. In June 2026 the group announced a move to a single Freedom brand.