In short: Suits those connected with Korean business or Shinhan. It is not a priority for an ordinary expat: retail terms for non-residents are not published.
Terms for non-residents
- Non-residents
- Check with the bank
- Remote account opening
- No
- Visa / Mastercard
- Yes
- Russian-language support
- Yes
- Owner
- Shinhan Bank (Republic of Korea), 100%
- Founded
- 2008 (according to the finratings.kz catalogue)
- Size
- About 731 billion KZT as of 31 December 2025 (Forbes Kazakhstan ranking)
- License
- Banking licence of the ARDFM
- Cards
- Visa Classic and Visa Gold
- Current account
- Free to open (according to the bank's website)
- Website languages
- Russian, Kazakh, English, Korean
Pros
- A foreign (Korean) shareholder: 100% Shinhan Bank
- Free opening of a current account according to the bank's website
- Visa Classic and Visa Gold cards
- A website in four languages, including Russian
Cons and limits
- A small retail share
- No confirmed terms for non-residents
- A mobile app is not mentioned on the website; internet banking is available
## About the bank
Shinhan Bank Kazakhstan is a subsidiary of Korea's Shinhan group. Shinhan Bank of Seoul owns 100% of the capital. According to the finratings.kz catalogue the bank was founded in 2008. Its assets in the Forbes Kazakhstan ranking for 2025 were about 731 billion KZT on 31 December 2025, and the finratings.kz catalogue gives a close figure of about 730 billion KZT.
The website shinhan.kz works in Russian, Kazakh, English and Korean. A mobile app is not mentioned on the website, but there is internet banking. The invest.gov.kz source describes the bank as working through corporate and investment banking, so its retail business is modest.
## Account for non-residents
Retail terms for non-residents are not published on the website, and there is no data on Russian citizens. Any foreigner in Kazakhstan needs an IIN to open an account, and the details are decided by the bank. The website says that opening a current account is free, but this refers to a standard product for customers, not special terms for foreigners.
A suggested approach:
- Get an IIN at a public service centre or through eResidency.
- Call the bank and ask whether it opens retail accounts for foreigners and which documents Russian citizens need.
- Prepare an alternative in advance, a bank with a clear procedure such as Freedom Bank Kazakhstan.
Retail policy is set by the bank itself, not by the regulator's decision for non-residents.
## Cards and payments
For retail customers the website lists Visa Classic and Visa Gold cards, described as offering cashback and service worldwide. The card currency is tenge. The bank does not issue Mir cards, there is no confirmation of the Faster Payments System (SBP) working in Kazakhstan, and Russian Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in the country, so keep cash for the first days.
## Fees and limits
Card fees for non-residents are not stated on the website, so no figures are given. Limits: retail terms for non-residents are not published; the retail share is small; a mobile app is not declared, and internet banking is available.
## Who it suits
The bank suits those connected with Korean companies in Kazakhstan or already working with Shinhan. A typical expat looking for a first account is better off choosing a bank with public terms.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Shinhan Bank Kazakhstan?
The bank is 100% owned by Shinhan Bank of Seoul, Korea. According to the finratings.kz catalogue, it has operated in Kazakhstan since 2008.
Does the bank open accounts for non-residents?
Retail terms for non-residents are not published on the website. The invest.gov.kz source describes the bank as working mainly through corporate and investment banking. It is better to call and check.
What cards does the bank have?
Visa Classic and Visa Gold are listed for retail customers. Fees for non-residents are not published on the website.
Does Shinhan Bank Kazakhstan have a mobile app?
A mobile app is not mentioned on the website, but internet banking is available. Ask the bank whether an app exists.