IIN in Kazakhstan

IIN (individual identification number) Kazakhstan is an important document for those who plan to live, as well as conduct commercial or labor activities on the territory of the Republic. A foreign citizen needs it for such legal actions as opening bank accounts, buying real estate, entrepreneurial activity or employment.

In 2024, it became much easier to get a number, thanks to an accessible online platform. The digital system removes a number of difficulties for people who are unable to personally be present in the Republic.

An important role in registration is played by the presence of an EDS (electronic digital signature), which may be needed to confirm the identity and certify the necessary papers.

What is an IIN?

This is a unique 12-digit digital code that is assigned to an individual for accounting and identification in public and private institutions. The number is used to register citizens with tax authorities, when registering real estate rights, registering a business, receiving medical services and other legal actions.

It is necessary for tax transactions, participation in social programs, obtaining insurance policies, in labor relations and any financial transactions requiring official identification. The IIN is the main tool for conducting legal and financial transactions. The main functions of the document can be distinguished:

• Registration and registration of persons in government databases.
• Simplification of taxation and provision of social services.
• Registration and accounting of real estate and business transactions.
• Access to social and medical programs.

Important

A non-resident who has been in Kazakhstan for a long time is required to have an IIN, since it is an important element of most official procedures.

Who needs an IIN?

The document is mandatory for all foreign citizens living or operating in the Republic. First of all, it is necessary for those who plan to stay in the country for a long time for the purpose of employment, study, starting a business or buying real estate. Foreigners will need the number for the following legal transactions:

• Opening a bank account. The IIN is necessary for conducting calculations, receiving salaries, as well as for currency transactions.
• Doing business. Registration of legal entities or individual entrepreneurs is impossible without an IIN. It is required for tax reporting and other business operations.
• Receiving medical services. Access to medical care and social programs is also provided through a personal number.
• Purchase of real estate. When registering property rights, the IIN is used as a means of identifying the buyer.
• Registration of employment contracts. It is used for official employment and receiving salaries.

The document plays an important role for all non-residents who want to legalize their stay in the country and conduct any activity.

Opening a bank account and receiving a VISA card

An identification number is required to open a bank account. This is a mandatory requirement for both residents and foreigners who want to use the financial services of the republican financial sector. The IIN is used to identify the client when concluding contracts with banks, reporting to government agencies and conducting transactions.

Having issued an identification number, you can open a bank account. After that, the client gets access to all financial services, including the issuance of a personal or virtual VISA or MasterCard card. After receiving the card, you can make payments both on the territory of the Republic and abroad. Kazakhstan's bank cards make it easier to conduct transactions in any country.

The card also simplifies the management of personal or business funds, allowing you to receive payments to Kazakhstani accounts, transfer money and make purchases both online and offline.

Conditions and grounds for obtaining an IIN

Residents of foreign countries planning to live, work or conduct business in Kazakhstan are required to have an individual number. The following can serve as grounds for obtaining:

• Residence permit. Citizens with a residence permit can issue a document for access to the rights and services provided to permanent residents.
• Doing business. Opening a company or participating in entrepreneurial activities. The IIN is needed for tax reporting and interaction with government agencies.
• Opening a bank account. The number allows you to identify the owner and opens access to financial services.
• Other grounds. It includes the purchase of real estate, as well as other financial or legal services.

Conditions of receipt:

• Submission through the consulate and embassy. You can apply through the nearest consulate or Embassy. To do this, you need to submit documents: a passport, an application and other papers, based on the grounds of receipt.
• Registration through a trusted person. Since January 1, 2024, according to Law No. 223-III, it has become prohibited to submit documents by proxy. However, starting from April 13, this restriction was lifted as a pilot project until the end of the year. Therefore, currently it is possible to apply at 96 consulates and embassies of the Republic without the need for personal presence, including remotely.
• Receipt through the PSC (Public Service Center). For foreigners who are located in Kazakhstan, the number can be obtained through the PSC. The procedure includes submitting an application, providing documents and registering in the database.

Changes in the procedure for obtaining an IIN in 2024

Based on the amendments to the law «On National Registers of Identification Numbers», new conditions for obtaining them were introduced in 2024. According to the third part of paragraph 6 of Article 9, foreigners must personally visit state institutions to register a room. However, the changes and additions made later still allow you to generate an identification number remotely or without personal presence.

In addition, foreign citizens wishing to legalize their stay must leave fingerprints. From January 1, 2024, fingerprinting is mandatory for foreigners over 16 years old who apply for a residence permit (residence permit) or permanent residence (permanent residence).

The collection of fingerprint data is carried out by employees of the migration service in offices located at the place of registration of a person on the territory of Kazakhstan.

Important

Failure to comply with the requirements will lead to the imposition of penalties in accordance with the norms of the Code of Administrative Offenses.  

Required documents

Foreign applicants can obtain an identification number by submitting two main documents:

• Passport or a certified copy thereof.
• Statement.

If the full name or place of birth in the passport is indicated in Cyrillic (the same applies to Latin), then it is necessary to provide a translation and notarize it.

Step-by-step guide

In 2024, there were changes in the legislation of the Republic, so it is important to understand what steps should be taken for successful registration:

Terms and cost

For citizens of a number of countries, the issuance of an IIN is provided as a free public service. However, this process is not always simple and takes time. Therefore, many candidates turn to specialized companies for help.

The average cost of intermediary services is approximately 75,800 rubles. You can pay in tenge, euros, dollars, rubles through bank accounts in the Republic or international platforms.

The process of self–registration takes 1-3 days, through intermediaries - from 5 to 7 working days. Some organizations offer an expedited procedure for an additional fee.

Possible difficulties and failure

The issuance of the IIN is canceled if the applicant submits an incomplete set of documents (lack of papers or incorrect registration). Errors in filling out applications and suspicions of unfair intentions can also lead to rejection.

Difficulties may cause delays in processing applications due to high workload of government agencies, holidays or technical failures. It is recommended to prepare in advance, especially if the room is needed for a specific date.

Important

If it is necessary to translate personal documents, you should order the services of accredited translators.

To minimize the risks when choosing an intermediary, it is useful to carefully study reviews about companies and request recommendations from those who have already issued a document.