In simple terms
A foreigner needs a bank account to receive a salary, pay by card, pay for a patent and send money to family. A foreigner can open an account, but the bank is obliged to check their identity, their documents and whether they are in Russia legally.
Most often people open an ordinary debit card on the Russian “Mir” payment system. Cards of foreign systems issued in other countries usually do not work in Russia at present.
Which documents you usually need
- The passport of a foreign citizen and its notarised translation into Russian.
- A document confirming the right to stay in Russia: a migration card or an entry application, a visa, a patent, an RVP or a VNZh.
- The tear-off part of the notification of registration.
- Often — a taxpayer ID (ИНН, INN), SNILS (СНИЛС) and a Russian phone number.
Each bank has its own list: some ask for a verified Gosuslugi account or for biometrics. The first time you usually need to come to a branch in person. Find out the list in advance on the bank's website.
Why a bank may refuse
- The person is on the register of controlled persons — since 5 February 2025 such people cannot open ordinary accounts.
- The documents have expired or the data in the translation does not match the passport.
- The bank considers the transactions suspicious under Law No. 115-FZ on combating money laundering. Then the account may be restricted — see account blocking.
Example with numbers
A worker on a patent in Moscow receives 70,000 ₽ a month on their card. Every month they send 40,000 ₽ to their family. The bank charges a hypothetical 1% fee for a transfer abroad: 40,000 × 1% = 400 ₽. A total of 40,400 ₽ is debited, and 70,000 − 40,400 = 29,600 ₽ is left on the card. They also pay 10,000 ₽ for the patent.
The transfer usually arrives in the currency of the other country. Compare the bank's rate with the official Bank of Russia rate: the difference in the rate can cost more than the fee itself.
How to avoid mistakes
- Do not give your card to other people and do not accept other people's money onto it “for a percentage”. This may be treated as taking part in fraud, and the card may be blocked.
- Update your new passport, patent or VNZh details with the bank on time.
- Keep documents about your income: they will be useful for a VNZh and for the bank's checks.
- Find out the card maintenance and transfer fees in advance — they differ a lot between banks.
The rules change — check the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (МВД) and Gosuslugi.
Key rules
Russia
An account is opened with a passport with a notarised translation and a document confirming the right to stay. Banks do not open ordinary accounts for people on the register of controlled persons. Citizens of the EAEU often find it easier to open an account if they work under an employment contract.
Sources: Bank of Russia («Банк России»), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Main Directorate for Migration Affairs («МВД России, ГУВМ»)