Short answer: Yes — foreigners can usually open a personal bank account in Kazakhstan, but rules have tightened recently and exact requirements vary by bank. Typical steps are: get an IIN (Kazakh individual ID number), get temporary registration or other proof of legal stay, prepare a notarized Russian/Kazakh translation of your passport, obtain a Kazakh phone number, then apply in-person at a bank (some banks allow limited remote or power-of-attorney options for certain cases). (welegal.kz, kazakhstan.revera.legal)

Step-by-step (practical)

1. Decide which bank you want (popular choices: Kaspi, Halyk, ForteBank, Jusan, Eurasian, Bereke — each has different policies and fees). Check that bank’s foreigner / non‑resident page or call customer service. (tim.stigal.com)
2. Get temporary registration / proof of legal stay in Kazakhstan (migration registration from your hotel/landlord or migration police). Banks will want evidence you’re legally in the country. (welegal.kz, centrarium.com)
3. Apply for an IIN (Individual Identification Number). Most banks require an IIN to open an account; you apply at a Public Service Center (TSON) and usually receive the certificate in a few business days. You often need your passport plus a notarized translation into Russian or Kazakh. (welegal.kz, mondaq.com)
4. Prepare documents (bring originals + copies and translations notarized where requested):
   • Passport (original).
   • Notarized translation of passport (Russian or Kazakh).
   • IIN certificate or tax registration confirmation.
   • Proof of legal stay/temporary registration, visa or work/student permit.
   • Local Kazakh phone number (many banks require a Kazakh mobile number for registration and app verification).
   • Proof of address or employment/contract if the bank requests it (some banks are stricter). (welegal.kz, rss.globenewswire.com)
5. Visit the bank branch in person (non‑residents are commonly required to appear in person). Complete KYC forms, sign account/card agreements and provide biometric/photo ID if requested. Expect sanctions/AML screening. Some banks limit card validity for non‑residents (e.g., 12 months) and have enhanced monitoring. (astanatimes.com, centrarium.com)
6. Deposit required minimum (if any), get online banking and a payment card. Processing time varies: immediate to a few business days for a basic account or up to several weeks for full compliance checks. (welegal.kz, kazakhstan.revera.legal)

What banks commonly ask for / common restrictions

• IIN + notarized passport translation + local phone number are frequently required (Kaspi explicitly lists IIN and a Kazakh mobile number). (rss.globenewswire.com, welegal.kz)
• Many banks will no longer allow fully remote issuance/re-issuance of payment cards for non‑residents; in‑person presence is increasingly required. Some banks may allow a notarized power of attorney in limited cases, but that’s becoming less common. (centrarium.com, tim.stigal.com)
• Banks perform enhanced KYC/AML checks; accounts/cards can be subject to monitoring and additional documentation requests, especially for non‑resident clients. (astanatimes.com)

If you’re opening a corporate account

• Foreign companies must get a BIN (business tax number) and provide notarized + apostilled corporate documents translated into Russian or Kazakh. Expect longer processing and more paperwork (often 2–6+ weeks). (kazakhstan.revera.legal, coredo.eu)

Practical tips to make it smoother

• Contact the bank branch or its English support before you travel to confirm the exact document list and whether you must appear in person. Requirements change frequently. (tim.stigal.com)
• Get temporary registration from your hotel/landlord right away (it’s often needed to get an IIN). (welegal.kz)
• Bring originals and notarized translations — banks commonly insist on translated and notarized copies. (mondaq.com, welegal.kz)
• Be ready for identity and sanctions screening (banks check international sanction lists). If you plan to use cards while only briefly in Kazakhstan, ask about card expiration limits for non‑residents. (rss.globenewswire.com, astanatimes.com)

Expected timeline (typical)

• IIN: usually issued in ~1–5 business days after applying at a Public Service Center.
• Account opening: can be immediate (same day) for a simple account once KYC is satisfied, but banks’ compliance checks may stretch it to days or several weeks for non‑residents. For corporate accounts or remote openings, plan for multiple weeks. (welegal.kz, kazakhstan.revera.legal)

Final note and next step Rules and bank policies have changed in recent years and continue to evolve; specific requirements depend on the bank and your immigration status. I recommend picking one or two banks (e.g., Kaspi, Halyk, Jusan, ForteBank), calling their English support or messaging them from their official site or app to confirm the up‑to‑date document list and whether in‑person appearance is required before you go. (rss.globenewswire.com, tim.stigal.com)

If you want, I can:

• look up the current requirements for a specific bank (Kaspi, Halyk, ForteBank, Jusan or another) and the nearest branch in the city you’ll be in, or
• draft a checklist email in Russian (or English) you can send to a bank branch to confirm what they require.