How Migrants Can Open a Bank Account in Russia

A bank account is essential for every migrant in Russia. Without it, it’s challenging to receive a salary, pay rent, send money home, and use government services. Many employers transfer salaries only to a card.

In 2025, the rules for opening accounts for foreign citizens changed. Control was tightened, and new requirements for documents and digital identification were introduced. This article provides a step-by-step guide, a list of documents, and tips on choosing a bank.

In Brief:

• An account can be opened without a residence permit — a work patent and registration are sufficient
• Most banks require a full set of documents
• It’s easiest to open an account through the employer’s bank
• Online banks require identity verification

Key Changes in 2025

Since the beginning of 2025, a new regime for accounting and control of foreign citizens has been in effect in Russia. Registers of controlled persons have been established, which include foreigners without grounds for stay. Persons from this register cannot open accounts until they resolve their document issues. Restrictions on operations have also been tightened — for example, the limit on transfers without full identification is 30,000 rubles per month.

From September 1, 2025, in Moscow and the Moscow region, digital identification of migrants began through special applications. The new format allows for faster document verification and registration. The digital profile of a migrant combines data on the patent, migration registration, and medical examinations.

Also, from September 2025, state fees for migration registration and other services were introduced. For example, migration registration now costs 500 rubles, and renewal — 1,000 rubles.

What Migrants Need to Do Before Going to the Bank

If a foreign citizen has arrived in Russia and wants to open a bank account, they need to complete several mandatory steps:

1. Register at the place of stay in Russia — complete migration registration .
2. Obtain a work patent or work permit, if necessary.
3. Create a digital profile of the migrant through an official application, such as ruID.
4. Undergo biometric verification and confirm registration in digital format.
5. Prepare all necessary documents: passport, migration card, patent or work permit.
6. Check for any restrictions in the register of controlled persons (on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia or on the Gosuslugi portal ).

Only after completing these steps can you go to the bank to open an account. The bank is obliged to verify the migrant’s data in state systems.

What Types of Accounts Are Available

Foreign citizens in Russia have access to different accounts: current, savings, or foreign currency.

A current account is convenient for everyday operations — receiving a salary, paying for purchases. A savings account allows you to accumulate funds and earn a small interest. A foreign currency account is needed if you want to store money in foreign currency.

Which Banks to Contact for Migrants

Not all banks work equally with foreign citizens. Here are the main options:

Sberbank — the largest bank, branches are everywhere. Accepts foreigners with a full set of documents. The process may take more time due to additional checks.

Tinkoff — an online bank, you can apply through the app. Convenient for those who do not want to visit a branch. Requires identity verification via courier.

Alfa-Bank — accepts migrants with a patent. There is a mobile app in several languages.

Employer’s Bank — if your employer cooperates with a specific bank for a salary project, it is easiest to open an account there.

Bank Comparison Table

Before visiting the bank, call the hotline and clarify:

• What documents are needed for a foreign citizen
• Are there any restrictions for citizens of your country
• How long does it take to open an account

How Long Does It Take to Open an Account

The time depends on the bank and the method of application:

• At a branch: 1–3 business days
• Through the employer: sometimes on the day of application
• Online banks: 2–5 days with document verification

The fastest way to open an account is through the employer’s salary project — the bank already has an agreement and a simplified procedure for employees.

How Much Does It Cost to Open an Account

Opening an account is usually free, but there may be expenses:

• Card service: 0–300 ₽ per month
• Transfers: depends on the bank and type of transfer
• Cash withdrawals: fees may apply at other ATMs

Check the tariffs at the bank before opening an account. Some banks offer free service with a salary project.

Can You Open an Account Online

Some banks allow you to apply online, but there are restrictions:

• Identity verification will be required — via courier or office visit
• Not all banks work with foreigners remotely
• An online application speeds up the process but does not replace document verification

Tinkoff and Alfa-Bank accept online applications from foreign citizens. Sberbank requires a personal visit to the branch.

For some banks, online account opening requires a verified account on Gosuslugi .

Why a Bank May Refuse or Block an Account

Main reasons for refusal:

• The work patent or migration card has expired

Make sure the work patent is valid before going to the bank.

• No registration at the place of stay
• The migrant is listed in the register of controlled persons
• Incomplete set of documents

If the account is already open, the bank may block it if:

• Documents have expired and were not updated
• The limit on operations without full identification is exceeded
• Suspicious operations are detected

How to Avoid Blocking:

• Update documents at the bank immediately after renewal
• Do not exceed transfer limits without full identification
• Do not use the account for other people’s operations
• Keep track of the patent and registration deadlines

What to Do in Case of Refusal or Blocking

1. Check the documents: Make sure all documents are current and valid.
2. Contact the bank: Clarify the reason for refusal or blocking, additional documents may be required.
3. Contact another bank: If the issue is not resolved, try contacting another bank that is more loyal to migrants.
4. Appeal the decision: In case of an unjustified refusal, you can go to court or the Central Bank of Russia.

How to Send Money Home

To send money home, migrants can use various transfer systems. The most popular are:

• Golden Crown: Fast transfers, low fees.
• Unistream: Wide network of delivery points, possibility of sending to different countries.
• Western Union: International network, possibility of sending online.
• Contact: Convenient conditions for CIS countries.

When choosing a transfer system, pay attention to fees and transfer speed. Check conditions at the bank or on the transfer system’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you open an account without a temporary residence permit or residence permit?

Yes. To open an account, a passport, migration card, and work patent are sufficient. A temporary residence permit and residence permit are not required.

Can a migrant’s account be blocked?

Yes, if documents have expired or limits are exceeded. Update documents at the bank on time.

Which bank is better for a migrant to choose?

Depends on the goals. For salary — the employer’s bank. For sending money home — a bank with low fees on international transfers. For convenience — an online bank with an app.

How to avoid account blocking?

Keep documents up to date, do not exceed operation limits, and do not use the account for other people’s operations.

Can you open an account online?

Yes, but identity verification is required. Online banks like Tinkoff and Alfa-Bank accept applications from foreigners.

What to do if refused account opening?

Check document validity, clarify the reason for refusal with the bank, and try contacting another bank.

Necessary Documents for Opening an Account

What to Do Next

1. Obtain a work patent and register for migration registration .
2. Undergo a medical examination and obtain health insurance .
3. Open a bank account with a full set of documents.
4. Conclude a work contract and receive salary on the card.
5. Keep track of document deadlines to avoid fines and blocking.