1
Bakai Bank
One of the five largest banks in Kyrgyzstan, with published documents and tariffs for foreigners, a free virtual Visa card and Apple Pay.
- Non-residentsYes
- Remote openingPartly
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
Banks in Kyrgyzstan for expats and non-residents
A ranking of banks in Kyrgyzstan (the Kyrgyz Republic) for foreigners and non-residents: who opens an account for foreigners, which cards work, and what sanctions and the end of Mir service changed. Data as of October 2026.
Kyrgyzstan has 26 commercial banks and 308 branches (National Bank data as of 31 August 2026), and the banking system's total assets are about KGS 1.5 trillion. The market is concentrated: as of 30 June 2026 the three largest banks, Eldik Bank, ABank and MBANK, hold 51% of assets, and with BAKAI and KICB the share of the top five reaches 67.7%. Russian has official status in the country, so the websites and apps of the large banks work in Russian. Banking services are in demand: by the end of June 2026 the country had more than 26 million accounts for a population of about 7.5 million, and the National Bank keeps its policy rate at 12% a year.
For foreigners, and for Russian citizens in particular, the picture changed in 2026. Mir cards have not been serviced in Kyrgyzstan since April 2024, Visa and Mastercard cards of local banks work in Russia only under heavy restrictions, and money can no longer be sent through Golden Crown, which previously handled a significant share of transfers. Keremet Bank is under US, UK and EU sanctions, Capital Bank under UK and EU sanctions, and EcoIslamicBank was included in the EU's 21st package. The other banks in our ranking are not on these lists, but all banks have tightened payment checks.
Our ranking helps you choose a bank for your task: opening an account as a non-resident, getting a Visa card for payments abroad, receiving transfers from Russia or running a business. We compare banks by accessibility for foreigners, published documents and tariffs, size, sanctions status and how cards work. Below is the list of banks with an overview of each. Terms and tariffs change, so confirm the details with the bank before applying.
Banks in Кыргызстан for expats and non-residents
2
MBANK
The third-largest bank in Kyrgyzstan by assets, with a separate Visa tariff for non-residents, card accounts in rubles and yuan, and an app with Apple Pay.
- Non-residentsYes
- Remote openingCheck with the bank
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
3
FINCA Bank Kyrgyzstan
A FINCA group bank that openly accepts non-residents: an online application with remote identification, Visa Gold with a ruble or tenge account and 100+ offices.
- Non-residentsYes
- Remote openingPartly
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
4
ABank (formerly Aiyl Bank)
A state-owned bank in Kyrgyzstan, second by assets, formerly Aiyl Bank. It publishes a document list for foreigners and issues Visa, Mastercard and Elkart cards.
- Non-residentsYes
- Remote openingPartly
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
5
Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank
A large private bank with AKFED and HBL as shareholders, Visa and Mastercard cards in three currencies, and account opening with a passport at a branch.
- Non-residentsYes
- Remote openingNo
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
6
Kompanion Bank
A private bank with a Visa Signature card for foreigners at a separate tariff, free incoming transfers and privileges such as 2% cashback and business lounges.
- Non-residentsYes
- Remote openingNo
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
7
Optima Bank
A bank owned by a group of Vyacheslav Kim, with Visa cards in soms and rubles and Apple Pay. Russian citizens get a card only in person and with a supporting document.
- Non-residentsLimited
- Remote openingNo
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
8
Eldik Bank (formerly RSK Bank)
The largest state-owned bank in Kyrgyzstan by assets (formerly RSK Bank), with Visa, Mastercard, Elkart and free virtual cards. Terms for foreigners are not published.
- Non-residentsCheck with the bank
- Remote openingCheck with the bank
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
9
Demir Kyrgyz International Bank
A foreign-owned bank operating since 1997, with Visa, Mastercard and Elkart cards and a free Visa Classic. Terms for foreigners are not published.
- Non-residentsLimited
- Remote openingNo
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
10
O!Bank
A bank with a digital Visa Cashback, Visa Platinum and the My O! app; formerly Halyk Bank Kyrgyzstan. Terms for foreigners are not published.
- Non-residentsCheck with the bank
- Remote openingCheck with the bank
- Visa / MastercardYes
- Russian-language supportYes
11
Capital Bank of Central Asia
A state-owned bank under UK and EU sanctions. It accepts transfers from Russia without an account, but its website lists only Elkart cards and no terms for non-residents.
- Non-residentsLimited
- Remote openingCheck with the bank
- Visa / MastercardCheck with the bank
- Russian-language supportYes
Frequently asked questions
Which bank in Kyrgyzstan is best for a foreigner?
There is no single best bank. For a Visa card with a published tariff for foreigners, Bakai Bank and MBANK are suitable; for an online application, FINCA Bank; for a state-owned bank, ABank. The decision to open an account is made by the bank after checking the client.
Can a Russian citizen open an account at a bank in Kyrgyzstan?
Yes, banks serve Russian citizens. A passport and a document proving lawful stay in the country are usually required, and some banks also ask for an INN, an employment contract or a patent. The bank may refuse without giving a reason.
Does the Mir card work in Kyrgyzstan?
No. Mir has not been serviced since April 2024, after US sanctions against NSPK: payments, cash withdrawals and card-to-card transfers do not work. Visa or Mastercard issued by a local bank is the usual alternative.
Which Kyrgyz banks are under sanctions?
Keremet Bank (US, UK, EU) and Capital Bank of Central Asia (UK and EU). EcoIslamicBank is also included in the EU's 21st package. The other large banks are not on these lists.
How do I transfer money from Russia to Kyrgyzstan?
The simplest way is by phone number from the apps of Sber, VTB or T-Bank; for Elkart cards, KWIKPAY, Unistream and other services are used. Golden Crown no longer works. Fees and limits differ by channel and bank.
Can I get a card without coming to Kyrgyzstan?
Not always. FINCA Bank accepts an online application with remote identification, but the INN and coupon are obtained in person. ABank allows opening under a power of attorney, while other banks more often require a personal visit.
How much does a card cost for a foreigner?
At Bakai Bank issue is free, Visa Gold costs KGS 2,000 or USD 20 a year, and the virtual card is free. At MBANK a non-resident pays USD 70 to open the account, USD 7 for the card and USD 100 a year from the second year. Prices change, so check the bank's tariffs.
How long can I stay in Kyrgyzstan without registration?
According to the zakon.kg reference, 30 days from entry, and no more than 90 days in any 180-day period in total without permit documents. The host party registers the foreigner.