IIN for a foreigner in Kazakhstan: why you need it, where to get it and which documents to prepare

The IIN — individual identification number — is a 12-digit number assigned to every individual in Kazakhstan's state databases. Citizens receive it at birth; foreigners on application. Until you have it, most legally significant actions in the country are unavailable.

When a foreigner needs an IIN

• opening a bank account and any banking operations;
• registering an LLP, joining as a participant, being appointed director;
• obtaining a digital signature for portals and company registration;
• an employment contract — since 2025 contracts with foreigners are registered in the unified records system, which requires an IIN;
• taxes — paying personal income tax, filing returns, tax residency;
• buying property or a car, registering rights;
• public services on egov.kz, including permanent residence applications through the Government for Citizens corporation (the IIN is checked against the individuals database);
• medical insurance and treatment under contracts.

The IIN is unrelated to migration status: it gives no right of stay and does not replace the arrival notification or the RVP. But without it you cannot fulfil the duties those statuses entail.

Where to get it

1. In Kazakhstan — at a public service centre (Government for Citizens corporation). The foreigner applies in person at any centre with:

• the passport (original) and a copy with a notarised translation into Kazakh or Russian if the document is in another language;
• the application form (completed on site);
• for temporary visitors — a document confirming lawful stay (visa, entry stamp, RVP).

The service is free; with a complete package the number is usually assigned the same or the next working day. You receive a certificate of IIN assignment.

2. Abroad — through a Kazakhstan consulate. Consulates accept IIN applications from foreigners who need it for transactions and registration in Kazakhstan. Timing and procedure vary — check in advance, especially if you need the IIN before entry to prepare a company registration.

3. Through a representative. With a notarised power of attorney a representative may file at a service centre — convenient while the founder is still abroad.

Companies with foreign founders without an IIN

The Law on state registration allows registering companies with foreign participants without an IIN — no later than the next working day after filing. But this exception complicates everything else: the founder cannot get a digital signature or open an account, and the records will be incomplete. In practice the IIN is obtained before registration — alongside preparing the LLP documents.

Typical problems

• A translation error. Different spellings of the name in the passport translation, visa and contract are the most common cause of database mismatches. Use one transliteration everywhere.
• Old passport details. After a passport replacement the IIN still carries the old series and number; until updated at the service centre, the bank and egov "do not recognise" the person.
• Duplicates. If an IIN was assigned earlier (e.g. on a previous trip), a new one is not created — the existing number is restored.
• Refusal without a translation. A notarised passport translation is mandatory even if the passport contains Latin script.

After obtaining it

1. Get a digital signature (EDS) of the National Certification Authority — issued against the IIN at a service centre; needed for egov, the visa and migration portal and LLP registration.
2. Open a bank account.
3. If you work — give the IIN to your employer for registering the employment contract.

Visa Navigator helps foreigners in Almaty obtain an IIN and digital signature in a single visit: we prepare the notarised translation, complete the application and accompany you to the service centre or act by power of attorney. See the foreigner's documents service page.

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and practice change — verify the current requirements as of the date you apply.