Opening a bank account in the Republic of Belarus is becoming increasingly relevant for Russian citizens. The reasons vary: some plan to do business, others have found employment in a Belarusian company, and many frequently visit the country and want to simplify transactions in the local currency. Belarus offers a relatively stable banking system, clear regulations for non-residents, and convenient financial management tools — both in Belarusian rubles and in foreign currencies.
However, despite the close ties between Russia and Belarus, the process of opening an account may raise a number of questions. What documents are required? Which bank should you choose? Is it possible to open an account remotely? Are there any restrictions for non-residents? In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at how a Russian citizen can open an account with a Belarusian bank, what to pay attention to, and what nuances to consider in order to make the process as smooth and quick as possible.
Which Banks Work with Russian Citizens?
Russian citizens who wish to open a bank account in Belarus can turn to several major and reliable banks in the country. These include Belarusbank, BNB-Bank, and a number of other institutions that actively work with non-residents and offer a full range of services for individuals from Russia.
- Belarusbank is the largest state-owned bank in Belarus and actively serves both residents and non-residents. It offers a wide selection of currency accounts, plastic and virtual cards, and convenient tools for managing finances remotely. For Russian citizens, Belarusbank is one of the most accessible options due to its extensive branch network and transparent account opening procedures.
- BNB-Bank is one of the fast-growing commercial banks that also actively works with foreign nationals. It provides personalized solutions for non-residents, including multi-currency accounts and cards with favorable service conditions. Special emphasis is placed on convenience, making it a popular choice among Russians who plan to use Belarusian banking services on a regular basis.
In addition to these two leaders, Russian citizens may also consider banks such as Priorbank, Belgazprombank, and Belinvestbank. Each of these institutions has its own specific features and pricing policies, but they are all generally open to working with non-residents who can provide the required set of documents.
Terms and Fees
When it comes to terms and conditions for non-residents, most banks apply standard procedures, but with a few notable exceptions:
- Account Maintenance Fees
Service fees for maintaining an account or a bank card may be slightly higher compared to those for residents. This is typically due to additional currency control procedures and stricter client verification requirements. - Account Type Restrictions
In some banks, certain types of accounts — such as deposits or specialized financial products — may not be available to non-residents. - Document Requirements
Non-residents usually face more stringent requirements when it comes to providing documentation and proof of income, in order to comply with international anti-money laundering standards. - Transfers and Currency Operations
Most major banks allow currency operations and transfers for Russian citizens, although interbank transfers and foreign exchange transactions may incur additional fees.
What Documents Do Russian Citizens Need to Open a Bank Account in Belarus?
There is a general procedure for opening bank accounts for individuals in Belarus that applies to both residents and non-residents. This procedure is regulated by Belarusian law. However, each bank may establish its own specific requirements for non-residents. Therefore, let’s take a look at the standard process.
Required Documents
To open a bank account in Belarus, a non-resident individual must provide:
- An application form to open a bank account;
- A valid identity document (typically a Russian passport).
This document is required when opening an account in person, which is usually the case for non-residents. Belarusian banks generally require personal presence for account opening.
Account Opening Procedure for Russian Citizens
As of 2025, Russian citizens can open a bank account in Belarus primarily by visiting a bank branch in person. Remote (online) account opening is limited and typically available only to existing clients who have previously undergone in-person identity verification.
Opening an account fully online from scratch is not possible for Russian citizens in 2025. Even if a bank offers the option to submit an online application, it usually serves as a preliminary expression of interest — the final registration must be completed in person at a branch.
The standard procedure includes several steps:
Step 1: Choose a Bank
First, select a bank. When choosing, consider:
- Whether the bank works with non-residents;
- Available types of foreign currency accounts;
- Branch locations in convenient areas;
- Account maintenance fees and commissions;
- Document requirements and processing times.
It’s advisable to check the bank’s official website or call ahead to confirm up-to-date requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
For Russian citizens as non-residents, the typical set of documents includes:
- Russian passport (internal or international);
- Migration card or registration (if applicable);
- A local (Belarusian) phone number is preferred;
- If necessary, proof of income or a letter stating the purpose of the account (e.g., for large transactions);
- In some cases, a bank-specific questionnaire must also be completed.
Step 3: Submit the Application and Verify Identity
At the bank branch, the client fills out a questionnaire, consents to personal data processing, and undergoes identity verification. Photo identification and additional checks against internal databases may be conducted.
When opening a foreign currency account, the bank may ask questions about the origin of funds, the purpose of the account, and expected transactions. This is a standard procedure in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
Step 4: Choose Account Currency
The client will typically be offered to open the account in one or more of the following currencies:
- Belarusian rubles (BYN);
- Russian rubles (RUB);
- US dollars (USD);
- Euros (EUR).
Note: Not all banks allow non-residents to open multi-currency accounts — in some cases, only a single-currency account may be available.
Step 5: Receive Your Card
After the account is opened, the client may request a payment card. Common options include:
- Visa Classic/Gold;
- Mastercard Standard/Gold.
Card issuance times vary by bank and typically range from 2 to 10 business days. Some banks may issue an instant (non-personalized) card for temporary use until the main card is ready.
Additionally, clients gain access to online banking, a mobile app, and optionally a virtual card. These services are available upon request and may carry additional fees.
Opening a bank account in Belarus as a Russian citizen is not overly complicated but does require attention to detail and compliance with formal procedures. The more complete and accurate your documentation, the smoother the process. If you are unsure or encounter difficulties, it’s advisable to seek legal assistance or consult a financial advisor familiar with Belarusian banking regulations.
Types of Accounts and Cards
Citizens of the Russian Federation who open a bank account in Belarus have a choice among several types of accounts and bank cards. The options depend on the specific bank, but the general practice as of 2025 is fairly uniform.
Available Account Currencies
When opening an account, Russian citizens are usually offered the following currency options:
- Belarusian Ruble (BYN) — used for domestic transactions, payment for goods and services, as well as receiving salaries or pensions.
- Russian Ruble (RUB) — relevant for those who regularly transfer funds from Russia or pay for Russian services.
- US Dollar (USD) — suitable for savings, international transfers, or payments in dollars.
- Euro (EUR) — used for payments within the European Union, convenient for travel or working with European partners.
Not all banks allow opening multi-currency accounts. Some financial institutions require opening separate accounts for each currency. It is also important to note that in some cases, non-residents may not have access to all currencies — for example, some banks restrict operations with the Russian ruble due to sanctions risks or internal policies.
Plastic and Virtual Cards
After opening an account, clients can apply for a payment card. Belarusian banks offer the following options:
- Plastic Cards
This traditional format is suitable for everyday transactions: cash withdrawals, in-store payments, and online purchases. Available types:
- Visa Classic / Visa Gold
- Mastercard Standard / Mastercard Gold
- Belkart
Cards are issued based on the opened account and are typically delivered within 3–10 business days. Some banks offer instant cards, which are issued immediately upon account opening but do not have the client’s name on them.
- Virtual Cards
Primarily intended for online payments. These are issued quickly and do not require a physical card. Often available immediately in the mobile app after account activation.
Virtual cards are convenient for those who do not plan to use cash and prefer cashless payments. However, when traveling within Belarus, a plastic card remains a more versatile tool.
Fees and Restrictions
When opening a bank account in Belarus, Russian citizens should consider not only the available services but also financial terms: fees, charges for specific operations, and legal restrictions that non-residents may face. This is especially important regarding currency operations, remote transfers, and card usage outside Belarus.
Fees
- Card Issuance and Maintenance
Most Belarusian banks charge fees for card issuance and regular maintenance. Approximate conditions:
Card issuance: from 5 to 20 BYN (sometimes free when connected to certain tariffs).
Card maintenance:
- Standard cards (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) — 2–5 BYN per month.
- Gold cards — from 5 to 15 BYN per month.
- Virtual cards — usually cheaper or included in the internet banking package.
- Cash Withdrawals
- At ATMs of the issuing bank — usually no commission.
- At ATMs of other banks — commission of 1–3% of the amount.
- At bank branches — additional fees may apply for large cash withdrawals or foreign currency.
- Transfers
Domestic — transfers between accounts in Belarusian rubles are often free.
International transfers (to Russia, Europe, SWIFT accounts):
- commission — from 0.5% to 1.5% of the amount.
- minimum fee — about 10–20 USD/EUR equivalent.
Restrictions may apply to payment purposes (e.g., transfers “to a private individual’s card” may not be allowed without a supporting contract or invoice).
Transfers to Russian bank cards may be unavailable or subject to higher fees due to sanctions risks.
- Currency Conversion
Performed at the bank’s internal exchange rate. This rate may significantly differ from the official rate of the National Bank of Belarus, especially when transferring between “sanctioned” currencies. Conversion fees may be included in the exchange rate and not stated separately.
Restrictions for Non-Residents
- Availability of Multicurrency Products
Some banks do not offer multicurrency accounts or cards to non-residents. This means a Russian citizen may be able to open an account only in one currency — for example, BYN or USD. If the client needs to operate in different currencies, they will have to open separate accounts and order cards for each currency, which increases maintenance costs. - Operational Restrictions
Banks may set limits on:
- The amount of cash transactions.
- The number of incoming and outgoing transfers.
- The maximum balance on the account.
There may also be restrictions on using mobile banking or internet banking from foreign IP addresses — especially when managing the account from outside Belarus or Russia.
Sanctions Risks
Since 2022, certain precautionary measures related to sanctions have been in effect in the Belarusian banking sector:
- Some banks do not service individuals subject to sanctions, including Russian citizens with business or political activity considered suspicious by partners.
- Transfers to accounts in Russian banks under SWIFT restrictions may be refused.
- Banks may require confirmation of the transfer purpose and documents proving the source of funds — especially for large amounts.
It is important to understand that these restrictions are imposed not by the state but by banks as part of their internal compliance policies to avoid risking correspondent relationships with foreign banks.
Currency Control and Reporting
When opening a bank account in Belarus, a Russian citizen obtains the right to freely manage their funds, including performing currency operations, making transfers abroad, and receiving incoming payments from abroad. However, the provisions of the currency legislation of the Republic of Belarus and the specifics of banking supervision must be taken into account, especially for non-residents.
Rights Regarding Currency Transfers
As of 2025, Belarusian currency legislation remains relatively liberal toward individuals — both residents and non-residents:
- Non-residents have the right to open accounts in Belarusian banks in any available currency — BYN, USD, EUR, RUB.
- Transfers abroad and incoming international transfers are permitted without restrictions unless the transaction appears suspicious or prohibited under anti-money laundering laws. However, in practice, a Belarusian bank may send money abroad, but a foreign bank may not always be able to receive the transfer due to sanctions. Therefore, it is recommended to consult experienced lawyers specializing in international payments.
- Accounts may receive transfers from both individuals and legal entities.
- Currency transfers by non-residents abroad do not require contract registration or special permits for individuals, provided the transfers are not related to entrepreneurial activity.
In other words, a Russian citizen can legally transfer funds to foreign accounts, pay for purchases abroad, and receive transfers from relatives, employers, or business partners. Exceptions include transfers exceeding anti-money laundering limits or those lacking sufficient information about the payment purpose.
Banking Secrecy
All Belarusian banks are required to maintain banking secrecy concerning their clients, including non-residents. This means information about account existence, balances, transactions, and other operations cannot be disclosed without the client’s consent, except in cases explicitly provided by law.
Banks may disclose information to third parties only on certain grounds, for example:
- Upon request by state authorities — the State Control Committee, Investigative Committee, Prosecutor’s Office, courts, or tax authorities of the Republic of Belarus.
- Under international tax transparency agreements — for example, in data exchanges between tax authorities (under agreements with Russia and the EAEU).
- By court order or based on enforcement documents — for example, in cases of debt collection.
At the same time, the bank is obliged to notify the client about the information disclosure, except in cases where the law expressly prohibits notification (e.g., during a criminal investigation).
Disclosure of information to foreign states and their authorities is strictly carried out within the framework of intergovernmental agreements and only through official channels — direct requests from foreign banks or private entities are not fulfilled.
Transaction Monitoring
Belarusian banks are required to conduct internal compliance control, which includes:
- Identification of the client and beneficial owner.
- Monitoring transactions that do not correspond to the client’s profile (e.g., sudden spikes in activity, unusual transfers).
- Requesting documents for suspicious transactions — the bank may require proof of the source of funds, contracts, invoices, or other documents.
If a bank considers a transaction suspicious, it will:
- Temporarily suspend the transaction.
- Request additional information.
- Refuse to execute the transaction.
- Report the case to the Financial Monitoring Department of the State Control Committee (the Belarusian equivalent of Rosfinmonitoring).
This does not mean automatic account blocking but requires careful documentation for all large or regular transfers, especially those involving Russia, the EU, the USA, or other sensitive jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Opening a bank account in Belarus for a Russian citizen is a real and relatively straightforward procedure. With a personal visit and a basic document package (passport and migration card), an account can be opened during one visit to the bank. Russian citizens have access to both Belarusian ruble and foreign currency accounts, a wide selection of physical and virtual cards, as well as convenient tools for remote account management.
At the same time, it is important to familiarize yourself in advance with tariffs, possible restrictions for non-residents, currency control rules, and specifics of banking reporting. Given the current international sanctions and increased internal compliance measures in banks, it is especially important to properly fill in payment details, understand risks, and be prepared for additional checks by financial institutions.
If you want to open an account quickly, securely, and without unnecessary bureaucracy, our experienced lawyers will assist you through the entire process — from choosing a bank to obtaining cards and setting up remote banking services. We provide full support, explain all nuances of Belarusian legislation, and handle communication with banks on your behalf.
How to contact us
For more information or consultation on matters related to opening a bank account as a Russian citizen in Belarus, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and support you.
Phone and email communication options are available for your convenience:
- +375293664477 (WhatsApp/Telegram/Viber);
- info@spex.by.
