What is an IIN and Why is it Needed?
What is an IIN and Why is it Needed?
An Individual Identification Number (IIN) is a unique 12-digit code assigned to every individual in Kazakhstan. It is required for government registration, financial transactions, document processing, and interactions with tax authorities.
Where is the IIN Used?
The IIN is mandatory for the following actions:
Opening a bank account. An IIN is required to open an account in a Kazakhstani bank, obtain payment cards, or access credit products.
Business registration. To establish a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or register as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE), an IIN is a necessary requirement.
Employment. Official employment requires an IIN, as it is used for tax calculations and pension contributions.
Tax payments and fees. The IIN is used to identify taxpayers and properly account for paid taxes.
Purchasing real estate and vehicles. Ownership of property or a vehicle cannot be registered without an IIN.
Signing contracts and transactions. The IIN must be included in official documents for the execution of purchase agreements, rental contracts, and other legal transactions.
Important! Foreign citizens planning long-term residence, employment, or business activities in Kazakhstan must obtain an IIN. Without it, conducting financial operations and performing legally significant actions is not possible.
Who Must Obtain an IIN in Kazakhstan?
Both Kazakhstani citizens and foreign nationals must obtain an Individual Identification Number (IIN) if they plan to conduct activities or stay in the country legally.
The IIN is mandatory for the following categories of individuals:
Kazakhstani citizens. An IIN is assigned to every citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan at birth and is used throughout their lifetime.
Foreign nationals working in Kazakhstan. Official employment requires an IIN for tax calculations and pension contributions.
Foreigners conducting business in Kazakhstan. Registering a company or an individual entrepreneur is impossible without obtaining an IIN.
Foreigners purchasing real estate or a vehicle. Property ownership registration in Kazakhstan requires an IIN.
Foreign nationals opening bank accounts and conducting financial transactions. Without an IIN, it is impossible to open a bank account, apply for a loan, or transfer money through local financial institutions.
Foreigners with tax and fee obligations. This includes residents earning income in Kazakhstan who are required to report to the tax authorities.
If a foreign national does not have an IIN, they may face restrictions in business operations, employment, and financial transactions in Kazakhstan. Therefore, obtaining an IIN is one of the first steps when planning a long-term stay in the country.
How to Obtain an IIN in Kazakhstan: Documents and Procedure
Where to Apply?
An IIN can be obtained at the State Corporation “Government for Citizens” (Public Service Center, ЦОН) or online through the tax committee services of Kazakhstan.
Required Documents
Foreign nationals must provide the following documents to obtain an IIN:
- Application form (completed at the Public Service Center or online);
- Copy of passport with a notarized translation into Kazakh or Russian;
- Document confirming the basis for staying in Kazakhstan (visa, residence permit, temporary residence permit – if required);
- Power of attorney, if documents are submitted by a representative.
Procedure for Obtaining an IIN
- Submitting an application – choose between visiting a Public Service Center (ЦОН) in person or applying online.
- Document verification and submission – service center staff check the accuracy of the application and accept the documents.
- Registration in the tax database – the applicant’s information is entered into the state taxpayer registry.
- Receiving the IIN – processing usually takes between 1 and 5 business days.
Once issued, the IIN can be immediately used for registration with banks, tax authorities, and other government institutions in Kazakhstan.