Opening a Bank Account in Belarus as a Foreigner

Basic Requirements

Passport: A valid passport is sufficient.
Local address: You must provide a Belarusian address, often requiring temporary registration with the immigration office (also available online).
Belarusian phone number: Required for contact and banking security.
Registration receipt: Proof of address registration from the immigration office is needed.

Opening Procedure

In-branch: You usually need to visit the bank in person to finalize the process.
Personal assistance: Staff will explain account types, available cards, and fees. Our website lists addresses and links to major Belarusian banks.
Updated information: Always check the latest details in-branch or via official websites. Many banks have English sections online and staff with basic English.

Account Features for Foreigners

Dedicated accounts: Current accounts and debit cards are available for non-residents with specific terms and fees.
Multi-currency: Accounts in BYN, USD, EUR, and RUB are available, with easy currency exchange.
Debit cards: Many cards can also be used abroad.

Receiving and Sending Funds

International transfers: Available via SWIFT/IBAN, allowing transfers in various currencies to and from foreign banks.
Alternative systems: Besides SWIFT, Belarus uses Russia’s SPFS, China’s UnionPay, and the CIPS system for RMB transactions.
BRICS system: A new BRICS payment network is expected soon, which may also extend to Belarus.
Cryptocurrencies: Local exchanges allow direct transfers of crypto to accounts or cards.
Cash: You can bring cash into Belarus, but always declare any amount at customs (even below €10,000/USD 10,000) to ease future proof.

Indicative Costs (may vary by bank)

Account opening: Free to 15–25 BYN (€5–10).
Monthly debit card fee for non-residents: 3–5 BYN (€1–2), premium cards: 6–10 BYN (€2–4).
ATM withdrawals (partner banks): 0–2%.
Multi-currency account management: From 2 BYN/month (~€0.70).
Foreign currency transfers: 0.2–0.5% of the amount (min. 10–20 BYN).
Currency exchange: Spread usually 1–3% over official rates.

These values are indicative and can vary. Always confirm updated details directly with the bank. Our website provides useful links and contacts for banks in Belarus.

Card Networks Available

Visa: Widely used, accepted abroad.
Mastercard: Also widely accepted internationally.
Mir: Russian national network, useful in Belarus and Russia, increasingly integrated locally.
UnionPay: Chinese network, accepted in many Asian countries and expanding in Europe.

Depending on the bank and customer profile, both debit and credit cards can be issued across these networks.

Summary

Opening a bank account in Belarus as a foreigner is quick and straightforward. Registration and required documents are the only steps. Costs and services are competitive, with flexibility for currencies, transfers, and technology.

Major Banks in Belarus

Here is a list of the main banks in Belarus where foreigners can open a current account. Opening hours may vary by branch.

Major banks in Belarus
Bank Name	Main Address	Website	Phone
Belarusbank	18 Dzerzhinski Ave., Minsk, 220089	belarusbank.by	+375 17 2188431
Belinvestbank	29 Masherov Ave., Minsk, 220002	belinvestbank.by	+375 17 2390239
Priorbank	31-A V. Khoruzhey St., Minsk, 220002	priorbank.by	+375 17 2899090
Belgazprombank	60/2 Pritytskiy St., Minsk, 220121	belgazprombank.by	+375 17 2291661
BPS-Sberbank	6 Mulyavin Boulevard, Minsk, 220005	bps-sberbank.by	+375 29 5148148
Alfa-Bank	43 Surganova St., apt. 47, Minsk, 220013	alfa-bank.by	+375 17 2001700
MTBank	10 Tolstogo St., Minsk, 220007	mtbank.by	+375 17 2299900
Belagroprombank	3 Zukhova Ave, Minsk, 220036	belapb.by	+375 17 2291661

* Standard opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00–18:00, but may vary between branches.