Official Name: Kazakhstan
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Kazakhstan
Situated in the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is a land of great historical, cultural, and economic significance. Spanning vast landscapes and bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, this nation has a rich tapestry of history that has shaped its diverse culture, booming economy, and political landscape.
Kazakhstan’s history can be traced back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era. It was a pivotal part of the ancient Silk Road, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between East and West. The region saw the rise and fall of various empires, including the Mongols, Turkic tribes, and Russian colonial rule. In 1991, Kazakhstan declared its independence from the Soviet Union, marking a new era for the country.
The culture of Kazakhstan is a vibrant blend of Turkic, Persian, and Russian influences. The Kazakh people, the largest ethnic group, take pride in their nomadic heritage and traditional customs. The country celebrates various cultural events, such as Nauryz Meyrami (New Year’s festival), which reflects the Kazakh people’s close connection to nature, hospitality, and traditional arts like music, dance, and craftsmanship.
Kazakhstan’s economy has witnessed significant growth since independence. Rich in natural resources, it is the world’s largest producer of uranium and has substantial reserves of oil, gas, coal, and metals. The government has focused on diversifying the economy by promoting sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The country’s strategic location has made it an important player in regional and global trade, with investments in infrastructure, such as the Khorgos Gateway, facilitating trade routes between China and Europe.
In the political arena, Kazakhstan has transitioned from its Soviet past towards a multi-party system. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the country’s first president, led the nation for almost three decades before retiring in 2019. Since then, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has assumed the presidency, continuing the path of political stability and economic development. Kazakhstan has pursued a balanced foreign policy, maintaining good relations with neighboring countries and actively engaging in regional organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
When it comes to trade, Kazakhstan boasts a range of export products that contribute to its economic growth. Its main exports include oil, gas, metals (such as copper, zinc, and uranium), agricultural products (such as wheat, barley, and meat), and textiles. The country’s export markets span across Europe, Russia, China, and other Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan has also made significant efforts to develop its high-tech industries, aiming to become a regional hub for technology and innovation.
In terms of imports, Kazakhstan relies on a diverse range of products to meet domestic demand. These include machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, consumer goods, and food products. Imports mainly come from Russia, China, Germany, the United States, and Turkey. The government has implemented policies to promote domestic industries, reduce dependency on imports, and encourage foreign investment.
Types of Companies in Kazakhstan
Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest form of business, owned and operated by a single individual. The owner is personally responsible for the company’s debts and obligations.
Partnership: A partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals come together to share ownership and responsibilities. There are two main types of partnerships: general partnerships (where partners share equal responsibility and liability) and limited partnerships (where there are general partners and limited partners with limited liability).
Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC is a popular business structure in Kazakhstan. It provides limited liability protection to its owners (referred to as members), meaning their personal assets are generally not at risk. LLCs require a minimum of one member, and there are relatively fewer formalities compared to other types of companies.
Joint-Stock Company (JSC): A JSC is a company whose capital is divided into shares. It can be publicly traded or privately held. JSCs are subject to more stringent regulations and are typically suitable for larger-scale businesses or those planning to raise capital through public offerings.
Branch or Representative Office: Foreign companies can establish a branch or representative office in Kazakhstan to conduct business activities. A branch functions as an extension of the foreign company, while a representative office engages in market research, promotion, and other non-commercial activities on behalf of the parent company.
Subsidiary: A subsidiary is a company that is wholly or partially owned by another company, referred to as the parent company. It operates as a separate legal entity and can engage in various business activities.
Production Cooperative: This type of company is formed by individuals or legal entities who pool their resources and efforts to engage in cooperative production and distribution of goods or services.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP): PPPs involve collaboration between the government and private companies to develop and operate public infrastructure projects. These partnerships aim to leverage private sector expertise and investment to improve public services.
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO): NGOs are non-profit organizations that operate independently of the government. They are typically involved in social, humanitarian, environmental, or advocacy activities.
Free Economic Zone (FEZ) Company: Kazakhstan has established several free economic zones to attract foreign investment. Companies operating within these zones benefit from tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and other advantages.
Common questions
What are the steps involved in registering a company in Kazakhstan?
The steps typically include preparing necessary documents, notarizing them, opening a bank account, obtaining a company seal, registering with tax authorities, and obtaining a business license.
What are the types of companies that can be registered in Kazakhstan?
The common types of companies include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and joint-stock companies (JSCs).
What is the minimum capital requirement for company registration in Kazakhstan?
The minimum capital requirement varies depending on the type of company. For example, an LLC requires a minimum capital of 100 times the monthly calculation index (MCI).
Can foreigners register a company in Kazakhstan?
Yes, foreigners can register a company in Kazakhstan. However, there may be restrictions in certain sectors and industries.
What documents are required for company registration?
The documents typically include a notarized application, charter documents, identification documents of founders/shareholders, proof of address, and bank references.
How long does the company registration process take?
The registration process usually takes around 10-15 working days, but it can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Can I register a company online in Kazakhstan?
Yes, it is possible to register a company online through the Electronic Government portal (egov.kz).
Do I need a local address to register a company?
Yes, a local address is required for company registration in Kazakhstan. This can be a leased office or a virtual office.
Are there any restrictions on company names?
Yes, company names must be unique, not misleading, and comply with Kazakh language requirements.
Can I have 100% foreign ownership in a company?
In most sectors, 100% foreign ownership is allowed. However, there are some restrictions in specific industries.
“Our team can provide assistance if you need help registering a company in Kazakhstan”
Do I need to have a local partner or shareholder?
No, there is no mandatory requirement for a local partner or shareholder in most sectors.
What taxes do I need to pay as a registered company in Kazakhstan?
Companies in Kazakhstan are subject to various taxes, including corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), social tax, and personal income tax.
How often do I need to file tax returns?
Companies are required to file tax returns on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, depending on the tax type.
Do I need to hire an accountant or a local representative?
It is advisable to hire an accountant familiar with Kazakh tax laws. While a local representative is not mandatory, it can help with local business operations.
Can I register a company with only one shareholder?
Yes, it is possible to register a company with a single shareholder in Kazakhstan.
What are the costs associated with company registration?
The costs include registration fees, notary fees, legal fees, and other administrative expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors.
Do I need to provide financial statements during registration?
Generally, financial statements are not required during the initial registration process. However, they may be required for tax purposes later on.
Can I register a company remotely without visiting Kazakhstan?
It is possible to register a company remotely, but certain steps may require a physical presence or the assistance of a local representative.
Are there any industry-specific licenses or permits required?
Yes, certain industries, such as banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications, require additional licenses or permits.
Can I register a company with multiple business activities?
Yes, a company can engage in multiple business activities under a single registration.
Is it possible to change the company’s legal address after registration?
Yes, the company’s legal address can be changed after registration by following the necessary procedures.
“Our team can provide assistance if you need help registering a company in Kazakhstan”
What is the role of a notary in the registration process?
A notary plays a crucial role in notarizing and certifying important documents required for company registration.
Can I register a company with a foreign currency bank account?
Yes, it is possible to have a foreign currency bank account for your company.
Do I need to register for social security contributions?
Yes, companies must register their employees for social security contributions.
Are there any specific requirements for hiring employees in Kazakhstan?
Employers must comply with labor laws, including employment contracts, minimum wage regulations, working hour restrictions, and social benefits.
Can I employ foreigners in my company?
Yes, companies can employ foreigners in Kazakhstan, but they must obtain work permits and comply with immigration laws.
Can I register a company with a virtual office address?
Yes, it is possible to use a virtual office address for company registration, provided it is recognized by the authorities.
Can I change the company’s legal form after registration?
Yes, it is possible to change the legal form of a company after registration by following the prescribed procedures.
Can I register a company as a non-resident of Kazakhstan?
Yes, non-residents can register a company in Kazakhstan. However, certain additional requirements may apply.
What is the role of the Ministry of Justice in the registration process?
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for the overall supervision and regulation of company registration in Kazakhstan.
Can I register a company in a special economic zone?
Yes, Kazakhstan has several special economic zones offering various incentives and benefits for companies operating within their boundaries.
Are there any restrictions on foreign investment in specific sectors?
Yes, certain strategic sectors, such as defense, national security, and natural resources, may have restrictions on foreign investment.
Can I register a company with a foreign director?
Yes, it is possible to have a foreign director in a registered company in Kazakhstan.
“Our team can provide assistance if you need help registering a company in Kazakhstan”
Can I open a bank account before company registration?
Generally, banks require company registration documents before opening a corporate bank account. However, some banks may offer temporary accounts for the registration process.
Are there any incentives or tax benefits for registered companies in Kazakhstan?
Yes, Kazakhstan provides various incentives and tax benefits to attract foreign investment and promote economic development.
Can I register a non-profit organization in Kazakhstan?
Yes, it is possible to register non-profit organizations, such as foundations or associations, in Kazakhstan.
Can I register a foreign branch office in Kazakhstan?
Yes, foreign companies can register branch offices in Kazakhstan. This requires specific documentation and compliance with local regulations.
What are the reporting requirements for registered companies?
Registered companies are required to submit annual financial statements, tax returns, and other reports as per the regulations of the Tax Committee and other relevant authorities.
Can I register a company with foreign founders only?
Yes, it is possible to register a company in Kazakhstan with foreign founders only.
Do I need a local director or manager for my registered company?
There is no mandatory requirement for a local director or manager, but it may be beneficial to have someone familiar with the local business environment.
Can I register a company with a foreign trade name?
Yes, it is possible to register a company with a foreign trade name. However, the name must comply with the requirements of the Kazakh language.
Can I register a company with a foreign legal advisor?
Foreign legal advisors can assist in the company registration process, but it is advisable to consult with a local legal advisor for compliance with Kazakh laws.
Can I register a company with a virtual shareholder?
Yes, it is possible to have a virtual shareholder in a registered company in Kazakhstan, as long as all legal requirements are met.
Can I register a company with a different business address than the legal address?
Yes, it is possible to have a separate business address, such as a commercial or operational office, different from the legal address of the company.
Can I register a company with multiple founders?
Yes, a company can be registered with multiple founders or shareholders, and their shares can be allocated accordingly.
Are there any annual compliance requirements for registered companies?
Yes, registered companies have annual compliance requirements, including filing annual financial statements, renewing business licenses, and updating registration records.
Can I register a company with a foreign corporate secretary?
While it is not mandatory to have a corporate secretary, a foreign corporate secretary may be appointed as per the company’s needs.
Can I register a company with a foreign auditor?
Registered companies can appoint a foreign auditor, but the auditor must meet the qualification requirements set by the authorized auditing body in Kazakhstan.
Can I register a company with a foreign legal address?
Generally, the legal address of a registered company should be in Kazakhstan. However, there may be specific circumstances where exceptions are possible.
Are there any restrictions on company registration for certain nationalities?
In general, there are no specific restrictions on company registration based on nationality. However, compliance with immigration laws and other regulations is necessary for foreign nationals.
“Our team can provide assistance if you need help registering a company in Kazakhstan”
Major Banks in Kazakhstan
- JSC Halyk Bank Kazakhstan – https://www.halykbank.kz/en
- JSC Kazkommertsbank (Qazkom) – https://www.qazkom.kz/en
- JSC Kaspi Bank – https://www.kaspibank.kz/en
- JSC Bank CenterCredit – https://www.bcc.kz/en
- JSC Bank TuranAlem (BankCenterCredit) – https://www.bta.kz/en
- JSC Bank RBK – https://www.rbk.kz/en
- JSC Eurasian Bank – https://www.eubank.kz/en
- JSC Bank Astana Finance – https://www.astanafinance.kz/en
- JSC Tengri Bank – https://tengribank.kz/en
- JSC ForteBank – https://forte.bank/en
- JSC Bank RBK – https://www.rbk.kz/en
- JSC Bank Kassa Nova – http://kassanova.kz/en
- JSC Bank PNB Kazakhstan – http://www.pnb.kz/en
- JSC Sberbank Kazakhstan – https://www.sberbank.kz/en
- JSC Bank VTB (Kazakhstan) – https://www.vtb.kz/en
The top universities in Kazakhstan
Nazarbayev University
QS Ranking: 336
Website: https://nu.edu.kz/
Location: Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Major Courses: Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Humanities
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
QS Ranking: 383
Website: https://www.kaznu.kz/en/
Location: Almaty
Major Courses: Natural Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, and Social Sciences
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
QS Ranking: 801-1000
Website: https://www.enu.kz/
Location: Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Major Courses: Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics, and International Relations
Kazakh-British Technical University
QS Ranking: 801-1000
Website: https://www.kbtu.kz/
Location: Almaty
Major Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, and Business
Karaganda State Technical University
QS Ranking: 801-1000
Website: https://www.kstu.kz/en/
Location: Karaganda
Major Courses: Engineering, Metallurgy, and Mining
Satbayev University
QS Ranking: 1001+
Website: https://satbayev.university/en/
Location: Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Major Courses: Engineering, Geology, and Petroleum Studies
Kazakh National Agrarian University
QS Ranking: 1001+
Website: https://www.kaznau.kz/en/
Location: Almaty
Major Courses: Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, and Biology
South Kazakhstan State University
QS Ranking: 1001+
Website: http://www.ukgu.kz/en/
Location: Shymkent
Major Courses: Education, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences
Eurasian Institute of Humanities
QS Ranking: Not ranked
Website: https://eurazir.com/
Location: Astana
Major Courses: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Administration
Astana Medical University
QS Ranking: Not ranked
Website: https://amuh.kz/en/
Location: Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Major Courses: Medicine and Healthcare Sciences
“If you need assistance registering for college or university, our team is here to help.”
Strange or unusual to visitors in Kazakhstan
Hospitality and generosity: Kazakh people are known for their warm hospitality and generosity towards guests. Visitors may find themselves being offered food, drinks, and gifts even in casual settings. This level of hospitality may be surprising to some, but it reflects the Kazakh culture of treating guests with utmost respect and care.
“Tips for Newcomers: Adjusting to Life in Kazakhstan”
Horse meat cuisine: Kazakh cuisine includes dishes made from horse meat, such as kazy (horse sausage) and beshbarmak (boiled horse meat with noodles). For visitors unfamiliar with consuming horse meat, this may seem unusual.
Yurts: Traditional nomadic dwellings called yurts are still used in certain regions of Kazakhstan. Staying in a yurt and experiencing the nomadic lifestyle may be unfamiliar to some visitors.
Milk-based beverages: Kazakhstan has a strong tradition of dairy products, including kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and shubat (fermented camel’s milk). These beverages may have a sour taste and may take some getting used to for visitors.
Greeting customs: Kazakhs have specific greeting customs, such as a firm handshake with direct eye contact. It is also common to greet each other by saying “Salamatsyz ba?” (Are you healthy?) instead of a simple “Hello.”
Tea-drinking culture: Tea is an integral part of Kazakh culture, and it is customary to serve tea to guests. Kazakh tea is typically strong and served with milk and sugar. It is common for hosts to continuously refill guests’ tea cups, and it may be considered impolite to refuse.
Eagle hunting: In certain regions of Kazakhstan, particularly in the Altai Mountains, eagle hunting is a traditional sport. Visitors may find it fascinating, yet unusual, to witness skilled hunters using trained eagles for hunting purposes.
Kazakh language: While Russian is widely spoken in Kazakhstan, the Kazakh language may be unfamiliar to visitors. The Kazakh language has a unique alphabet and pronunciation, which can make it challenging for non-speakers to understand and communicate.
Toasting culture: Kazakhs have a strong toasting culture during meals and celebrations. It is customary to make toasts and clink glasses with each person at the table. Visitors may find themselves engaged in numerous toasts throughout their time in Kazakhstan.
Baursaks: Baursaks are deep-fried dough snacks shaped like small triangles or circles. They are a popular traditional food in Kazakhstan and are often served with tea. The concept of eating fried dough as a snack might be unusual for some visitors.
Hospitality and generosity: Kazakh people are known for their warm hospitality and generosity towards guests. Visitors may find themselves being offered food, drinks, and gifts even in casual settings. This level of hospitality may be surprising to some, but it reflects the Kazakh culture of treating guests with utmost respect and care.
Top recruitment agencies in Kazakhstan
- HeadHunter Kazakhstan: https://www.hh.kz/
- Staff Service: https://www.staffservice.kz/
- GRBS: https://www.grbs.kz/
- HCM Group: https://hcm.kz/
- HR-Consulting: http://www.hr-consulting.kz/
- Grafton Recruitment Kazakhstan: https://www.grafton.kz/
- Optima Personnel: https://www.optima.kz/
- Alpina HR Services: https://www.alpinahrservices.kz/
- Euromedical Personnel: https://euromed.kz/
- HR & Recruitment Solutions: http://hr-recruitment.kz/
Necessary phone numbers in Kazakhstan
Emergency Services
General Emergency: 112
Ambulance: 103
Police: 102
Fire Department: 101
Medical Services
Helpline of the Ministry of Health: 1406
Mental Health Helpline: 1409
Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1407
Public Services
Astana City Hotline: 150
Almaty City Hotline: 151
Nur-Sultan (Astana) City Administration: +7 7172 55 11 50
Almaty City Administration: +7 727 271 26 46
Transport Services
Road Assistance (Amanat): 121
Railway Information: 1331
Almaty International Airport: +7 727 270 33 33
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (Astana): +7 7172 777 777
Embassy and Consulate Numbers
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hotline: +7 7172 72 05 90
U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan: +7 7172 70 21 00
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Kazakhstan: +7 7172 556200
Embassy of Canada in Kazakhstan: +7 7172 475 577
Embassy of Australia in Kazakhstan: +7 7172 97 22 00
Embassy of Germany in Kazakhstan: +7 7172 69 44 00
Embassy of France in Kazakhstan: +7 7172 97 14 00
The best way to immigrate to Kazakhstan
Refugee and humanitarian programs: If you are fleeing persecution, conflict, or other humanitarian situations, you may be eligible to apply for refugee or asylum status in Kazakhstan. These cases are assessed on an individual basis.
