Investor's Guide - Invest In Kazakhstan

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF KAZAKHSTAN ...................................................2 

Geographic location ..........................................................................................................................................2 

Some statistical indicators ...............................................................................................................................4 

Kazakhstan’s position in international ratings ..................................................................................................5 

Minerals ........................................................................................................................................................12 

Stable political situation and reforms ........................................................................................................13 

Access to markets .........................................................................................................................................14 

Infrastructure under construction.....................................................................................................................18 

HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT PROTECT INVESTORS ....................................20 

Guarantees of the protection of investor's rights ............................................................................................21 

Agreements on mutual protection and investment incentives ........................................................................22 

Foreign Investors Council ...............................................................................................................................23 

How Does the Government Support Investors ..............................................................................................24 

Investment preferences ................................................................................................................................24 

Special Economic Zones ...............................................................................................................................25 

Public Private Partnership ..............................................................................................................................26 

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTES ................................29 

WHAT ARE THE PRIORITY SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY AND WHAT ARE THEIR CONDITIONS ..32 

Oil refining and development of infrastructure in oil & gas sector .............................................................33 

Mining and metallurgical industry .................................................................................................................36 

Chemical industry ..........................................................................................................................................40 

Nuclear industry ............................................................................................................................................44 

Engineering industry ......................................................................................................................................46 

Pharmaceutical industry ................................................................................................................................52 

Light Industry ................................................................................................................................................54 

Agro-industrial complex ...................................................................................................................................56 

Construction industry and production of building materials .......................................................................59 

Tourism industry in Kazakhstan .....................................................................................................................62 

HOW TO GET TO KAZAKHSTAN ..................................................................66 

How to get a Visa ........................................................................................................................................68 

Procedure for Visa support ..............................................................................................................................73 

Categories of Visa for investors .....................................................................................................................74 

Registration of Foreign Citizens .....................................................................................................................76 

HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN KAZAKHSTAN ..............................................80 

Forms of legal entity for foreign business ...................................................................................................82 

Registration of enterprises ..............................................................................................................................83 

Obtaining a license ..........................................................................................................................................87 

Conditions of employment for foreigners ......................................................................................................88 

Customs tariffs ...............................................................................................................................................90 

Tax system ......................................................................................................................................................92 

PRINCIPAL CONTACTS FOR INVESTORS .......................................................94 

The Committee on Investments of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies ......................................94 

National Agency for Export and Investment “KAZNEX INVEST” ........................................................................95 

CONTENTS OF CD-ROM ..........................................................................96

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES 

OF KAZAKHSTAN 

Geographic location 

North Kazakhstan 

region 

West Kazakhstan 

region 

Kostanay 

region 

Akmola 

region 

Astana 

Pavlodar 

region 

East Kazakhstan 

region 

Atyrau region 

Aktobe 

region 

Karaganda 

region 

Almaty region 

Mangistau 

region 

Kyzylorda 

region 

South Kazakhstan 

region 

Zhambyl 

region 

Almaty 

2 

Region 

Eastern Europe and Central Asia 

Territory 

2,724,900 sq km 

(1,052,085 sq miles) 

Population 

16 316 050 

Languages 

Kazakh and Russian 

Income level 

Above average 

GNP 

Over 11,000 USD 

Currency 

Tenge (KZT) – KZT/USD 150,15; 

KZT/EUR 193,17 

Rates of exchange of the National Bank of the 

Republic of Kazakhstan as on September 27, 2012

STABLE 

AND FAST-GROWING 

MACROECONOMIC 

INDICATORS 

• GDP growth 7% (IMF 2011) 

• One of the lowest external debt to GDP 

ratios in the world : 11.4% (WEF 2012) 

• Budget balance: 1.5% (WEF 2012) 

• Inflation: 7.4% (2011 NBK) 

4 

• Rating in the most rating agencies went 

from stable to positive

Kazakhstan's GDP, $ bln 

200 

180 

160 

140 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

186,4 

146,5 

133,4 

115,3 

104,9 

81 

57,1 

43,2 

24,6 

30,8 

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 

Source: UNCTAD 

Kazakhstan's GDP per capita, $ 

12000 

11160 

10000 

8000 

8452 8514 

7257 

8902 

6000 

5292 

4000 

2000 

1658 

2068 

2874 

3771 

0 

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 

Source: UNCTAD 5

FDI inflows in RK for 1993-2011, $ mln. 

25000 

20000 

19760 

18453 19017 19580 

18144 

15000 

10000 

5000 

1271 

660 

984 

1674 

2107 

1233 

1852 

2781 

4557 

4106 

4624 

8317 

0 

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 

6619 

10624 

Source: UNCTAD 

8% 

4% 3% 2% 2% 2% 

26% 

Netherlands 

USA 

UK 

Switzerland 

France 

Canada 

Japan 

other countries 

16% 

Geographical 

distribution 

of investments 

in Kazakhstan as 

of December 31, 2011 

39% 

6

KAZAKHSTAN’S POSITION 

IN INTERNATIONAL 

RATINGS 

«Doing Business» rating 

Kazakhstan is one of 

the top 10 countries in 

«Investor Protection» 

71 

64 

RATING 

FOR «DOING 

BUSINESS» 

63 

58 

56 

47 

49 

47 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

8

Index of regulatory restrictions for FDI 

0,45 

0,40 

in OECD countries 

0,35 

0,30 

0,25 

0,20 

0,15 

0,10 

0,05 

0 

China 

Saudi Arabia 

Indonesia 

India 

Japan 

New Zealand 

Iceland 

Mexico 

Russia 

Canada 

Korea 

Kazakhstan 

Australia 

Israel 

Ukraine 

Poland 

Peru 

Austria 

USA 

Switzerland 

Brazil 

Turkey 

Norway 

Denmark 

Chile 

Morocco 

Latvia 

Egypt 

United Kingdom 

Ireland 

Sweden 

The Czech Republic 

South Africa 

10

Average for countries not belonging to OECD 

Average for countries belonging to OECD 

Italy 

Hungary 

The Slovak Republic 

France 

Lithuania 

Belgium 

Greece 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Germany 

Estonia 

Spain 

Finland 

Netherlands 

Romania 

Slovenia 

Portugal 

Luxembourg 

11

MINERALS 

Mineral and raw material base of Kazakhstan is made up 

of 5,004 deposits, the forecasted cost of which is about 46 

trillion USD. 

Out of 110 Elements 

of Mendeleev's Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements 

99 

indenified 

70 

proved 

60 

in use 

12

Access to the Market of Almost 3 Billion 

Potential Customers 

• 3 out of 4 BRICK countries are located at a distance of within a range of a 4-hours flight 

• Customs Union with Russia and Belarus with a market of 170 mln people and total GDP of 2 trln 

USD 

• Major transcontinental routes linking Asia-Pacific region with the Near and Middle East and Europe 

pass through Kazakhstan 

• Open economy (Trade 70% of GDP) 

• Great number of trade agreements signed 

ADVANTAGES 

OF CUSTOMS UNION 

for potential investors: 

• Single customs territory 

• Common customs regulations 

• Common customs code 

• Free movement of goods in customs space 

The Customs Union in RK has one of the most favored business environments. (According to the World 

Bank's Doing Business 2013 rating, Russian Federation and Belarus are on 112th and 58th places 

respectively whereas Kazakhstan ranks on 49th place). 

Europe 

Russia 


China 

13

INFRASTRUCTURE 

ROAD MAP OF 

REPUBLIC OF 

KAZAKHSTAN 

14


RAILWAY 

NETWORK 

MAP 

16


UNDER CONSTRUCTION 

Western Europe - Western China 

International Transit Corridor 

Extent in Kazakhstan – 2,787 km 

Extent of reconstruction segments in Kazakhstan – 2,309 km 

Total cost – $2.3 bln 

Commencement of work – 2007, 

Completion of work – 2012 

18

Along the "Western Europe - Western China" corridor, from port Lianyungang up to the borders with the 

European Union, travel time is about 10 days. 

• while using the sea corridor (Suez canal), travel time is about 45 days, 

• along the "Trans-Siberian" corridor - 14 days 

19

HOW 

DOES THE GOVERMENT 

PROTECT 

INVESTORS 

Guarantee the 

protection of 

rights of investors 

within the scope 

of legislation 

code of Republic 

of Kazakhstan on 

Investments 

• Guarantee protection 

of rights 

• Guarantee use of 

income 

• Guarantee rights 

of investors during 

nationalization and 

requisition 

Agreement on 

incentives and 

mutual protection 


• 45 bilateral and 

1 multilateral 

agreement were 

signed on incentives 

and mutual protection 


Foreign investors 

Council 

consultativeadvisory 

body 

• Direct dialogue with 

investors 

• Solution to issues, 

associated with 

investment activites 

• Formulates 

recommendations 

for implementating 

investment activity in 

Kazakhstan 

Council for improving 

the investment 

climate advisory 

body 

Consultative-advisory 

body 

• Formulate suggestions 

on creation of favorable 

investment climate, 

protection of rights and 

interests of investors 

and improvement of 

legal framework of the 

Republic of Kazakhstan, 

related to investment 

policy; 

• Formulate 

recommendations 

on implementing 

investment activity with 

the consideration of 

practices of countries 

the organizations of 

economic cooperation 

and development 

20

Guarantees for the protection 

of investor's’ rights 

Guarantees of the legal protection of investor's’ activities on the territory 

of the Republic of Kazakhstan 

An Investor is entitled to compensation for harm, caused to him due to the publication of acts by 

state agencies, which do not in comply with legislation and illegal actions (omissions) committed by 

authorized officials of these agencies. 

Kazakhstan guarantees the stability of terms and conditions of contracts, signed between the investors 

and state agencies. 

Guarantees for the use of incomes 

Investors shall have the discretion to use income, generated from their activities, aſter paying the taxes 

and other compulsory payments towards budget. 

Guarantees for the protection of the investor's’ rights during 

nationalization and requisition 

Forced seizure of investor's’ property (nationalization, requisition) for state needs is permitted in 

exceptional cases, foreseen by legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

During nationalization, losses, incurred by investors due to changes in legislation relating to acts of the 

Republic of Kazakhstan on nationalization, shall be reimbursed in full. 

Requisition of investor's’ property is done by paying him the market cost of the property. 

For complete information on Law "On Investments", refer to CD or website www.invest.gov.kz 

21

AGREEMENTS 

MUTUAL PROTECTION 

ON AND INVESTMENT INCENTIVES 

Below is a list of countries, with which Kazakhstan has signed Agreements for 

on the encouragement and mutual protection of investments: 

Multilateral agreement: 

Eurasian Economic Community 

22

Foreign Investors' Council (FIC) 

The Foreign Investors’ Council (FIC) chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a 

consultative-advisory body to the Head of the State 

Sessions of the Council are held once a year under the Chairmanship 

of the President. 

The Council features the following participants: 

from Kazakhstan side - heads of government bodies 

from foreign side - heads of international financial and economic organizations, major foreign 

companies and corporations, operating in Kazakhstan 

(Total, ConocoPhillips, Cameco, HSBC, Mitsubishi Corp., Shell, Chevron, ENRC, ArcelorMittal etc.) 

Address and contact details of association "Foreign Investors' Council of Kazakhstan": 

Astana, Kabanbay Batyr Ave., 6/1, "Kaskad" Business Center, 3rd Floor, Office 31/2. 

Tel: +7 7172 925550, Fax: + 7 7172 925553, 

E-mail: director@fic.kz, assistant@fic.kz 

23

HOW 

DOES 

THE GOVERMENT 

INVESTMENT PREFERENCES 

In accordance with the Law "On Investments", an investor may obtain: 

1. Exemption from paying custom duties while 

importing equipment, set-making and spare 

parts, raw materials and (or) materials, which 

are required for implementing an investment 

project; 

2. Government land grants: plots, buildings, 

structures, machinery and equipment, computers, 

measuring and control devices and facilities, 

transport facilities with the exception of LMV, 

production stock and furniture. 

Investment preferences are provided only in 

priority type of activities according to the list, 

which is approved by the Resolution of the 

Government of Republic of Kazakhstan No 436 

Dated 08.05.2003. 

SUPPORT 

INVESTORS 

3. Tax relief for a period of up to 7 yrs for 

strategic investment projects (land tax 0%, 

property tax 0%) 

4. Industrial benefits for strategic investment 

projects in regions with low level of socioeconomic 

development (reimbursement 

or payment of part of expenditure on gas, 

power, procurement of plots, procurement or 

construction of buildings, structures) 

For obtaining preferences, it is necessary to 

submit an application to the Committee on 

Investments of the Ministry for Industry and New 

Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan and 

enter into a contract with it. 

For induction into the list of strategic investment projects, investment project should involve the manufacture of 

products with high added cost, should correspond to priority type of operations and also meet one of the following 

criteria: 

1) investment project should involve the manufacture of products, which is a part of list constitute of activities for 

the manufacture of high-end products which are approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan; 

2) volume of investment under the investment project must be at least 5 million times the size of monthly 

calculated indicator, established for corresponding fi nancial year by Law On national budget. 

In accordance with Tax Code, an investor may use: 

tax allowances: the value of certain assets 

and (or) subsequent costs for modernization and 

reconstruction can qualify for deduction for a 

period of up to three years. 

It is not mandatory to enter into a contract 

for availing tax incentives and can be used 

independently 

On all issues, related to the provision of investment preferences, please contact the Committee on Investments of 

Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

24

Special economic zones (SEZ) 

SEZ INDUSTRIAL PETROCHEMICAL 

TECHNOLOGY PARK 

SEZ BURABAY 

Tourism 

SEZ ASTANA-NEW CITY 

Construction industry 

SEZ PAVLODAR 

Chemical Park 

SEZ AKTAU SEAPORT 

Logistics, transport, engineering 

SEZ SARYARKA 

Metallurgy and metalworking 

SEZ ONTUSTYK 

Textile 

SEZ ITP 

IT industry, 

innovation 

SEZ KHORGOS - EAST GATE 

Trade and logistics 

• Single window principle 

• Free customs zone 

• Budgetary funds for infrastructure facilities 

• Simple procedure for hiring foreign personnel 

• Tax benefits 

• CIT — 0% 

• Land tax — 0% 

Tax allowances for SEZ members: 

• Property tax – 0% 

• VAT – 0% for goods, consumed in SEZ territory 

• land lease at basic rate of 0 for up to 10 yrs. 

Additional benefits for SEZ "ITP": 

• Social tax – 0%. 

• Extraterritorial principle - members of an SEZ 

"ITP" may be located outside SEZ and enjoy tax 

preferences except forthe VAT and customs 

duties. 

• Depreciation rate for soſtware is increased up to 

40% (generally it is 15%) 

SEZ Management: 

An SEZ is managed by Management Company 

in the form of JSC, and legal entities, including 

the foreign companies, can be members of the 

JSC. Professional companies with international 

management experience are attracted to manage 

the SEZ. 

For additional information on SEZs, visit the site: 

www.invest.gov.kz. Section "Government support for investments" 

25

PUBLIC 

PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP 

Currently only one form of contractual PPP is used in Kazakhstan, namely 

- Concession, which is based on the "build - transfer - operate" model. 

Concession -– the transfer of government property to private entities on the basis of a concession 

agreement for temporary possession and use for the purpose of improving the efficiency of operations, 

including the transfer of rights for the creation (construction) of new facilities at the expense of 

concessionaire or under co-fi nancing terms of concession with the subsequent transfer of such facilities 

to the State by providing the rights of possession and, use for subsequent operations in return for the 

potential provision of state support to the concessionaire. 

Main objective of concession agreements is to improve the quality of services, reduce the expenditures 

and risks of government sector, expansion of possibilities for development of infrastructure. 

State support for concessionaires 

1) surety of government on infrastructure obligations within the scope of concession agreements; 

2) Government guarantee regarding loans, attracted for financing concession projects; 

3) transfer of exclusive rights of items of intellectual property, owned by government, to concessionaire; 

4) provision of natural grants in accordance with the legislation of Republic of Kazakhstan; 

5) co-financing of concession projects; 

6) guaranteed consumption of a certain volume of goods (works, services) by the State if the State is 

the main consumer of goods (works, services), produced by the concessionaire, is the State; 

7) compensation for a certain volume of investment and operational costs of concessionaire during 

periods, stipulated by concession agreement and in volumes, stipulated by them during the validity 

period of concession agreement. 

26 

You can fi nd detailed information on public private partnership in Kazakhstan on web site www.kzppp.kz 

Contact details: JSC "Kazakhstan Public - Private Partnership Center" 

Republic of Kazakhstan, 010000, 

Astana, st. Temirkazyk, 65, 3rd Floor. 

JSC "Kazakhstan Public - Private Partnership Center" 

Tel: +7 (7172) 701 724 

Fax: +7 (7172) 701 724 

press@kzppp.kz 

press@kzppp.kz

Government Support for Development Institutes 

JSC "SWF "SAMRUK-KAZYNA" 

The objective of fund is to maximize long-term value and increase 

the competitiveness of national development institutes, national 

companies and other legal entities in global markets. 

The Fund performs its mission through active investment 

operations especially in priority sectors of the economy 

Contacts: 

Republic of Kazakhstan 

010000, Astana, 

Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, House 

19, Block: А, С, Е. 

e-mail: press@s-k.kz 

www.samruk-kazyna.kz 

JSC "KAZAKHSTAN DEVELOPMENT BANK" (KDB) 

JSC "Kazakhstan Development Bank" (KDB) - state financial 

development institute that provides medium to long-term financing 

of investment projects, leasing operations and also trade financing 

for export operations in priority sectors of the economy. 

Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 

Yessil Region 

Orynbor Street 10 ("Kazyna 

Tower" building) 

Tel: +7 (7172) 79 26 79 

Fax: +7 (7172) 79 26 38 


Almaty, "Nurly Tau" Business 

Center, Al-Farabi 19, Block 1B, 

Offi ce 204. 

Tel: +7(7273) 110 470 

Fax: +7 (7273) 110 470 

www.kdb.kz 

JSC "KAZAKHSTAN INVESTMENT FUND" 

The objective of the Fund is to contribute to the implementation of 

industrial-innovation policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan by making 

and attracting investments in projects of prospective organizations, 

rendering financial support to private sector initiatives to create 

competitive manufacturing industries in the non-resource sector of 

economy. 

Contacts: 


Almaty, St. Zenkova 80 

Tel: +7 (727) 2598 131, 2588 333 

Fax: +7 (727) 2583 799 

e-mail: ifk@ifk.kz 

www.ifk.kz 

29

JSC "National Agency for Technological Development" 

This Fund was created to help coordinate the development of 

innovation and provide measures of state support. 


Astana, Syganak street, 29, 

“Eurocenter” business center, 

9 floor 

Tel.: +7 (7172) 516 982 

Fax: +7 (7172) 517 021 

E-mail: info@nif.kz 

www.nif.kz 

JSC "Damu" Entrepreneurship Development Fund" 

The "Damu" Fund’s mission is to assist the development of high 

quality small and medium enterprises in Kazakhstan. 

Strategic objectives: 

1) To foster an increase in the number of actively operating enterprises 

and number of jobs; 

2) To assist the development of entrepreneurship in non-resource 

sectors of economy; 

3) To enhancing SME skills and involving people in entrepreneurship. 

Contacts: 

050004, Republic of Kazakhstan 

Almaty, St. Gogol, 111 

Tel: +7 (727) 244-55-66 

Fax: +7 (727) 244-83-41 

E-mail: info@fund.kz 

www.damu.kz 

JSC "KAZYNA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT" 

JSC "Kazyna Capital Management" was created with an aim to 

attract foreign capital to establish direct investment funds in Kazakhstan's 

economy, which will be a source of funds for Kazakh 

companies. 

KCM encourages the development of the direct investments market 

and the implementation of the best practices for asset management 

in Kazakhstan. 

050020, Almaty, Dostyk avenue, 

291/3а, 2 floor 

Tel: +7 (727) 334 1417 

Fax: +7 (727) 334 1418 

E-mail: info@kcm-kazyna.kz 

www.kcm-kazyna.kz 

JSC “EXPORT-CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION 

"KAZEXPORTGARANT" 

JSC “Export-credit Insurance Corporation "KazExportGarant" has 

export-credit agency status of the Republic of Kazakhstan and 

provides financial and insurance support to export enterprises of 

non-resource sectors of the economy 

30 

Almaty, Zenkova str., 80 ( 2nd 

floor) 

Tel: +7 (727) 250 00 21 

E-mail: info@keg.kz 

www.keg.kz

JSC "KAZAKHSTAN INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE" 

The Institute’s objective is to promote the industrial-innovative 

development of the country through scientific and methodological 

informational and analytical support; formulating practical recommendations 

for decision-making on industrial policy issues in Kazakhstan. 


Astana, St: Syganak, 25 

Tel: (7172) 79-64-60 

E-mail: kiri_pressa@mail.ru 

www.kidi.kz 

JSC "KAZAGRO" NATIONAL MANAGEMENT HOLDING" 

Mission of holding is implementation of state policy on stimulating 

industrial development of agro-industrial complex on principles of 

effectiveness, transparency and effective corporate management by 

holding’s structures. 

Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 

Republic St., 24 

Tel: +7 (7172) 70 56 20 

Fax: +7 (7172) 70 56 89 

www.kazagro.kz 

31

32 

WHAT ARE THE ECONOMY 

PRIORITY SECTORS 

AND WHAT ARE 

THEIR CONDITIONS

Oil refining and development of infrastructure 

in oil and gas sector 

Raw material base 

Kazakhstan ranks 11th in the world for oil reserves and 17th for gas reserves. In 2011, production of 

oil and gas condensate in the country amounted to 80 mln tons and gas production was 39.3 bln cubic 

meters (bcm). The average daily production volume of oil and gas condensate is over 200 thousand tons. 

Natural and associated gases obtained from the Tengiz and Caspian Sea fields, which have an ethane 

content of 13 - 16% and above, are economically and technologically suited for the production of ethylene 

– a basic petrochemical product. 

Production of 

oil and gas 

products 

Crude oil, tons in 

thousands 

Gas condensate, 

tons in thousands 

Natural and 

associated gas, 

mln.cu.m 

Gasoline, tons in 

thousands 

Aviation kerosene, 


Diesel fuel, tons in 

thousands 

Residual fuel oil, 


Condensed gas, 


2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 

55236,804 59140,659 61055,040 64608,354 71091,121 75022,477 75333,202 

6221,004 5724,314 6170,237 6008,454 5421,944 4663,465 4726,854 

26247,500 27014,885 29638,613 33507,531 36015,050 37413,002 39532,389 

2356,092 2341,714 2626,839 2503,414 2611,369 2920,381 2785,729 

234,170 270,215 258,854 399,247 373,548 489,629 387,140 

3280,021 3457,378 3919,360 3997,555 3868,512 4091,686 4135,581 

3545,702 3305,359 2574,950 3177,719 3305,446 3794,059 4342,969 

1250,267 1270,559 1428,154 1445,004 1824,560 2245,547 2146,872 

Source: JSC “Information - analytical center of oil and gas" 

33

Infrastructure of sector 

Currently, 3 oil refineries are operating in the cities of Atyrau, Pavlodar and Shymkent. However, a 

complete technological line for the high refinement of hydrocarbon raw material is not available in Kazakhstan. 

The Government is taking measures to modernize and technologically upgrade oil refineries. In 

addition to this new innovative petrochemical plants are currently under construction. 

Transportation of oil and gas condensate for export is carried out through oil pipelines (79%), railway 

(8%) and sea transport (13%). 

Competitiveness cluster 

Major oil and gas companies are located in western regions and the Kyzylorda region, which have 

mineral resources and oil and gas production facilities. Prospective placement of new production facilities 

shall be in connection with the development of deposits in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea. 

34

Mining and metallurgical industry 

The mining and metallurgical industry is a strategic sector of the national economy, the role of which 

is to ensure supplies of raw materials for the manufacturing of advanced-technology and knowledgeintensive 

end products (engineering, construction, aviation, aerospace and defense industries). 

Key objectives of mining and metallurgical industry 

in Kazakhstan 

To create competitive industries, to expand the range and increase the amount of value-added products 

with high added value through the involvement of Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) 

Imports of Certain Types of Metals, 2011 

Description 

Imports, Million USD 

Miscellaneous iron and steel products 232,9 

Castings and other aluminum products 16,6 

Unalloyed Nickel 4,8 

Miscellaneous Nickel products 1,5 

Source: Agency of the RK on Statistics 

The largest volume of imports is: tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, of iron or steel metal structures 

and parts thereof; rods of iron or non-alloy steel and other ferrous metals. Thus, the structure of imports 

shows that imports of products of MMC predominant products with high added value. 

Import, bln $ 3,8 

Aggregate supply in 

mining and metallurgical 

industry in 2011 

amounted to $ 12.7 

billion. 

8,9 

36 

Domestic production, bln $

What Kazakhstan can offer to investors: 


The Mining and Metallurgical Industry of Kazakhstan is characterized by a rich mineral resource 

base, which has considerable potential not only within the country but also worldwide. Provision of 

metallurgical enterprises with these raw materials with the current capacity is 50 to 300 years old. 

Ore deposits are mostly composite, i.e., containing several kinds of metals in the ore, which requires 

the use of various technologies for extraction, enrichment and reprocessing. 

Kazakhstan contains 30% of the world reserves of chrome ore, 25% of manganese ore and 10% 

of iron ore. Reserves of copper, lead and zinc are respectively 10% and 13% of global reserves. 

Kazakhstan’s proportion of chromite reserves are 90% of that of the CIS, tungsten 60%, lead 

and copper 50%, bauxite 30%, phosphates 25% and iron ore 15%. In the production of titanium, 

Kazakhstan currently occupies 3rd place in the world, zinc – 7 th , lead – 8 th , iron ore – 13 th , Copper 

– 15 th , and steel – 35 th . 

38

Registered 

enterprises 

According to the Agency of the RK on Statistics on 1 November 2011, the number of registered 

enterprises whose main activity was the mining of metal ores amounted to 278 enterprises, and those 

whose main activity was in the metallurgical industry 247 enterprises, making a total of 525 enterprises. 

Recommended Regional Location for Enterprises 

Mining and Metallurgical Complex Enterprises will continue to be predominantly located in the northwestern, 

central and north-eastern parts of the country with centers of industry specialization in the cities 

of Karaganda, Kostanay, Aktobe, Pavlodar, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Zhezkazgan, near sources of raw materials 

and cheap electricity, existing production facilities, infrastructure and skilled manpower. 

Locating new enterprises and operations modernizing existing production of higher added value 

products in metallurgy and metal working would depend on: 

• Existing primary processing enterprises: 

- Production of steel (Karaganda region); 

- Titanium ingots (East Kazakhstan); 

- Ferrochrome (Aktobe region); 

- Manufacture of rails and rolling (Pavlodar region); 

- Ferroalloys (Zhambyl region); 

- Manufacture of special steels (Karaganda and Kostanay region); 

• Source of cheap electricity: 

- Production of aluminum (Pavlodar region); 

- Copper cathode (East Kazakhstan) 

39

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY 

The chemical industry is one of the priority-driven 

industries of Kazakhstan and is one of the largest 

suppliers of raw materials, intermediates, and materials 

for other sectors of the real economy. 

Key objectives of the chemical industry in Kazakhstan 

Development of priority-driven competitive factories in the chemical industry, aiming to produce 

advanced-technology, export-oriented and innovative products with high added value 

IMPORT STRUCTURE OF CERTAIN CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, 2011 

Description 

Imports, US $ million 

Plastics and related articles 1 245,6 

Raw rubber, rubber and related articles 605,9 

Inorganic chemistry products 397,7 

Essential oils, perfumery and cosmetic or 

toiletry preparations 

362,9 

Soap, organic surface-active agents and 

detergents 

276,2 

40

Aggregate supply in the chemical industry in 2011 

amounted to $ 6,268 million. 

Import, mln $ 

4 969 


the chemical industry 

in 2011 amounted to $ 

6,268 million. 

1 299 

Domestic production, mln $ 

Products which are imported in the 

largest volume are soda ash, fertilizers, 

inorganic compounds (acids, alkalis, oxides, 

salts, etc.), and detergents. Thus, the import 

structure of chemical products shows that 

the predominant import products are with 

high added value. 

41

What Kazakhstan can offer to investors: 


The Chemical Industry of Kazakhstan is based on the richest reserves of phosphates, the development 

of the oil and gas industry, the utilization of sulfur gases from the metallurgical industry and huge 

reserves of various salts. 

The location of the chemical industry is determined, in the case of initial redistributions by links to raw 

material sources (Zhambyl, Aktobe, Atyrau, and South Kazakhstan regions - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, 

complex fertilizers), and, in the case of higher redistribution links to existing production facilities, 

the manpower necessary skills scientific and technical basis, and according to demand from the population 

and industrial enterprises (for special chemicals and consumer chemicals - Pavlodar, Karaganda, 

East Kazakhstan regions and Almaty, for caustic soda in particular - the city of Pavlodar, the production 

of sulphuric acid - Akmola, Kyzylorda and Zhambyl regions and the production of rubber products - Karaganda 

region. 

42

Registered enterprises 

On 1 June 2011 there were 46 large and medium-sized enterprises and industries of chemical products. 

Competitive cluster 

1. Special economic zone (SEZ) in Zhambyl region 

2. Special economic zone (SEZ) in Pavlodar region 

RECOMMENDED REGIONAL LOCATION FOR ENTERPRISES 

The Location of the chemical industrial enterprise with the initial redistributions associated with binding 

to raw material sources: 

Zhambyl, Aktobe, Mangistau and South Kazakhstan regions - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, 

complex mineral fertilizers; 

Higher redistribution linked to existing production facilities, the manpower, necessary skills, science 

and technology base and the demand from the population, industrial enterprises: 

• Special-chemicals and consumer chemicals - Pavlodar, Karaganda, East Kazakhstan region and 

Almaty; 

• Caustic soda - the city of Pavlodar; 

• Production of sulfuric acid - Akmola, Kyzylorda and Zhambyl regions; 

• Production of rubber products - Karaganda region 

43

NUCLEAR INDUSTRY 

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), about 19% of proven world reserves of 

uranium are concentrated in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Country’s total reserves are 

estimated at 802 thousand tons of uranium. 

In 2011, Kazakhstan produced 

14,950 8,761 

tons 

uranium and thorium 

natural uranium 

In 2011, Kazakhstan occupied first place for extraction of uranium in the world. 

Production of natural uranium in 2009 amounted to 14,214 tons. The volume of 

uranium in 2010 amounted to 17,803 tons and in 2011 - 19,450 tons. 

3,773 

tons tons 

enriched uranium and 

plutonium and their 

compounds 

The National Atomic Company JSC "NAC Kazatomprom" is the national operator of the Republic of 

Kazakhstan for importing and exporting uranium, rare metals, and nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants 

(NPP), special equipment, technologies and dual-use materials. 100% of its shares are owned by the 

State via the National Welfare Fund "Samruk-Kazyna". 

44

JSC “NAC Kazatomprom” is a holding company for the management of seven main areas of activity: 

• Uranium mining and exploration; 

• Manufacture of nuclear fuel cycle products; 

• Reactor construction, nuclear power plants(NPP); 

• Non-ferrous metallurgy and construction materials; 

• Energy; 

• Science; 

• Social security and training. 

What Kazakhstan can offer investors: 

The development of the nuclear industry occurs in the traditional regions of production of raw uraniumin 

southern Kazakhstan, in the Akmola region, recycling - in Akmola (Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical 

Complex) and East-Kazakhstan (Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP)) regions. 

According to international ratings, Kazakhstan is among the countries with a high degree of competence 

in the field of basic nuclear physics and radiation material. 

45

ENGINEERING INDUSTRY 

The core objective of the engineering industry in Kazakhstan: meeting the needs of the 

domestic market and expansion of exports by increasing the production of goods with high added value. 

Aggregate supply in the engineering industry in 2011 

amounted to $ 19.3 billion 

Import, bln $ 

15,6 

Aggregate supply 

in the engineering 



billion 

3,7 

Domestic, bln $ 


46

Import structure of certain types of engineering products, 2011 

Description 

Imports, million USD 

Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances, and 

related parts 

5 561,6 

Electrical machinery and equipment and related parts 3 815,2 

Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and related 

parts and accessories 

1 871,7 

Railway locomotives or tramway motor cars 1 476,0 

Aircraſt, spacecraſt, and their components 601,1 

The machine-building industry includes a number of 

sub-sectors: rail, oil and gas, mining and metallurgy, 

automobile industry, agricultural, electrical, etc. 

The top priority subsectors of the engineering industry 

of the Republic of Kazakhstan have been identified: 

• Machinery for oil and gas industry; 

The development of domestic oil and gas equipment 

is a high priority due to the fact that the oil 

and gas sector is the largest consumer of machinebuilding 

products. 

Kazakh enterprises aim tol produce a variety of 

complex equipment for drilling, well work-over, production, 

preparation, transportation, refining of oil 

and gas, which allow for the commercial production 

of offshore platforms. 

47

Production of oil 

and gas equipment 

in the Republic of Kazakhstan 

Indicator Name 2008 2009 2010 2011 

Oil and gas refining equipment, $ million 1,2 2,6 7,5 10,6 

Oilfield Equipment, $ million 11,5 10,9 18,2 31,0 

• Machinery for Mining Industry; 

The most promising areas of domestic production in the mining and metallurgical engineering are: selfpropelled 

drilling and cargo handling equipment, hydraulic and pneumatic drills, gears, belt conveyors, 

steel-making equipment, a wide range of rental equipment, manufacturing of spare parts etc. 

48

Manufacture of machinery 

for the mining industry 


Indicator name 2008 2009 2010 2011 

Manufacture of machinery for mining, quarrying and 

construction, $ million. 

73,4 44,4 77,8 88,7 

• Railway Engineering; 

Domestic demand represented by for railway engineering products provided the main market for freight 

cars and locomotives - joint stock company " National company" Kazakhstan railways". According to the 

company's plans as far as 2014, around 1,4 - 5,2 thousand cars and 1000 locomotives will be procured 

annually. Overhaul of the existing rolling stock and locomotives will also be carried out. 

49

Production 

of railway engineering products 



Manufacture of railway locomotives and rolling 

stock, $ million 

43,2 51,3 152,3 416,6 

• Agricultural Engineering Industry; 

The market for agricultural machinery and equipment in Kazakhstan is now almost entirely composed 

of imported products. The largest share of domestic producers in the sector of agricultural machines 

(milking systems, machines for processing agricultural products, etc.) is in the segment "components 

and spare parts" with more than more than 50% and the lowest for the sector of combine harvesters and 

attachments. 

The greatest potential for development of agricultural engineering in the Republic of Kazakhstan is in 

the sector of combine harvesters of 3 and 4 classes, wheeled tractors, attachments and machines for 

processing grain and forage crops. 

In Kazakhstan, there are conditions to produce attachments, fully adapted to the climatic conditions of 

different regions of Kazakhstan. There is also a strong demand, driven by the need of fleet renewal and 

expansion of cultivated land. 

50

Production 

of agricultural machinery 



Agricultural and forestry machinery, $ million. 86,3 56,6 56,5 83,8 


According to the Agency of the RK on Statistics more than 250 large and medium-sized engineering 

enterprises are registered, including in the production of computers, electronic and optical products - 8, in 

the manufacture of electrical equipment - 19, in the repair and installation of machinery and equipment, 

production of miscellaneous vehicles – 156, in the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semitrailers 

- 6, in the manufacture of other transport equipment - 17. 

Recommended Regional Location for Enterprises: 

• Agricultural Engineering - In the regions with the highest level of agricultural activit - the Northern 

and Eastern regions; 

• Oil and Gas Machine-Building - In the western region in order to provide rapidly developing oil and 

gas production with a focus on demand for oil and gas production and processing enterprises in the 

specialized equipment, supplies and parts for them and the existing production capacity - Almaty, 

North Kazakhstan and East Kazakhstan regions; 

• Mining Engineering - In the Central and Eastern regions, with a focus on the demand for large enterprises 

in Mining and Smelting Complex; 

• Electrical Engineering - in the Southern and Central regions, with a focus on the existing industrial 

base; 

• Transportation equipment - in the Northern, Central and Eastern regions, with a focus on the availability 

of skilled labour, manufacturing of components and spare parts of related industries. 

51

PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY 

The main objective of the pharmaceutical industry: 

Creating the conditions to end dependence on the import of pharmaceutical and medical products based 

on advanced technologies in accordance with the International Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Standards. 

Kazakhstan is heavily dependent on the import of pharmaceutical raw materials (substances), equipment 

and packaging materials. 


7 large and medium-sized enterprises and industries are registered in Kazakhstan for the manufacture 

of basic pharmaceutical products. 

Recommended Regional Location for Enterprises: 

Pharmaceutical enterprises will be placed in relation to previously established scientific and industrial 

base (South Kazakhstan region and Almaty) and also with regard to the availability of educational 

infrastructure, skilled labour (Aktobe, Eastern Kazakhstan, Karaganda region and the cities of Almaty and 

Astana) The largest of them - building a pharmaceutical factory in Astana 

Centres of industry specialization 

Almaty, Shymkent, Astana, Karaganda. 

52

Aggregate supply in the pharmaceutical industry in 2011 

amounted to $ 1.2 billion 

Import, bln $ 

1,0 


the pharmaceutical 



billion 

0,2 


53

LIGHT INDUSTRY 

The main objectives of light industry in Kazakhstan: 

Meeting the needs of the domestic market of light industry products through the processing of raw 

materials, manufacturing products with high added value and the prospect of entering foreign markets. 

Aggregate supply in the light industry in 2011 amounted to $1.1 billion. 

Import, bln $ 

0,9 


the light industry in 

2011 amounted to 

$1.1 billion. 

0,2 


Import structure of certain products of light industry, 2011 

Description 

Imports, million 

USD 

Footwear, gaiters and similar item and related parts 178,2 

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, except knitted or 

crocheted 

169,9 

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted 111,5 

Carpets and other textile floor coverings 50,9 

54



The raw material base of the Cotton and Textile Industry in Kazakhstan is cotton. In 2011, the output of 

raw cotton in the country amounted to 336 thousand tons. The resulting cotton in Kazakhstan is that of 

the medium-fiber cotton variety. 

Also Kazakhstan has the required resources for raw hide. In 2010-2011, it produced: 

Product Description 2010 г. 2011 г. 

Leather of bovine cattle and equine animals, without hair, in 

thousand square decimeters 

92 501,7 77 715,8 

Fur skins, tanned or dressed, in thousand square decimeters 1 131,7 3 028,8 

Leather of sheep, goat or pig, without hair in thousand 

square decimeters 

422,6 19,6 



In the manufacture of textile products the number of large and medium-sized enterprises and industries 

was 42, in the manufacture of clothing 32 and in the manufacture of leather and associated products - 7. 

Recommended Regional location for enterprises 

Light industry will be located in the cities of Almaty, Shymkent, Families in relation to the established 

industrial and technological base, the availability of raw materials and labour, as well as according to 

present and prospective domestic and global demand. 

In addition, West Kazakhstan and North Kazakhstan regions are attractive destinations due to their 

well-developed raw material base for the processing of wool and leather. 

55

AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX 

Main objective of the agro-industrial complex: 

Increasing productivity, ensuring national food security and increasing the export potential of Agro- 

Industrial Complex (AIC) 

Crop production 

More than 29 million tons of grain, including 24 million tons of wheat was gathered in Kazakhstan in 

2011. 

Kazakhstan is among the world's top ten exporters of grain. Kazakh grain is exported to over 70 countries 

worldwide. The main importers of Kazakh grain are the CIS countries, the Middle East, North Africa 

and the European Union. 

In addition, oil crops, vegetables and melons, fruits, berries, grapes, sugar beets and potatoes are 

grown Kazakhstan. 

56

Animal husbandry 

Livestock production in the country is one of the main branches of the agricultural sector. The richest 

pasture lands and favorable climatic conditions provide a good basis for the development of animal 

husbandry. 

As a result of implementation of the State Policy in the livestock industry, there has been a steady increase 

in the number of livestock and poultry, livestock production and increased productivity of livestock 

and poultry, as well as an improvement in the quality of herds. 

Food and 

processing 

industry 

The domestic food and processing industry (meat, dairy, 

fish, flour and cereal, mixed fodder, sugar, fat and oil) is 

one of the strategic sectors of the economy, which aims 

to provide the population with the required quantity and 

quality of food. 

According to the Agency data, the agriculture sector 

employs around 70 thousand people, representing about 

18% of all workers in manufacturing industry. At the same 

time, agricultural products worth $ 15.5 billion were produced 

in 2011. 

Major Export Items of Kazakhstan – grain and related 

products, rice, meat, fat and oil products and confectionery. 

57

Imports of products of agro-industrial complex, 

million U.S. dollars 

Product Description 2010 2011 

Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits and vinegar, tobacco 

and manufactured tobacco substitutes 

1 704,1 2 075,0 

Products of vegetable origin 533,2 954,7 

Live animals and animal products 584,7 755,7 



There are more than 161 major and 600 medium-sized registered enterprises for the production of 

agriculture, forestry and fisheries products. 

Recommended Regional Location for enterprises 

Agricultural industry is set to develop in the Centre, North, South and East of the country. 

Location of recycling agro-industrial enterprises and fisheries will be targeted as a source of raw 

materials and market outlets of major cities. The priority will be the formation of food belts around the 

cities of Astana and Almaty. The major enterprises of agro-industrial complex, aimed at deep processing 

of grain and meat, will be located primarily in the Northern regions. 

Centers of industry specialization: 

Petropavlovsk, Kostanay, Kokshetau, Shymkent, Taraz, Taldykorgan, Almaty, Kyzylorda and Atyrau. 

58

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 

AND PRODUCTION OF BUILDING MATERIALS 

The Construction Complex has a huge impact on the economy in general and, last but not least, the 

situation in the social sphere. Further development of the construction industry, as well as improving 

safety and quality of construction products in the present conditions are the key economic and political 

tasks of the State. 

Aggregate supply of non-metallic products (construction materials) for 2011 

amounted to $1.7 billon 

Import, bln $ 

0,5 

Aggregate supply of 

non-metallic products 

(construction materials) 

for 2011 amounted to 

$ 1.7 billion 

1,2 

Domestic production, bln $ 

TARGETS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN KAZAKHSTAN: 

1. Increase the gross added value of the construction industry; 

2. Increase in the proportion of domestically produced construction materials; 

3. Increase in labour productivity. 

The largest volume of imports comes from: glazed ceramic slabs, die blocks, bricks, blocks, tiles and 

similar refractory ceramic construction materials. 

59



The Industry structure has a strong raw-material orientation and so must be based near raw-materials. 

However the country does not have a sufficient number of companies producing high value added products 

that meet the modern requirements of the construction industry. 

Kazakhstan has rich reserves of raw materials for the production of construction materials, however 

only half of the existing fields are being developed as of today. In Kazakhstan, almost all construction 

materials and semi-finished products are produced, except for flat glass, sanitary-ware made out of 

faience and semi-vitreous ware. 

The Cement Industry of the Republic is based primarily around the location of deposits of lime component, 

which is the predominant part of the raw mix. Deposits of cement raw materials are available in all 

14 provinces of the Republic. 

The main natural raw materials for the manufacture 

of concrete products are gravel and sand. In Kazakhstan, 

the federal balance reserves of building stone include 

179 fields. The balance reserves of these building stone 

deposits in categories A + B + C1 constitute 3,238,530 

thousand m3 and category C2 - 1,167,786 thousand m 3 . 

Balance reserves of sand deposits for construction and 

silicate products in the country in the categories A + B + 

C1 amount to 1,410,358 thousand m 3 and in the category 

C2 – 297,615 thousand m3. There are a total of 177 fields. 

60


According to the Agency of the RK on Statistics, there were 41,062 registered enterprises in 2011. 

Recommended Regional 

Location 

for Enterprises 

For the development of Construction Complex, as an industry based on domestic 

demand, the dominant factors would be the presence of demand, production, 

infrastructure and technological base and low transportation costs for delivery of 

products, components and equipment. 

Location of new production facilities of this group of industries will be next to the 

enterprises in the traditional sectors and in the cities of Almaty and Astana. 

Centers of industry specialization: Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Ust-Kamenogorsk, 

Atyrau. 

The largest reserves of carbonate and clay raw materials for cement production 

are concentrated in the Akmola region, South Kazakhstan, Almaty, Atyrau, Kostanay 

and Karaganda regions. 

The largest deposits of mortar sands are concentrated in Pavlodar, Kostanay, 

Aktobe region and the average stocks of sand, meeting the domestic demand, are 

in Akmola, Atyrau, North Kazakhstan and East Kazakhstan regions. 

Large reserves of igneous rocks are found in the throughout Central Kazakhstan, 

Kostanay, Almaty and East Kazakhstan regions. Adequate reserves are found in 

Zhambyl and North Kazakhstan regions. In Kyzylorda and South Kazakhstan regions, 

the rocks are relatively stable gravel and dolomite. The major manufacturer 

and supplier of quality crushed stone in the region is the Aktobe region. 

61

TOURISM INDUSTRY IN KAZAKHSTAN 

In Kazakhstan, there were 1641 registered companies that provide services for accommodation and 

fare in 2011. 

Tourist potential 

Kazakhstan - a country in the heart of Eurasia! The ancient culture of Kazakhstan and the country’s 

unique nature make for an enchanting destination. For centuries, a network of ancient caravan routes 

leading from China to the Middle East and Europe passed through this land. 

The Great Silk Road, or Silk Way, as a trade route began in the III century BC. This part of the road is a 

unique complex of historical, archaeological and architectural monuments, including intricately planned 

and constructed cities. Cities such as: Otrar, Sairam, Syganak, Sauran, Suzak and Turkestan were not only 

centers of trade, but also scientific and cultural centers. 

Mausoleum “Khoja Ahmed Yasawi” is a unique masterpiece of architecture dating back to the end of 

XIV and the beginning of XV centuries. Mausoleums “Aisha-Bibi” and “Babaji Khatun” (X-XII centuries.), 

Mausoleums “Karahan” and “Daudbeka” in Taraz, mosques and many other sacred sites allow travelers to 

experience the atmosphere of bygone centuries. 

Kazakhstan has the world's first space launch site Baikonur, which became 

a symbol of the space age and a new era in the history of mankind. 

For the purpose of educational and outdoor activities, the southern region 

of the country offers Charyn Canyon and relic Ash Grove, petroglyphs of 

Tamgaly and on the bank of Ili River, Big Almaty and Kolsai Lakes. 

Northern Kazakhstan is famous for beach holiday places and can offer 

the Borovoe resort area and the coastal lakes of Shchuchye, Borovoye, Big 

and Small Chebachye and Kotyrkol. Some lakes are famous for therapeutic 

mineral salts and muds - lakes Moiyldy and Maybalyk. 

Kazakhstan has significant potential for engaging in sports tourism and 

mountaineering, skiing (Northern and Western Tien Shan, Jungar Alatau Rudny 

Altai). The ski resort “Chimbulak” at a height of 2,200 meters, is located at 

25 km from the city of Almaty in Trans-Ili Alatau gorge. 

62

Central Kazakhstan has one of the largest lakes in the world - Lake Balkhash, the unique Karkaralinsk 

mountain forest oasis. The region has many memorable places, in which archaeological and ethnographic 

objects are preserved. In Eastern Kazakhstan – there are the Altai foothills and wooded areas, the river 

Irtysh, the Lakes Zaisan, Markakol, Alakol and Sauskan. 

In terms of extreme and ecological tourism, there is plenty of opportunity for that. There are many 

ecological routes that pass through the national parks, “Altyn-Emel”, “Ile-Alatau”, “Caton Karagai”, 

“Burabay”, “Karkaraly”, “Aksu Zhabagly” and others. 

Also, to date, in Kazakhstan there are many health and leisure resorts (sanatorium "Pine Forest", 

"Moiyldy", "Okzhetpes", "Kazakhstan", "Rakhmanov Springs", "Mankent", "Saryagash" etc.) offering the 

necessary facilities for recreation, treatment and entertainment. 

Kazakhstan provides virtually all existing types of tourism - educational, entertainment, ethnic, ecological 

and others and offers a large number of travel routes. 

63

Plans to develop tourism infrastructure 

A number of tourism projects are being undertaken in Kazakhstan such as the construction of a tourist 

and entertainment complex within the SEZ "Burabay" in Akmola region, an international tourist center, 

"Jean-Ihle" on the coast of Kapshagai reservoir in Almaty region, an international resort "Kenderli" in 

Mangistau region and a ski resort "Kokzhaylau" in Almaty region. 

Furthermore, there will be established a tourist cluster along the international transport corridor 

“Western Europe - Western China”, which passes through the territory of the five regions of Kazakhstan - 

(Almaty, Zhambyl, South Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda and Aktobe regions). 

As part of the development of a competitive tourism industry infrastructure, 

the following issues will be worked out: 

• Allocation of land by local executive bodies for the construction of 

road infrastructure along the transport corridor; 

• Creation of engineering and communication infrastructure for the 

newly constructed objects of the tourism industry; 

• Subsidization of interest rates on loans of investment projects in 

the national tourism cluster along the transport corridor “Western 

Europe - Western China”. 

64

How to Get 

to Kazakhstan 

66

How to get a visa 

For entry into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, one must obtain a visa, unless 

otherwise specified in the agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the party 

or the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

To obtain a visa, foreign citizens must apply to the diplomatic mission or the Consulate of the Republic 

of Kazakhstan in the host country and provide the following documents: 

1. A valid passport or other document granting the right to cross the State 

border of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the passport should not expire earlier 

than 6 months aſter the expiry of the visa requested; 

2. A copy of the letter of invitation with the number of visa support of the 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MFA) or the original 

of an individual invitation issued by the Interior of the Republic of Kazakhstan 

/ visa application; 

3. A completed visa application form; 

4. Color photo 3.5 * 4. 5 (1 pc.); 

5. Receipt of payment of consular fees. 

There may be a need to provide other documents determined by the consul on the spot. 

Contact details of the diplomatic missions and consulate office of Kazakhstan in Your country, you can 

see on the disc or visit: www.invest.gov.kz. 

68

List of countries, whose 

nationals are exempt 

from having to produce 

invitations and visa 

support when making a 

single diplomatic, official, 

business, private, single 

and double tourist visas 

of RK 

1. Australia 

2. Austria 

3. Belgium 

4. Bulgaria 

5. Brazil 

6. Hungary 

7. Germany 

8. Greece 

9. Denmark 

10. Israel 

11. Ireland 

12. Iceland 

13. Spain 

14. Italy 

15. Canada 

16. Qatar 

17. Cyprus 

18. Latvia 

19. Lithuania 

20. Liechtenstein 

21. Luxembourg 

22. Malaysia 

23. Malta 

24. Monaco 

25. Netherlands 

26. New Zealand 

27. Norway 

28. United Arab 

Emirates 

29. Oman 

30. Poland 

31. Portugal 

32. Romania 

33. Saudi Arabia 

34. Singapore 

35. Slovakia 

36. Slovenia 

37. United States of 

America 

38. U.K. 

39. Finland 

40. France 

41. Croatia 

42. Czech Republic 

43. Switzerland 

44. Sweden 

45. Estonia 

46. South Korea 

47. Japan 

48. Hashemite 

Kingdom of Jordan 

69

List of 

countries that have agreements with the Republic of Kazakhstan 

for visa-free mutual visits by type of passport 

or providing single entry without visa 

№ Country 

1. 

2. 

The Russian 

Federation 

The Republic of 

Belarus 

3. The Kyrgyz Republic 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 


Tajikistan 


Armenia 


Georgia 


Moldova 


Uzbekistan 


Azerbaijan 

10. Ukraine 

11. Turkmenistan 

12. 


Hungary 

13. The Slovak Republic 

14. Romania 

15. 


Poland 

Diplomatic 

passport 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Without 

visa 

Official 

passport 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

National 

passport 

Period of 

visa-free 

stay 

Entry into force 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

indefinite 07.06.2002 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

Up to 90 days 28.04.2008 

without 

visa 

Up to 90 days 21.06.2007 

without 

visa 

Up to 90 days 05.01.2007 

without 

visa 


without 

visa 


without 

visa 

Up to 90 days 27.02.2002 

visa Up to 30 days 20.02.2002 

without 

visa * 

Up to 5 days 

* to stay in the Balkan 

province without visa 

for residents of Atyrau 

and Mangistau regions 




visa visa Up to 30 days 31.07.2008 

70

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 


Croatia 


Estonia 

The French 

Republic 

The Kingdom of 

Spain 


Serbia 

21. The Italian Republic 

22. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

26. 

27. 


Slovenia 


Bulgaria 

The Federal 

Republic of 

Germany 

The Kingdom of 

Denmark 


Macedonia 

Bosnia and 

Herzegovina 

28. Mongolia 

29. 


Turkey 

30. Malaysia * 

31. 



without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa* 

Up to 90 days 

21.05.2009 

* From 01.04.2012 to 

31.10.2012 

(for citizens of the 

Republic of Croatia visa 

is required) 




without 

visa 

without 

visa 

Up to 30 days 28.05.2011 



without 

visa 



visa visa Up to 90 days 26.11. 2010 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa* 

Up to 90 days 

10.08.2011 

* From 15.03.2012 to 

15.03.2013 

(for citizens of the 

Republic of Macedonia 

visa is required) 


without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

Up to 90 days 02.01.1995 

Up to 30 days 02.04.1992 

Up to 1 

month 

* for citizens of 

Malaysia visa is 

required 


71

32. 

33. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 

38. 

The Islamic 

Republic of Iran 

Chinese People's 

Republic 

The Islamic 

Republic of 

Pakistan 

The Republic of the 

Philippines 


Singapore * 

The Arab Republic 

of Egypt 


Korea 

39. The State of Israel 

40. 

41. 

42. 

43. 

44 

45 

46 

The Socialist 

Republic of Vietnam 

United Arab 

Emirates 

Hashemite 

Kingdom of Jordan 


Cuba 

The Federative 

Republic of Brazil 


Lithuania 

Special Hong Kong 

Administrative 

Region of China 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 





visa 

Up to 30 days 

01.11.2003 

* For Singapore 

citizens visa is required 


without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 





without 

visa 

without 

visa 

without 

visa 

visa 

without 

visa 




visa 

without 

visa 

47 UN - - - 

Up to 90 days 

in 6 months 

17.05.2012 

Up to 14 days 26.07.2012 

Up to 30 days 

in 180 days 

01.05.2011 

72

Procedure for visa support: 

For visa support of the inviting organization should submit the following documents to the Ministry of 

Foreign Affairs: 

1. Letter of invitation in the prescribed model; 

2. Original payment order or receipt for payment of consular fees and services; 

3. For organization, applying to MFA for the first time this year, certified copies of 

the current year of the following documents: 

• Charter, 

• Taxpayer identification number (TIN), 

• Certificate of registration in the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of 

Kazakhstan, 

• Original certificate of absence / presence of the debt of the taxpayer, 

• License for tourist activity in the case of invitations to tourists. 

4. The power of attorney from the organization; 

5. Data about the invited person in standard electronic form; 

6. In the case of the visa category of "investor", the application of the Committee on 

Investments of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of 

Kazakhstan. 

A letter of invitation is made in 3 copies; two copies shall be deposited in MFA, 

the third - sent to the invited persons. 

The incoming applications are processed within 3-5 days and aſter passing the instruction for issuance 

of visas to the Overseas Foreign Ministry, MFA informs the number of visa support, which the host 

organization must pass to the foreigner to contact the Consulate for a visa of Kazakhstan. 

Contact Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana: 

Phone: +7 7172 72 04 70, 72 04 71, Fax: 72 04 60; 

Address: 3rd Entrance, Building 28, Kabanbay Batyr St. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Representative offi ce in Almaty: 

Phone: +7 (727) 272 09 39, 272 03 11; Fax: 72 08 43 

Address: Building 65, Aiteke Bi St. 

73

CATEGORIES OF VISAS FOR INVESTORS 

Investor visa is issued to managers 

and management representatives of large 

foreign firms and companies engaged in 

investing in Kazakhstan's economy, as 

well as members of their families. Investor 

visas are issued for single, double, 

triple and multiple entry and exit. 

Business visa is issued to foreigners 

traveling to Kazakhstan for business purposes 

(business tour, participate in business 

negotiations, having strictly business nature, 

symposia, conferences, tenders, conclusion 

of contracts, participation in exhibitions and 

fairs, the implementation of trade, international 

transportation, advisory and audit services). 

Business visas are issued for single, 

double, triple and multiple entry and exit. 

74

Work-Permit Visa is issued to foreigners 

traveling to Kazakhstan for work. 

The work permit visa is issued for single, 

double, triple and multiple entry and exit. 

Private visa is issued to foreigners traveling 

to Kazakhstan with objectives of a private 

nature. Private visas are issued for single, 

double, triple entry and exit. 

Tourist visa is issued to foreigners 

traveling to Kazakhstan for the purpose 

of tourism. Tourist visas are issued for 

single, double and triple entry and exit. 

More information about obtaining visas on www.invest.gov.kz 

Details about the cost of visas on www.invest.gov.kz 

75

REGISTRATION 

OF FOREIGN CITIZENS 

Upon entering the territory of Kazakhstan, the 

foreign citizen receives at the border control division 

a migration card with a stamp signifying 

entry. 

Within 5 calendar days from the date of entry, the foreign citizen must apply to the territorial division 

of immigration police for registration. 

Registration of passports of citizens of 28 economically developed and politically 

stable countries is carried out automatically: 

• Simultaneously with the issuance of the business, tourist, private, diplomatic 

and official visas at Consular Offices abroad in Kazakhstan; 

• Either directly at the State Border in Border Control Offices. 

List of economically developed and politically stable 

countries: 

1. Australia 

2. Austria 

3. Belgium 

4. Germany 

5. Greece 

6. Denmark 

7. Ireland 

8. Iceland 

9. Spain 

10. Italy 

11. New Zealand 

12. Canada 

13. Liechtenstein 

14. Luxembourg 

15. Malaysia 

16. Monaco 


18. Norway 

19. Portugal 

20. Singapore 

21. United Kingdom 

22. USA 

23. Finland 

24. France 


26. Sweden 


28. Japan 

76

In the above cases, the foreign citizen does not need to register with the immigration police. 

Registration of passports of foreign nationals is free and is made up to a period of 3 months. 

For delay and (or) the avoidance of registration, administrative responsibility is stipulated in the form 

of a fine and (or) expulsion from the Republic of Kazakhstan with a ban on re-entry for the next period of 

5 years from the date of such removal. 

77

A LIST OF HOTELS THAT HAVE REGISTRATION POINTS 

A number of hotels in Almaty are authorized to do registration of foreigners. 

Name 

Hotel "Intercontinental Almaty - Ankara in 

Kazakhstan" ***** 

Rahat Palace Hotel ***** 

Hotel “RIXOS ALMATY” ***** 

JSC Hotel "Dostyk" ***** 

LLP "Astana Interhotel" **** 

Hotel "Kazakhstan" **** 

JSC SC "Otrar" **** 

Hotel «A-Club» *** 

Hotel "Alma-Ata" *** 

Hotel "Zhetysu" *** 

Hotel "Kazzhol" *** 

Hotel "Uyut" ** 

Chain of Hotels “Royal Palace” *** 

Holiday Inn Almaty**** 

LLP "Chagall Management" *** 

Chagall's Guest House (Almaty) 

E-mail , Web-site: 

E-mail: info@interconty-almaty.kz 

www.intercontinental.com 

info@rahatpalace.com 

www.rixos.com 

E-mail: info@dostyk.kz 

www.dostyk.kz 

reception@astana-hotel.com 

www.astana-hotel.com 

info@ kazakhstanhotel.kz 

www.kazakhstanhotel.kz 

otrar@mail.group.kz, otrargroup@mail.group.kz 

otrar@otrar.kz 

www.group.kz 

info@a-club.kz 

www.A-club.kz 

hotel_almaty@mail.ru 

www.hotel-almaty.kz 

jjoly@asdc.kz 

www.zhetysuhotel.kz 

hotel-kazzhol@arna.kz 

Hotel_uyut@mail.ru 

RP_hotel@mail.ru 

www.holiday-inn.com 

reservation.almaty@chagalagroup.kz 

78

How to start a business 

in Kazakhstan 

80

Limited 

Liability 

Partnership (LLP) 

Forms of legal entity for foreign business 

An LLP is established by one or several persons, whose authorized 

capital is divided into shares of certain sizes in accordance with the 

constituent documents. 

Participants of an LLP are not liable for its obligations and bear the 

risk of losses, associated with the activities of the partnership, to the 

value of their contributions except in cases stipulated by legislative 

acts of RK. 

Minimum amount of capital for LLP is equal to 100 MCI 1 (MCI), 

which is about 1077 U.S. dollars. For small businesses, the minimum amount of capital is equal to 100 

tenge; this is approximately 0.68 U.S. dollars. Full payment of the authorized capital must be made not 

later than one year from the date of registration. 

A JSC is a legal entity that issues shares in order to raise funds for 

its operations. 

A JSC has property, separate from the assets of its shareholders, and 

is not responsible for their obligations. A JSC is liable for its obligations 

to the extent of its property. 

A shareholder of a JSC is not liable for its obligations and bears the risk of losses, associated with its 

Joint Stock 

Company (JSC) 

activities within the value of his shares, except in cases stipulated by legislative acts of RK. 

A JSC may have one or several shareholders. The minimum amount of capital for a JSC - 50,000 MCI 

(approximately 538 794 U.S. dollars) 

Branches and 

representative 

offices 

A Branch is a separate division of the legal entity, situated outside 

of the entity’s location and performing all or part of its functions, 

including functions of representation. 

A representative office is a separate division of the legal entity, 

situated outside the entity’s location and which protects and 

represents the legal entity, carrying out transactions on its behalf, and 

other legal actions, except in cases stipulated by legislative acts of 

the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

Branches and representative offices are not legal entities. They are endowed with the property created 

by their legal entity and operate on the basis of the regulations approved by the entity. 

1 

MCI - Monthly Calculation Index. MCI in 2012 is 1618 tenge (10.77 U.S. dollars). 

2 

Rates of exchange of USD of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan as on September 27, 2012 

82

REGISTRATION OF ENTERPRISES 

To register a legal entity in the registration authority (Ministry of Justice and its territorial 

units), it is necessary to submit certain documents. 

List of documents required for registration 

• Statement in the prescribed form, signed by the 

founder or the person authorized by the founder; 

• • List of statutory and other documents in 

Kazakh and Russian languages bound together, 

and numbered in triplicate; 

• • Copies of identity documents of the director 

and the founder of the legal entity, their proof of 

taxpayer status. 

If the founder of a legal entity is another legal entity, 

the following must be provided: 

• A certificate of the tax authority about absence (presence) 

of the tax arrears of the founder/legal entity to the 

budget of the Republic of Kazakhstan; 

• Notarized copy of Certificate of State Registration (reregistration); 

• Notarized copy of the statistical card (if applicable); 

• Notarized copy of proof of status as taxpayer. 

83

Registration of legal entities with foreign participation shall be carried out in accordance 

with the procedures established for registration of legal entities of RK. In addition, 

the following documents should be submitted: 

• Legalized extract from the trade register or other legalized document certifying that the founder 

company - a foreign legal person is a legal entity under the laws of the foreign country, with a 

notarized translation into Kazakh and Russian languages; 

• A copy of passport or other identity document of the founder - a foreign person, with a notarized 

translation into Kazakh and Russian languages. 

• A document certifying the location of the legal entity, 

• Receipt or a document confirming the payment of the fee for State Registration of legal entities 

and registration of branches and representative offices. 

To open a branch or representative offices of foreign legal entity, it is mandatory to 

submit: 

• An application for registration; 

• A statute of the branch (representative office), approved by the authority of the legal entity; 

• Power of Attorney issued by the authority of the legal entity to the head of a branch or representative 

office, with a notarized translation into Kazakh and Russian languages; 

• The decision of the legal entity to establish a branch (representative office) with a notarized 

translation into Kazakh and Russian languages; 

• A Legalized extract from the trade register or other legalized document certifying that the subject 

of opening the branch (representative office) in the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a legal entity under 

the laws of their country, with a notarized translation into Kazakh and Russian languages; 

• A legalized document certifying the tax registration of foreign legal entity in the country of incorporation, 

with a notarized translation into Kazakh and Russian languages; 

• A legalized copy of the Charter of a foreign entity, with a notarized translation into Kazakh and 

Russian languages; 

• A copy of constituent documents of a legal entity with a notarized translation into Kazakh and 

Russian languages; 

• A proof of address; 

• A Receipt or a document confirming the payment of the fee for state registration of legal entity and 

registration of branches and representative offices. 

84

Time-limits for registration: 

• For the entities of small businesses 

• For the entities of medium and large businesses Not later than one working day 

operating on the basis of a standard Charter 

following the date of filing the 

• And the registration of their branches and representative necessary documents 

offices 

• State Re-registration of small businesses and entities of 

Not later than three working days 

medium and large businesses that operate on the basis 


of standard charter 

necessary documents. 

• Registration of their branches and representative offices 

• State Registration (re-registration) of the entities of 

medium and large businesses that operate on the basis 

of a non standard statute. 

• Registration (re-) of their branches and representative 

offices 

Not later than 7 working days 


necessary documents. 

85

Date of issue of documents for registration 

• For the subjects of small businesses 

At a time, not later than 5 working 

• For the subjects of medium and large businesses operating 

on the basis of a model statute 

days from the date of filing the 

necessary documents 

• Registration of their branches and representative offices 

• For the entities of medium and large businesses that operate 

on the basis of the statute which is not typical, and 

their branches and representative offices 

Not later than 11 working days 

from the date of filing the necessary 

documents 

Upon receipt of the State Registration, the organization: 

• Receives: Certificate of State Registration, Statistical Card and a Certificate of Registration with 

the Tax Authority; 

• Can print and open a bank account. 

Investors are entitled to open accounts in the banks of the Republic of Kazakhstan in national 

currency and (or) foreign currency in accordance with banking and currency legislation of the Republic 

of Kazakhstan. Branches and representative offices shall have the right to operate in overseas accounts. 

An enterprise, registered in the territory of another State, shall not be prohibited from doing business in 

Kazakhstan, for this, it is necessary to be on the tax records at the place of work, permanent establishment 

or property. 

86 

Contact the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan: 

13 th Entrance, House of Ministries, 8, Orynbor St., Astana 

Offi ce Phone: +7 7172 740737, 

Phone: +7 7172 740954

OBTAINING A LICENSE 

Particular kinds of activities in Kazakhstan require a license. Licensing is required for certain kinds of 

activities in the following areas: 

1. Industry; 

2. Use of nuclear energy; 

3. Turnover of toxic substances; 

4. Transport; 

5. Trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors; 

6. Information security; 

7. Special equipment for search operations; 

8. Trafficking of arms, military equipment and certain types of weapons, explosives 

and their use; 

9. Use of outer space; 

10. Information and communication; 

11. Education; 

12. The Media; 

13. Agriculture and forestry, geodesy and cartography; 

14. Healthcare; 

15. Maintenance of natural and legal persons; 

16. Gambling business; 

17. Veterinary science; 

18. Forensics; 

19. Culture; 

20. Financial sector and activities related to the concentration of financial resources; 

21. Architecture, urban planning and construction; 

22. Production of the State Symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan; 

23. Customs; 

24. Production and turnover of ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages and tobacco 

products; 

25. Activities related to the use of currency values; 

26. Export and import of goods. 

More information about the procedure and time limits of the issuance of licenses 

on www.invest.gov.kz 

87

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGNERS 

Before entering into an employment agreement with a foreign national, the employer must obtain a 

work permit for him in the City Council office (the local executive body) 1 . 

Permission is not required for: 

• Heads of Branches and Representative Offices of Foreign Organizations; 

• Employers, attracting foreign workers as the first directors of legal entities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 

in the authorized capital of which, the share of foreign legal entities and individuals is at 

least 50%, the members of the board of directors of joint stock companies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 

in which at least 50% shares are owned by the State or foreign legal entities or individuals; 

• Persons, who stay on a short business tour, provided that the total duration of such tours during the 

year does not exceed 60 calendar days. 

Every year the Government sets a quota for issuing work permits to foreign nationals. In 2012, the quota is 

1% of the economically active population. Employers should seek quotas for work permits for the following 

year until 1 September this year. 

More information about hiring of foreign labor www.invest.gov.kz 

Contact the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan: 

6th Entrance, House of Ministries, 2, Orynbor St., Astana 

Reception: + 7 7172 742851 

Phone: + 7 7172 743603, 743604 

Е-mail: mintrud@enbek.kz 

2 

In accordance with the decision of the Government of RK № 836 dated 19 June 2001. 

88

Distribution of quotas among the regions, cities 

of Astana and Almaty in 2012 

West 

Kazakhstan reg 

1584 

Atyrau reg. 

13245 

Aktobe reg. 

1200 

Kostanay reg 

201 

North 

Kazakhstan reg. 

30 

Akmola reg. 

24 

ASTANA 

6368 

Karaganda reg. 

1035 

Pavlodar reg. 

619 

East 


1114 

Mangistau reg. 

5000 

Kyzylorda reg. 

994 

South 


4315 

Zhambul reg. 

2132 

Almaty reg. 

4214 

ALMATY 

6060 

0 500 1500 5000 14000 

89

CUSTOMS TARIFFS 

CUSTOMS 

UNION (CU) 

A single customs territory operated on the territory of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. 

When importing goods and vehicles into the customs territory of Kazakhstan, the following are 

levied: 

• Customs duties; 

• Customs fees for customs clearance at € 50 for the basic list of cargo customs declarations and 

€ 20 for each additional list of the cargo customs declaration; 

• Value Added Tax of 12% on taxable imports (Rate of the taxable imports includes customs value 

of goods and the amount of taxes and other obligatory payments to the budget for imports of 

goods, excluding VAT; 

• Excise duty for certain types of goods. 

According to the Common Customs Tariff of CU, the import duties vary from 0% to 80%. 

Uniform Customs Code of CU establishes different types of customs regimes, some of which provide 

full or partial exemption from customs duties 

90

Limit according to the weight and cost 

of goods for personal use 

Without mandatory customs declaration and payment of customs duties, it is allowed to import 

goods worth not more than € 1500 and a total weight up to 50 kg per person. If this limit is 

exceeded, a fee shall be payable at a rate of 30% of the value of the goods, but not less than € 4 

per kilogram in excess of. 

Rates of export customs duties are approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan 

on 7 June 2010 № 520 and range from 10 to 30% with the exception of certain goods. 

Import/export of currency, securities, 

promissory notes, cheques: 

Within the customs territory of CU – shall be implemented without restrictions and customs 

declaration. 

From the third countries / into the territory of third countries in an amount, exceeding the 

equivalent of 10,000 USD shall be subject to customs declaration, in writing, by a passenger 

customs declaration for the entire amount of imported or exported securities. 

91

TAX SYSTEM 

Registration: 

• Structural unit of a non-resident legal entity is made on the basis of information of national 

registers of identification numbers, that is, automatically upon registration with the Judicial 

authorities; 

• Non-resident legal entity carrying out activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan through a permanent 

establishment without opening a branch or a representative office - in the tax authorities at the 

place of the permanent establishment. 

Residents are taxed on income received both in the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as from abroad. 

Non-residents are taxed only in respect of income from Kazakhstan sources, regardless of place of 

payment. 

Foreign natural persons shall be considered residents, if they are in the country for at least 183 days 

in any consecutive twelve month period ending in the current tax period. An individual is considered as 

non-resident for the period following the last day of stay in Kazakhstan, if the person does not become a 

resident in the year following the year, in which that person ends up staying in Kazakhstan. 

In the conventions for avoidance of double taxation, different rules for determining residency can be 

specified. 

Foreign individuals must register with the Kazakhstan Tax Authorities in the following cases: 

1. When opening accounts in banks that are tax residents of Kazakhstan 

2. When receiving income from Kazakhstan sources that are not taxed at the source in Kazakhstan 

3. When they acquire tax resident status 

• The place of tax registration is usually a residence address specified in the migration card of 

foreign citizens. 

92

CONVENTION FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION CONCLUDED 

BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND OTHER STATES 

1. Austria 

2. Azerbaijan 

3. Armenia 

4. Belarus 

5. Belgium 

6. Bulgaria 

7. United Kingdom 

8. Hungary 

9. Germany 

10. Georgia 

11. India 

12. Iran 

13. Spain 

14. Italy 

15. Canada 

MAJOR TAXES 

16. China 

17. Kyrgyzstan 

18. Latvia 

19. Lithuania 

20. Malaysia 

21. Moldova 

22. Mongolia 


24. Norway 

25. Pakistan 

26. Poland 

27. Russia 

28. Romania 

29. Saudi Arabia * 

30. Singapore 

Entrepreneurial activity is subject to the following taxes 

and duties: 

1. Corporate Income Tax (CIT); 

2. Individual Income Tax (IIT); 

3. Tax withheld from income of the non-residents of RK; 

4. Mineral Extraction Tax (MET); 

31. Slovakia 

32. USA 

33. Tajikistan 

34. Turkmenistan 

35. Turkey 

36. Uzbekistan 

37. Ukraine 

38. France 

39. Finland 

40. Czech Republic 


42. Sweden 

43. Estonia 


45. Japan 

* The Convention is not ratifi ed 

5. Value Added Tax (VAT); 

6. Land tax; 

7. Property tax; 

8. Tax on Vehicles of Legal Entities; 

9. Pension Contributions; 

10. Social Security Contributions 

Contact the Tax Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan: 

11, Pobeda Avenue, Astana 

Phone: +7 7172 718002, Call Centre: +7 7172 580909 

Е-mail: info@mgd.kz, Website: www.salyk.kz 

93

PRINCIPAL CONTACTS 

FOR INVESTORS 

The Committee on Investments of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies 

• Develop an International Legal Framework 

for the promotion and reciprocal protection 

of Investments; 

• Provide State Support for Investments 

• Conclude Contracts for the provision of 

Investment Preferences under the Law "On 

Investments"; 

• Monitor compliance with the terms and 

conditions of contracts for the provision of 

Investment Preferences; 

• Support the activities of the Foreign 

Investors’ Council chaired by the President 

of the Republic of Kazakhstan; 

• Perform other functions in the field of 

Public Investment Policies. 

Contacts: 

47, “Transport Tower” Building, 

Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Astana 

Phone: +7 7172 241540, Fax: +7 7172 242124, 

E-mail: info@cominvest.kz 

94

We help: 

• Foreign investors 

• Kazakhstan Initiators of 

Investment Projects 

• Buyers of Kazakh 

Products 

• Existing and Potential 

Exporters 

National agency for export and investment 

«KAZNEX INVEST» 

We organize and conduct: 

• In conjunction with the 

Ministry of Industry 

and New Technologies, 

International Business 

Forum with the 

participation of Heads 

of the State and the 

Government 

• Meeting of Foreign 

Investors with the 

representatives, 

Government Agencies 

WE PROVIDE SERVICES AT NO COST. 

We counsel: 

• Foreign Investors on 

business-related issued 

in Kazakhstan at all 

stages of the Investment 

Project 

Contacts: 

Head Office: 

25, Business Centre “Ansar”, 1st Floor, Syganak St., Astana 

Phone: +7 7172 79 93 93, 

Fax: +7 7172 79 93 92. 

"Direct Line" on Customer Services: 

For investments: 

Phone: +7 7172 79 93 93 (Internal 1070, 1042), 

E-mail: request@kaznexinvest.kz, 

For Exports: 

Phone: +7 7172 79 93 93 (Internal 1010), 

E-mail: export@kaznexinvest.kz 

Representative Office in Almaty: 

Room No. 502, 505, 4th Floor, 111, Gogol St., Almaty. 

Phone: +7 7272 59 06 90 

Fax: + 7 7272 58 21 51 

Representative Office in Beijing (China): 

Room No. 2104, “Full Tower” Building, East Third Ring, Chaoyang 

District, Beijing, 100037 

Phone/Fax: +86(10) 85910677 

Details about all available services on the corporate website 

www.kaznexinvest.kz 

95

Contents of CD-ROM 

1. The legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan regulating the investment activities 

2. Useful addresses: Ministries and Departments, local councils of districts and cities, national 

companies, special economic zones (SEZ), industrial parks, corporate social entrepreneurship 

(CSE), the Embassies of the Republic of Kazakhstan overseas, etc. 

3. "Niche" Projects in Kazakhstan 

96

The Committee on Investments of the Ministry of 

Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Investor's Guide - Invest In Kazakhstan

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