How to Register a Company in Kazakhstan: The 2025 Expert Guide for Foreign Investors

Welcome to the official blog of Secure Immigration. As a firm dedicated to business migration, we’ve guided countless international investors and entrepreneurs through the legal landscapes of emerging markets. One of the most promising of these is Kazakhstan—a nation strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

However, we understand that entering a new market can be daunting. The complexities of legal procedures, language barriers, and bureaucratic nuances can seem like significant obstacles. That’s precisely why we’ve created this comprehensive guide. Based on our extensive experience, this isn’t just a list of steps; it’s a practical roadmap designed to demystify the process of Kazakhstan company registration, turning complexity into a clear, manageable path for you.

Why Kazakhstan? Unlocking a Strategic Hub for Your Business

Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” At Secure Immigration, we’ve seen a sharp increase in clients targeting Kazakhstan, and for good reason. The country offers a compelling blend of economic stability, government incentives, and logistical advantages.

Here’s what this means for your business:

• Access to Huge Markets: Registering a company in Kazakhstan gives you direct entry into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a market of over 180 million consumers. Its strategic location also makes it a crucial link between the vast markets of China, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Favorable Business Climate: The government has actively worked to streamline regulations, reflected in its high ranking in the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” reports. The legal system is designed to protect foreign investors, ensuring transparency and fairness.
• Attractive Tax Regimes: Kazakhstan features a competitive corporate tax rate of 20%, with special tax regimes available for small and medium-sized businesses. Furthermore, the country has established 14 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), which offer substantial tax benefits, including exemptions from corporate tax and customs duties.

Understanding Your Options: The Most Common Legal Structures

When you decide to register a business, the first critical choice is the legal form. For foreign investors in Kazakhstan, there are three primary options.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP / TOO): The Popular Choice

The LLP, known locally as “TOO” (Товарищество с ограниченной ответственностью), is by far the most common and versatile business structure for foreigners. It’s the go-to option for small, medium, and even large enterprises.

At Secure Immigration, we recommend the LLP for most of our clients because it offers the perfect balance of liability protection and operational simplicity. The founders’ liability is limited to their contribution to the authorized capital, safeguarding personal assets.

Joint-Stock Company (JSC): For Larger Ventures

A Joint-Stock Company (JSC) is suited for large-scale projects that plan to raise significant capital by issuing shares. The requirements for a JSC are more stringent, including a much higher minimum authorized capital and more complex corporate governance and public reporting standards. We typically advise this structure for major industrial projects or companies planning to list on a stock exchange.

Branch and Representative Offices

A foreign company can also establish a branch or a representative office. A representative office is limited to non-commercial functions like marketing and networking. A branch office can conduct commercial activities but is not a separate legal entity from its parent company, which means the parent company retains full liability.

The Step-by-Step Kazakhstan Company Registration Process: Our Proven Method

Registering a company in Kazakhstan is a systematic process. By breaking it down, we can ensure every requirement is met accurately and efficiently. The entire registration can be done online through the e-government portal or in person at a Public Service Center (PSC).

Step 1: Preliminary Decisions & Document Preparation

This foundational stage is about getting your strategy and paperwork in order.

• Choose a Company Name: The name must be unique and written in Kazakh, Russian, and an English transliteration. We handle the name availability check to avoid any conflicts.
• Define Business Activities: Clearly outline the intended commercial activities of your company.
• Prepare Founder Documents:

1. For Individuals: A notarized copy of your passport is required. This must be translated into Kazakh and Russian.
2. For Legal Entities: You’ll need apostilled or legalized corporate documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation and company charter, along with a legalized extract from the trade register of your home country.

Insider Tip: Document notarization and translation are critical. Errors or inconsistencies here are the most common cause of delays. We manage a network of certified translators and notaries to ensure every document is perfect from the start.

Step 2: Obtaining an Individual Identification Number (IIN)

Before a foreigner can act as a founder or director of a Kazakh company, they must obtain an Individual Identification Number (IIN). This 12-digit unique code is essential for all legal and financial actions in the country, including opening bank accounts and paying taxes.
The IIN can be obtained at a Public Service Center (PSC) or, in some cases, through Kazakh embassies abroad. While it once required a personal visit, this process can now often be completed via a power of attorney.

Step 3: Securing a Legal Address

Every company in Kazakhstan must have a registered legal address. This can be a purchased or leased office space. You must provide a document confirming your right to use the premises, such as a lease agreement or a consent letter from the property owner.
Insider Tip: Using a residential address is possible but can create complications. We strongly recommend securing a commercial address. For clients who aren’t ready to commit to a physical office, we can facilitate virtual office solutions that meet all legal requirements.

Step 4: State Registration for Your Business Identification Number (BIN)

With all documents prepared, the next step is the official state registration. This is done by submitting the application and foundational documents (like the company charter and founder’s resolution) to the registration authority.
Upon successful registration, your company is issued a Business Identification Number (BIN). The BIN is your company’s unique identifier for all official purposes, including tax, banking, and contracts. For small and medium-sized businesses, this state registration is typically completed within 1-5 business days and is free of charge.

Step 5: Opening a Corporate Bank Account

Once you have your BIN, you can open a corporate bank account. While this may sound straightforward, many Kazakh banks have stringent “Know Your Customer” (KYC) procedures, and some may require the director to be physically present.
Our role at Secure Immigration often involves pre-negotiating with banks that have experience with foreign-owned companies, ensuring a smoother account opening process. We help prepare the necessary document package, which typically includes the registration certificate, company charter, and director’s identification.

The AIFC Advantage: An Alternative Path to Registration

For specific industries, particularly finance, IT, and investment, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) presents a compelling alternative. The AIFC is a special jurisdiction within Kazakhstan that operates based on English common law, offering a familiar and highly secure legal environment for international investors.
Key benefits of AIFC registration include:

• Tax Exemptions: Participants can be exempt from corporate income tax, VAT, and property tax for up to 50 years for certain activities.
• Independent Court: The AIFC has its own court and international arbitration center that operates in English, providing robust and independent dispute resolution.
• Streamlined Processes: Company registration is managed through a modern online portal, and regulations are designed to be business-friendly.

Common Pitfalls and How We Help You Avoid Them

While the process is logical, there are several common mistakes that can derail a company registration.

• Incorrect Document Legalization: Failure to properly apostille or notarize documents from your home country is a frequent issue.
• Legal Address Problems: Providing an invalid or unconfirmed legal address will lead to immediate rejection.
• Visa Misunderstandings: For citizens of some countries, a C5 business immigrant visa is required to act as a founder. We clarify these requirements from day one to ensure full compliance.
• Bank Account Delays: Underestimating the time and documentation required for bank KYC procedures can stall your business operations.

Our expertise lies in foreseeing these issues. We conduct a thorough review of every document and manage each step proactively, so you don’t have to learn from mistakes.

Your Partner in Success: How Secure Immigration Streamlines the Process

Navigating the intricacies of company registration in Kazakhstan requires more than just knowledge—it demands experience. At Secure Immigration, we don’t just process paperwork; we provide comprehensive, end-to-end support.
We handle everything from the initial consultation on the best legal structure to the final steps of opening your bank account. By entrusting us with your registration, you leverage our deep understanding of local laws and our established relationships with government bodies and financial institutions. If you are ready to explore the vast opportunities in Kazakhstan, let us handle the complexities. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive business registration services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Company Registration in Kazakhstan

Do I need to be physically present in Kazakhstan to register a company?
While certain steps, such as obtaining an Individual Identification Number (IIN), historically required a personal visit, it’s now possible to handle the entire registration process remotely through a power of attorney issued to a trusted legal representative like Secure Immigration. This allows you to establish your company without disrupting your schedule.

How long does the company registration process take?
The official registration process is quite efficient and can take between 1 to 7 business days once all documents are correctly prepared and submitted. However, we advise clients to plan for a 2-3 week timeline to account for document preparation, notarization, translation, and potential bank account opening procedures.

What are the minimum capital requirements for an LLP in Kazakhstan?
For small business entities, the minimum authorized capital can be set to zero, making it highly accessible for startups and new investors. For medium and large businesses, the requirement is 100 times the Monthly Calculation Index (MCI), which is a nominal amount.

Can a foreigner be the sole director and founder of a Kazakh company?
Yes, Kazakhstan’s legislation allows a single foreign individual or a foreign company to be the sole founder and director of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). There are no residency requirements for the director, providing maximum flexibility for international business owners.

What is the difference between registering in Kazakhstan and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)?
Registering a company under the general jurisdiction of Kazakhstan subjects you to its national civil law system. The AIFC, located in Astana, is a special economic zone that operates under a legal framework based on English common law. The AIFC offers significant tax exemptions and is often preferred by fintech, financial, and IT companies, while the standard LLP registration is a versatile and excellent choice for a wide range of commercial activities across the country.