As of February 10, 2026, the requirements regarding the scope of information to be provided on beneficial owners have been expanded. In particular, it is now mandatory to indicate the identification number of a foreign individual in their country of residence, date of birth, place of residence, as well as the share in the authorized capital of the legal entity or the number of shares owned. Previously, only the full name, IIN (if available), and passport details were required.

In today’s economic environment, Kazakhstan is strengthening its position as an attractive jurisdiction for doing business. The country combines a strategic geographic location between Europe and Asia, well-developed transport and logistics infrastructure, a stable financial system, and a high level of digitalization of public services.

Kazakhstan is particularly attractive to foreign investors due to its strategic location, stable financial system and openness to international business. However, any commercial activity may be accompanied by risks of non-payment or bad faith fulfillment of obligations by counterparties on both sides. Debt collection is an important part of protecting business interests.

Due to the geopolitical situation that has developed over the past few years, many foreign companies are considering Kazakhstan for business relocation. However, recently there has been a tightening in terms of registration, business operations in Kazakhstan and even an outflow of foreign business.

In light of the current geopolitical landscape and the ongoing impact of anti-Russian sanctions in recent years, Kazakhstan is increasingly capturing the attention of foreign companies as a promising destination for business registration.

Authors:Aigerim Massatbayeva,
Legal consultant
Gulim Amrayeva, accountant, tax consultant

Deciding on the organizational and legal form of legalization of a foreign business in Kazakhstan, most often, the choice is between registering a limited liability company and a branch (representative office) of a foreign legal entity in Kazakhstan.

Content

1. Business set-up in Kazakhstan:

● Types of Legal Entities

● Branch/RepOffice

2. Labour aspects

In this article will be described the procedure of changing the founder in a company (LLP) to a foreign citizen or a foreign legal entity. In other words, we will discuss the purchase of a share in a LLP by a foreign citizen or a non-resident legal entity.

Amendments to the “Rules for issuing invitations, coordinating invitations for entry of foreigners and stateless persons into the Republic of Kazakhstan, issuing, canceling, restoring visas of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as extending and reducing their validity” [1](hereinafter referred to as “amendments”) come into force on November 17, 2024.