Service · Kazakhstan

Registering a company in the AIFC, Kazakhstan

The Astana International Financial Centre offers English common law, its own court and arbitration centre, fast online registration and tax benefits for qualifying financial and ancillary services. We check whether it fits your business and handle the set-up.

Legal framework

The AIFC is a separate legal regime in Astana, created by a constitutional statute in 2015 and based on English common law. Disputes go to the independent AIFC Court, which follows English civil procedure, or to the AIFC International Arbitration Centre. Arbitration awards can be registered as AIFC Court judgments.

Registration

• Companies are registered by the Registrar of Companies of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA)
• Entity types include private and public companies, investment companies, special purpose companies, partnerships and foundations; foreign companies can register a branch
• Online registration through the Digital Resident Portal takes 1–3 business days; offline, 3–5 business days
• Firms carrying out licensed financial activities also need AFSA authorisation, which takes considerably longer
• The official registration fee for most entities is USD 300 online or USD 500 offline

Tax benefits

Until 1 January 2066, qualifying participants pay 0% corporate income tax on income from financial and ancillary services, benefit from a VAT exemption on those services, and foreign employees pay 0% personal income tax on their salaries. The benefits are not automatic: the activity must qualify, and substance and reporting conditions apply. Kazakhstan's new Tax Code took effect on 1 January 2026, so we confirm the current conditions with Kazakh tax advisers for every case.

Visas and staff

AIFC participants are exempt from quotas and work permits for foreign staff. Work visas are issued for up to five years, and the AIFC Expat Centre handles investor, work and family visas in one place.

Ongoing obligations

• A registered address in Astana
• Accounting and reporting to AIFC standards
• Annual filings with the Registrar of Companies

Who it suits

Regional holding companies and fund vehicles that want English-law documents and dispute resolution, asset managers, fintech and digital-asset firms (through licensing), and consulting and professional-services firms serving AIFC participants. See also private debt and equity.

How we help

• Check whether an AIFC company suits your structure and whether the tax benefits apply
• Prepare and file the registration
• Arrange the Astana address, accounting and annual filings with local partners
• Coordinate visas for founders and staff

Frequently asked questions

How long does AIFC company registration take?

Usually 1–3 business days online through the Digital Resident Portal, or 3–5 business days offline. Licensed financial firms take longer.

Are the AIFC tax benefits automatic?

No. The activity must qualify as a financial or ancillary service, and substance and reporting conditions apply.

Which law applies to an AIFC company?

AIFC law, based on English common law. Disputes are resolved by the AIFC Court or the International Arbitration Centre.

Do I need an office in Kazakhstan?

A registered address in Astana is required. Whether you need staff or a physical office depends on your activity and on the tax benefits you want.

Related services

Information current as of September 2026. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.