Opening a Company in the AIFC
Company Registration in the AIFC
Fast, turnkey registration of a private company (Ltd) in the AIFC – set up and ready to operate in Kazakhstan.
PRIVATE COMPANY REGISTRATION IN THE AIFC
BUSINESS REGISTRATION IN THE AIFC
We operate as an independent advisory firm and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting as an official representative of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
For our team, company registration is a well-established process that leaves no room for error.
By entrusting the launch of your business to us, you give it a reliable foundation for future growth.
For our team, company registration is a well-established process that leaves no room for error.
By entrusting the launch of your business to us, you give it a reliable foundation for future growth.
- Private company registration in the AIFCThe process can be completed remotely or in person – it's your choice
- Bank account openingWe know the banks' requirements and prepare your documents accordingly – minimizing the risk of rejection and ensuring the fastest possible account opening
- Legal addressWe work directly with property owners to offer you the most suitable legal address for your company
- Company sealNo need to visit us – we will make a company seal to your design
- Private company registration in the AIFCThe process can be completed remotely or in person – it's your choice
- Bank account openingWe know the banks' requirements and prepare your documents accordingly – minimizing the risk of rejection and ensuring the fastest possible account opening
- Legal addressWe work directly with property owners to offer you the most suitable legal address for your company
- Company sealNo need to visit us – we will make a company seal to your design
Required Documents for Company Registration
AIFC Company for residents
- ID card of the founder(s)Or, if the founders are legal entities, their registration and constituent documents
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- Unique name of the companyIn Kazakh / Russian / English
- Types of business activities of the company
REGISTRATION TIMEFRAME:
5 DAYS*
COST:
KZT 330,000
PAYMENT ON COMPLETION
5 DAYS*
COST:
KZT 330,000
PAYMENT ON COMPLETION
A state fee of USD 500 is payable separately
*Timelines are subject to the processing times of the AIFC Registrar of Companies.
*Timelines are subject to the processing times of the AIFC Registrar of Companies.
REGISTRATION TIMEFRAME:
5 DAYS*
COST:
KZT 330,000
PAYMENT ON COMPLETION
5 DAYS*
COST:
KZT 330,000
PAYMENT ON COMPLETION
A state fee of USD 500 is payable separately
*Timelines are subject to the processing times of the AIFC Registrar of Companies.
*Timelines are subject to the processing times of the AIFC Registrar of Companies.
Required Documents for Company Registration
AIFC Company for non-residents
Scanned copies of the founders' passports
Or, if the founders are legal entities, their registration and constituent documents
Color scans in PDF format
Color scans in PDF format
- Scanned copies of the founders' passportsOr, if the founders are legal entities, their registration and constituent documents
Color scans in PDF format
-
- Unique name of the companyIn Kazakh / Russian / English
- Director's IIN (if available), the applicant's digital signature (EDS – director or founder), residential addresses, phone numbers and email addresses
- Types of business activities of the company
REGISTRATION TIMEFRAME:
5 DAYS*
COST:
KZT 330,000
PAYMENT ON COMPLETION
A state fee of USD 500 is payable separately
*Timelines are subject to the processing times and procedures of the AIFC authorities.
ADDITIONAL
COSTS
- legal address: KZT 330,000
- company seal: KZT 8,000
- bank account opening: KZT 270,000
- digital signature (EDS) for the company head: KZT 45,000
REGISTRATION TIMEFRAME:
5 DAYS*
COST:
KZT 330,000
PAYMENT ON COMPLETION
A state fee of USD 500 is payable separately
*Timelines are subject to the processing times and procedures of the AIFC authorities.
ADDITIONAL
COSTS
legal address: KZT 330,000
company seal: KZT 8,000
bank account opening: KZT 270,000
digital signature (EDS) for the company head: KZT 45,000
AIFC Company vs Standard LLP
A company registered in the AIFC operates under English common law.
- The AIFC is an independent jurisdiction with its own legal system, grounded in the principles of English law.
- It also offers a favorable tax regime for businesses operating within its framework.
- The AIFC was established to promote the development of the financial sector, so the main tax incentives are primarily intended for companies operating in this field.
- AIFC benefits:
- simplified procedure for hiring foreign staff;
- tax incentives and exemptions (mainly for financial-sector companies);
- dispute resolution under English law in the AIFC Court and the International Arbitration Centre.
- Astana International Financial Centre:
the leading financial centre in Eastern Europe and Central Asia – a dynamic hub for innovation and business growth.
Registering a company in the AIFC enhances the credibility of your business
AIFC Company vs Standard LLP
When should you register a company in the AIFC rather than an LLP under general Kazakhstani law?
Choose the AIFC if:
You want to take advantage of AIFC incentives and benefits
You operate in fintech or related innovative sectors
You wish to use an AIFC company as a holding company for asset protection
You want to take advantage of AIFC incentives and benefits
You operate in fintech or related innovative sectors
You wish to use an AIFC company as a holding company for asset protection
Why register a company in the AIFC?
Benefits of Registering a Company in the AIFC
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) was established on the infrastructure of EXPO-2017 as a separate jurisdiction within Kazakhstan. Its key purpose is to attract investment, develop the financial market and create conditions for doing business to international standards.
Registering a company in the AIFC lets you do business in Kazakhstan under a modern legal system, with fully online registration and tax incentives for participants that meet the criteria. For international structures, it is a convenient platform for managing assets, raising investment and developing projects globally.
Registering a company in the AIFC lets you do business in Kazakhstan under a modern legal system, with fully online registration and tax incentives for participants that meet the criteria. For international structures, it is a convenient platform for managing assets, raising investment and developing projects globally.
- International Jurisdiction and English LawThe AIFC applies a legal system based on the principles of English common law.
- Legal framework: corporate, contractual and financial relations are governed by AIFC acts built on common law principles.
- AIFC Court: an independent judicial body whose decisions are enforceable throughout Kazakhstan.
- International Arbitration Centre: an alternative to state courts for resolving commercial disputes.
- Transparent rulings: court decisions are published, which makes case law predictable and provides legal certainty.
1 - Simplified Registration and ManagementRegistering a company in the AIFC is a fully electronic process:
- Online procedure: documents are filed and processed through the AIFC portal, no personal presence is required.
- Minimum capital: in many cases share capital can be nominal (from USD 1).
- Flexible corporate governance: founders can set out in detail the rights and obligations of members, profit distribution and exit procedures.
- Electronic reporting: accounting and audit can be handled remotely.
2 - Tax IncentivesThe AIFC offers a preferential tax regime, but the full package of incentives is available only to companies carrying out qualifying activities defined by AIFC acts (financial and professional services, fund management, brokerage and others).
- Qualifying participants: exemption from corporate income tax (CIT), from VAT on certain transactions and from individual income tax for foreign employees, as well as exemption of capital gains and dividends.
- Non-qualifying participants: only the exemption on dividends and capital gains on shares or participation interests in the AIFC company applies; all other taxes are paid under the general rules.
3 - Attractive to Foreign FoundersThe AIFC creates convenient conditions for international business:
- No director residency requirement: the company can be managed by a person based outside Kazakhstan.
- Bank accounts: companies can open an account with an AIFC participant bank or with foreign banks.
- Simplified KYC procedures: shorter verification times and easier compliance.
- Holding and SPV structures: assets may be held both in Kazakhstan and abroad.
4 - Reputation and Access to International MarketsAIFC participant status increases the trust of foreign partners and investors:
- Transparent jurisdiction: ensures compliance with international standards of corporate governance and tax transparency.
- AIX exchange: makes it possible to raise capital by issuing shares, bonds and other instruments. The exchange's shareholders are the AIFC, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Silk Road Fund and NASDAQ.
- Positive image: AIFC registration enhances a company's reputation with global counterparties.
5
Choosing a Legal Form for Your AIFC Company
Choosing a legal form is a critical step for investors and entrepreneurs. It determines the management structure, reporting, taxes, member protection and flexibility in corporate decisions.
Below are all 15 legal forms officially available in the AIFC, with explanations and typical uses.
Below are all 15 legal forms officially available in the AIFC, with explanations and typical uses.
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- Private Company – the most popular form for business
- Minimum capital: not set.
- Members: 1–50 shareholders.
- Management: at least one director; a company secretary is not mandatory.
- Reporting: simplified; audit only when certain conditions are met.
- Use cases: start-ups, holding companies, SPVs for holding assets, service companies.
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2. General Partnership
- Essence: a partnership in which all partners take part in management.
- Liability: joint and unlimited.
- Use cases: small businesses, projects with a high level of trust between partners.
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3. Non-Profit Incorporated Organisation (NPIO)
- Purposes: charitable, educational, cultural.
- Profit: not distributed among members.
- Use cases: associations, support foundations, non-profit organisations.
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4. Accredited Limited Partnership
- Difference from an LP: the same structure, but with official AFSA accreditation.
- Advantages: status of a regulated structure, greater investor confidence.
- Use cases: venture capital and private equity funds, joint ventures of international investors.
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5. Company with Segregated Portfolios
- Feature: the assets and liabilities of each portfolio are ring-fenced.
- Advantage: risk protection – the debts of one cell do not affect the others.
- Use cases: insurance, investment funds, securitisation.
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6. Public Company
- Minimum capital: set (usually USD 50,000 or more).
- Directors: at least two; a company secretary is required.
- Reporting: audit is mandatory, financial statements are published.
- Use cases: listing on AIX, IPO, raising capital from a broad investor base.
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7. Limited Partnership (LP)
- Composition: general partners (with full liability) and limited partners (with limited liability).
- Use cases: funds, project finance, venture investment.
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8. Accredited Company
- Status: a company accredited by the AFSA.
- Why it matters: participation in regulated activities, easier access to services within the AIFC ecosystem.
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9. Accredited Partnership with Limited Liability
- Similar to an LLP, but accredited.
- Use cases: joint ventures where compliance with AFSA standards matters.
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10. Company with Limited Disclosure
- Feature: reduced disclosure requirements.
- Advantage: greater confidentiality.
- Use cases: SPVs for M&A, transactions involving private investors.
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11. Special Purpose Company (SPC)
- Purpose: a special purpose company for project needs.
- Use cases: bond issues, securitisation, deal structuring.
- Plus: faster registration, minimal corporate formalities.
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12. Partnership with Limited Liability
- Essence: a hybrid of a partnership and a company in which members are liable up to their contribution.
- Use cases: projects that need the flexibility of an LLP with a simpler corporate structure.
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13. Accredited General Partnership
- Difference: a general partnership with AFSA accreditation.
- Use cases: professional services partnerships, such as law firms.
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14. Investment Company
- Purpose: professional asset management.
- Regulation: subject to AFSA licensing.
- Use cases: collective investment, portfolio management, hedge funds.
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15. Private Fund
- Form: a closed-ended fund for qualified investors.
- Advantage: flexible structure, regulation that protects investors.
- Use cases: venture funds, private equity funds.
From our blog
- Governing law, courts, taxes and currency rules
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
KZT 330,000 plus the AIFC fee of USD 500.
Approximately 1–5 days, but the exact timeframe depends on the Registrar.
A Private Company (Ltd) is the main legal form for business in the AIFC, the equivalent of a limited liability company. It operates under AIFC law, which is based on the principles of English common law. Registration requires just one shareholder – an individual or a legal entity – and one director who is an individual; there is no minimum capital requirement.
Yes – this can be done via a power of attorney issued to our specialist.
These zones offer tax incentives, access to dedicated infrastructure, and integration into a professional business community.
For more information, please contact our specialists.
For more information, please contact our specialists.
Under the general regime, a company pays corporate income tax (20%) and VAT (16%). Small businesses can instead use the simplified declaration regime with a single 4% tax on income. The retail tax regime was abolished on 1 January 2026 under the new Tax Code.
For more information, please contact our specialists.
For more information, please contact our specialists.
- Legal address (not just any address in Kazakhstan)
- VAT registration (if applicable)
- Obtaining licenses for regulated activities (if required)
It is not possible to transfer an existing Kazakhstani LLP (registered under the general legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan) directly to the AIFC.
Only companies incorporated outside Kazakhstan (for example, in the UAE, Cyprus or Belize) may be transferred, provided that their home jurisdiction permits outward continuation (transfer out).
A Kazakhstani LLP or JSC cannot be transferred, since the Kazakhstani laws on LLPs and JSCs contain no provisions on redomiciliation.
Only companies incorporated outside Kazakhstan (for example, in the UAE, Cyprus or Belize) may be transferred, provided that their home jurisdiction permits outward continuation (transfer out).
A Kazakhstani LLP or JSC cannot be transferred, since the Kazakhstani laws on LLPs and JSCs contain no provisions on redomiciliation.
Yes, there are, and they relate to sanctions regulations, banking risks and the internal procedures of the AIFC.
Formally, the AIFC is open to any foreign individuals and legal entities.
However, the AFSA/ROC requires applicants to provide a legal opinion with a sanctions analysis (sanctions screening) issued by an accredited law firm or a Big Four law practice.
What is required:
A legal opinion (sanctions + EDD) prepared by a Kazakhstani firm recognized by Chambers, Legal 500 or IFLR1000, or by an AFSA-licensed Ancillary Service Provider. It includes screening of the applicant, UBOs and directors against the OFAC (US), EU, UK, UN, Canadian and Australian lists, adverse media checks, and a conclusion confirming that the planned activity does not contradict the applicable sanctions regimes. AFSA formalizes this as an "Additional assessment" and publishes it on the regulator's website.
When this comes up: formally, "in certain cases" at the discretion of the Registrar of Companies (enhanced due diligence). In practice, during 2024–2025 it has been required in nearly all higher-risk cases (including redomiciliation/transfer of incorporation and "sensitive" jurisdictions). Practitioners confirm that a sanctions legal opinion is usually requested in registration and redomiciliation processes.
What the additional-assessment package includes: in addition to the legal opinion, AFSA requests a business plan, a financial plan, an employment plan and, for redomiciliation, confirmation from the home jurisdiction that the transfer/continuation is permitted.
Formally, the AIFC is open to any foreign individuals and legal entities.
However, the AFSA/ROC requires applicants to provide a legal opinion with a sanctions analysis (sanctions screening) issued by an accredited law firm or a Big Four law practice.
What is required:
A legal opinion (sanctions + EDD) prepared by a Kazakhstani firm recognized by Chambers, Legal 500 or IFLR1000, or by an AFSA-licensed Ancillary Service Provider. It includes screening of the applicant, UBOs and directors against the OFAC (US), EU, UK, UN, Canadian and Australian lists, adverse media checks, and a conclusion confirming that the planned activity does not contradict the applicable sanctions regimes. AFSA formalizes this as an "Additional assessment" and publishes it on the regulator's website.
When this comes up: formally, "in certain cases" at the discretion of the Registrar of Companies (enhanced due diligence). In practice, during 2024–2025 it has been required in nearly all higher-risk cases (including redomiciliation/transfer of incorporation and "sensitive" jurisdictions). Practitioners confirm that a sanctions legal opinion is usually requested in registration and redomiciliation processes.
What the additional-assessment package includes: in addition to the legal opinion, AFSA requests a business plan, a financial plan, an employment plan and, for redomiciliation, confirmation from the home jurisdiction that the transfer/continuation is permitted.
Yes. Registration in the AIFC does not limit a company's activities to the Centre: an AIFC participant may do business and provide services in any region of Kazakhstan, including through branches and representative offices. Such activities are carried out under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan: a branch outside the AIFC must be registered with the justice authorities at its location (it receives its own BIN). No changes to the company's constitutional documents or to the AIFC register are required.
There are three points to keep in mind. First, the company must carry on its principal business activity in the AIFC unless the AIFC Registrar of Companies has permitted otherwise (Art. 24(3) of the AIFC Companies Regulations). Second, an AFSA licence is valid only within the Centre: if an activity outside the Centre is licensable under Kazakh law, a licence from the Kazakh regulator is required, and AFSA-licensed companies must notify the AFSA in advance of opening a branch (GEN 6.2.2). Third, AIFC tax incentives apply only to activities within the Centre – income from work outside it is taxed under the general rules.
There are three points to keep in mind. First, the company must carry on its principal business activity in the AIFC unless the AIFC Registrar of Companies has permitted otherwise (Art. 24(3) of the AIFC Companies Regulations). Second, an AFSA licence is valid only within the Centre: if an activity outside the Centre is licensable under Kazakh law, a licence from the Kazakh regulator is required, and AFSA-licensed companies must notify the AFSA in advance of opening a branch (GEN 6.2.2). Third, AIFC tax incentives apply only to activities within the Centre – income from work outside it is taxed under the general rules.
For its ordinary activities, an AIFC company pays taxes under the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Until 1 January 2066, participants are exempt from CIT on income from financial and certain ancillary services; for other activities, dividends on shares of AIFC participants and capital gains on their sale are not taxed in the hands of the recipients. We will check whether the incentives apply before registration.
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