Kazakhstan has one of the most favorable investment climates in the region. Kazakhstan was ranked 28th in the world by net FDI inflows. Kazakhstan is ranked 16th among the developing countries. The country has a GDP of $500 billion with population of 18 million people. Kazakhstan is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Economic Cooperation Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. As of 2014, foreign investors had placed a total of $211.5 billion in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has the largest and strongest performing economy in Central Asia. Supported by rising oil output and prices, Kazakhstan’s economy grew at an average of 8% per year until 2013
Entrepreneurial Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan № 375-V dated October 29, 2015 provides the following guarantees of investor rights: a guarantee of legal protection of investors, a guarantee of income use, guarantees of investor rights in case of nationalization and requisition.
Foreign investors and entrepreneurs can apply “A5” category Investor visa (single entry until 90 days / multiple entry until 3 years ) by investing atleast USD 100,000 or more.
The processing time is five days but, Visa Support from the Ministry for Investments and Development of Kazakhstan must be approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.
Another important step in support of investors was the introduction of a special regime on the “green corridor” principle as part of the joint work to improve the investment climate in the country between the State Revenue Committee of the MF of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Investment Committee of the MID of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
For investors who implement investment projects under investment contracts concluded with the Investment Committee of the MID of the Republic of Kazakhstan, tax administration will be effected directly at the central level – at the State Revenue Committee of the MF of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This will significantly reduce examination and registration period, and minimize the number of inspections and other risks related to the interpretation and regulatory enforcement.
Astana Financial Center
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a financial hub in Astana, Kazakhstan that officially launched on July 5, 2018. The Centre will be situated within EXPO-2017 and supported by modern infrastructure & the latest technology.
The Constitutional Law “On the Astana International Financial Centre” approved on 7 December 2015 provides a legal framework for the functioning of the AIFC as well as a favourable environment for its participants.
The Astana International Financial Centre plays one of the main roles in attracting financial resources. It is positioned as a financial hub for the countries of Central Asia, the Caucasus, Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Middle East, Western China, Mongolia and Europe. Corporate tax waiver till 1 January 2066 is given to AIFC bodies and AIFC participants providing Islamic banking, asset management, reinsurance and insurance brokerage, brokerage and dealer, underwriting services and other financial services determined by the resolution of the AIFC Management Council. Individuals and legal entities are exempted from paying individual income tax and corporate tax on capital gains, dividends and compensation on the securities listed on AIFC Exchange as well as capital gains and dividends on the shares of AIFC participants.
- Citizens of 45 countries were granted the right to a visa free entry to Kazakhstan for the period of up to 30 days (i.e. the OECD countries, Malaysia, Monaco, the UAE and Singapore);
- AIFC participants were granted the right to attract foreign workforce without obtaining a work permit;
- Work visas, granted upon the invitations of the AIFC bodies and participants are now issued for up to 5 years.
Visa Regime
From January 1, 2017 Nationals of this 48 countries including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand can visit Kazakhstan without visa for up to 30 calendar days.
For more information about the investor visa, please see: http://mfa.gov.kz/en/singapore/content-view/investor-visa-a5-3
