Company Registration in Kazakhstan

Our company formation advisors in Kazakhstan help local and foreign clients to set up different types of legal entities in this country. Among all kinds of business vehicles available for company registration in Kazakhstan, the most popular ones used by foreign entrepreneurs are the limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and the joint-stock companies (JSCs).

What are the services your team offers in connection to company formation in Kazakhstan?

We have a team of dedicated specialists, who can help investors set up a business in Kazakhstan. Our services are designed for the needs of any type of investor and some of the ways in which we can help are:

1. consultancy on the types of companies that can be registered in Kazakhstan and the selection of the most suitable type, in accordance with the plans, capital, company size and liability the investor opts for;
2. legal representation in registering the preferred company type;
3. assistance in immigration formalities for businessmen and foreign workers alike;
4. we can also help you obtain a registered address (virtual office or regular office space) and assist in signing the rental contract;
5. representation in setting up a bank account, tax registration, the issuance of business permits and licenses, etc.

Can I fully own a company in Kazakhstan?

Yes, Kazakhstan allows foreign investors to own 100% of the shares of a company that they will incorporate in this country.

What are the categories of companies based on their size?

The legislation in Kazakhstan recognizes several categories of companies based on their size (which is determined by the number of employees the businesses have and their income – determined by calculating the Monthly Calculation Index – MCI). In the list below, our team presents the 4 categories of companies available here:

1. micro companies (they employ up to 15 individuals and have an MCI of up to 30,000);
2. small companies (up to 100 employees and an MCI of up to 30,000);
3. medium-sized companies (they have a minimum of 100 employees and up to 250, and their MCI varies from minimum 30,000 and up to 3,000,000);
4. large companies (they have at least 250 employees and an MCI of over 3,000,000).

What is the documentation required for opening a company in Kazakhstan?

A shareholder is required to provide the following documentation for company incorporation in Kazakhstan:

• a notarized copy of his or her passport, in case of an individual shareholder;
• the certificate of incorporation, if the shareholder is a legal entity;
• the Articles of Association;
• the decision of the shareholders to register a Kazakhstan company;
• a power of attorney issued to local representatives.

What are the main company types suitable for foreign investors?

Foreign investors usually set up one of the following business structures:

1. the limited liability partnership; (LLP)
2. the joint stock company (JSC);
3. branch offices.

What are the basic registration requirements for the Kazakhstan LLP?

The LLP is the most common business form selected for company registration in Kazakhstan. In order to register it, investors must select a suitable trading name, which should contain the preferred trade name, along with the words “Limited Liability Partnership” or the abbreviation “LLP”. The trade name must be unique at a national level, otherwise the registration will be rejected.

What are the advantages of LLPs in Kazakhstan?

The main advantages of an LLP in Kazakhstan are:

• a small business potential status which confers reduced company registration time frame in Kazakhstan and statutory duties, an advantageous tax regime, smaller administrative fees etc.;
• a flexible structure – generally, an LLP is ruled by a general meeting of shareholders, or by only one shareholder, and a director or a board of directors;
• a small minimal share capital requirement (KZT 100 for small companies);
• there is no limit on the number of shareholders;
• no public financing reporting or financial audit requests.

What are the advantages of JSCs in Kazakhstan?

JSCs in Kazakhstan present numerous advantages, the main one being the possibility to attract supplementary capital through a public offering of shares. This legal entity is recommended to investors who want to open a company in Kazakhstan as a large business that has hundreds of workers and complex operations.

Can I set up an entity for non-commercial purposes?

Yes, investors also have the possibility to expand on the Kazakh market for non-commercial purposes. In this sense, they can register a representative office (which is set up by a company for establishing business partnership, market testing, etc.) or a foundation (that usually has social and humanitarian purposes). More on the latter is available here.

What are the main ways to complete the process of opening a company in Kazakhstan?

There are 2 primary ways (our consultantscan offer the necessary legal support in both cases):

1. in person registration;
2. online registration.

Do I need to pay company registration fees?

It depends on the type of company you will register. If you will open a company in Kazakhstanas a small business, a representative office or a branch office, the registration does not prescribe state fees. However, for large companies, there is a fee of around $20.

Do I need to open a bank account in Kazakhstan?

Yes, if you want toopen a company in Kazakhstan, you also need a corporate bank account. For its setup, you must bring the company’s incorporation documents.

If you have further questions about company registration in Kazakhstan, we kindly invite you to get in touch with our experienced agents in company formation.