
Setting up a company
in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, a rapidly developing nation in Central Asia, offers a promising environment for companies looking to establish a local presence. Its strategic location, abundant natural resources, and investor-friendly policies make it an attractive destination. However, setting up a company in Kazakhstan requires awareness of several key details. GNIUS has the experience and knowledge to ensure setting up a company in Kazakhstan will be a smooth process.
Most Common Company Forms in Kazakhstan
01
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Minimum Capital: Requires a nominal minimum capital of 100 MCI (Monthly Calculation Index)
Liability: Founders’ liability is limited to their contributions to the charter capital, protecting personal assets.
Ownership: Can be established by a single individual or multiple partners, including foreign nationals or entities.
Management: Flexible structure; managed by a director or board appointed by the founders.
Regulation: Minimal oversight for small LLPs (under 100 employees and 300,000 MCI in assets), but larger ones face mandatory audits and stricter reporting.
Advantages: Low entry barriers, simple registration, and no residency requirement for founders.
Use Case: Ideal for startups, family businesses, or foreign investors seeking simplicity.
02
Joint Stock Company
(JSC)
Minimum Capital: 50,000 MCI, reflecting its scale and potential for share issuance.
Liability: Shareholders are liable only up to the value of their shares.
Ownership: Can have multiple shareholders; classified as “open” (publicly traded shares) or “closed” (restricted to a limited group).
Management: Structured governance with a general meeting of shareholders, a board of directors, and often a supervisory council.
Regulation: Strict requirements, including mandatory annual audits, public financial disclosures (for open JSCs), and compliance with securities regulations.
Advantages: Ability to raise capital through share issuance and suitability for large-scale operations.
Use Case: Ideal for corporations, publicly listed companies, or firms planning expansion through equity markets.
03
Representative / Branch Office
(RO / BO)
Minimum Capital: No specific requirement, as it depends on the parent company’s resources.
Liability: The parent company bears full responsibility for the branch’s obligations, with no separation of liability.
Ownership: Not a standalone entity; it operates as an extension of the foreign parent company.
Management: Managed by a director or representative appointed by the parent company.
Regulation: Must register with Kazakh tax authorities and comply with local labor and tax laws, but no separate charter is needed. RO restricted to non-commercial activities (e.g., market research, promotion).
Advantages: Low-cost entry for establishing a presence without full operational commitment. BO allows foreign companies to conduct commercial activities (e.g., sales, production) without forming a new legal entity
Use Case: Suited for foreign firms testing the market or establishing a permanent operational presence.
Company registration in Kazakhstan
Setting up your business in Kazakhstan with GNIUS in 4 steps:
01
Initial Assessment and Planning
Role of GNIUS: We evaluate your business goals, size, and industry to recommend the best legal structure (e.g., LLP, JSC, RO/BO).
GNIUS support provided:
-
Advise on structure and tax regime options
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Company name availability check
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Securing of a legal address if required
Benefit of working with GNIUS: Saves time and ensures strategic decisions align with local laws and your company's objectives.
02
Document Preparation and Legal Compliance
Role of GNIUS: We handle the collection, preparation, and legalization of all required documents.
GNIUS support provided:
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Draft the company charter
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Collect and where required notarize/translate documents
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Coordinate with local authorities
Benefit of working with GNIUS: Reduces errors and delays, especially for non-residents navigating language and bureaucratic hurdles.
03
Registration Submission and Liaison
Role of GNIUS: We act as an intermediary to file the registration and manage communications with authorities.
GNIUS support provided:
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Submission of all required applications and documents
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Monitor the registration process, addressing any requests for clarification authorities
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Obtain certificate of registration and Business ID (BIN)
Benefit of working with GNIUS: Streamlines the process, leveraging local expertise to avoid technical issues or rejections.
04
Post-Registration Setup and Ongoing Support
Role of GNIUS: We assist with mandatory follow-ups and initial operational setup.
GNIUS support provided:
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Facilitate the opening a corporate bank account by preparing documents and coordinating with banks
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Registration of the company for VAT (if applicable) and advise on tax compliance based on the chosen regime
Benefit of working with GNIUS: Ensures the company is fully operational and compliant, offering peace of mind and a smooth transition to business activities.
Set up your Kazakhstan company now!
Ready to start doing business in Kazakhstan?
Contact us today for a free consultation!