The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has announced the expansion of its investment tax residency program. Foreign investors can now invest in the share capital of companies registered in the AIFC. If the investment exceeds $300,000, the investor becomes eligible for a residence permit in Kazakhstan.
This approach isn’t unique — more than 80 similar programs exist worldwide to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth.
The AIFC program also aims to create more favorable conditions for international investors and ensure the inflow of high-quality capital into Kazakhstan.
What investors will receive:
- a visa for up to five years or a residence permit in Kazakhstan;
- tax residency with preferential treatment, including exemption from paying taxes on foreign income.
With investments of $60,000, foreigners are entitled to a 5-year investor visa. Those investing more than $300,000 qualify for a residence permit.
In June 2025, Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin accused some foreign companies of using the AIFC to evade taxes, warning that the center risked becoming an offshore zone within Kazakhstan. Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev, however, disagreed, stressing that the AIFC has been successful in attracting the foreign investment Kazakhstan needs.
