Kazakhstan registered 4,400 new companies or branches with foreign participation in 2025, driven primarily by businesses from China and Uzbekistan, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
As of Jan. 1, 2026, the country had about 63,900 legal entities and branches with foreign participation, including branches of foreign companies operating in Kazakhstan.
China and Uzbekistan lead new registrations
Among countries that opened more businesses or joint ventures in Kazakhstan than they closed, China and Uzbekistan stood out by a wide margin.
China added about 2,800 companies involving Chinese legal entities in 2025, bringing the total number of such businesses in Kazakhstan to roughly 8,000. Uzbekistan followed closely, adding 2,500 legal entities, for a total of about 8,200.
The number of companies with Azerbaijani participation also rose modestly, increasing by 102. Growth among businesses from other countries remained below 100 new entities each.
Russian participation declines despite large presence
Russia continues to account for the largest overall number of foreign-linked companies in Kazakhstan, with about 23,000 operating entities. However, it also recorded the sharpest annual decline, with 468 fewer legal entities in 2025.
Companies with ties to Kyrgyzstan and Turkey also declined, falling by 313 and 209 entities, respectively.
Trade and construction dominate foreign activity
By sector, most foreign-participation companies in Kazakhstan operate in wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair, accounting for about 23,500 legal entities.
Other major areas include service industries (10,100), construction (5,900), and R&D (4,300).
