For a foreign investor entering Kazakhstan, one of the first structural decisions is whether to register an ordinary Kazakhstan company or use the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The most common mainland option is a Limited Liability Partnership, or LLP, while the AIFC offers its own company forms under a separate legal framework.

Both options can be used by foreign founders, but they are designed for different business models. AIFC company registration may be attractive for international holding, investment and cross-border structures. A mainland LLP is often simpler for a business focused on customers, employees and operations inside Kazakhstan.

This guide compares the two structures in practical terms and explains the main legal, tax and operational points that a non-EAEU founder should consider before registering a company.

1. AIFC vs Mainland Kazakhstan: Main Difference

A mainland LLP is registered under the general laws of Kazakhstan. It is a separate legal entity that can sign contracts, hire employees, open bank accounts, own assets and apply for licences. It is the standard form used by many local and foreign-owned businesses operating in Kazakhstan.

An AIFC company is also a Kazakhstan entity, but it is established under the AIFC legal framework. The AIFC uses English as its official language and has its own corporate rules, registrar, financial regulator and court system. A common form is a Private Company Limited by Shares, or Ltd.

For a standard AIFC Private Company, AFSA currently requires at least one shareholder and one natural-person director. There is no general minimum share-capital requirement. The company must maintain a registered office in the AIFC, and its principal business activity must generally be conducted in the AIFC unless the Registrar permits otherwise.

Issue	AIFC Private Company	Mainland LLP
Legal framework	AIFC law and regulations	General Kazakhstan law
Corporate language	English	Kazakh/Russian in state procedures
Ownership	Foreign shareholders permitted	Foreign founders generally permitted
Dispute environment	AIFC Court / IAC available	Kazakhstan courts / arbitration
Registered office	Within the AIFC	Address in Kazakhstan
Best for	Holding, investment, international structures	Local operating business

2. AIFC Company Registration

The AIFC can be a good option when the Kazakhstan entity is part of a wider international structure rather than simply a local operating company. Its English-language corporate environment and share-based company model are familiar to many foreign investors, international counsel and investment partners.

AIFC company registration is particularly worth considering where the business involves:

• a holding company or investment vehicle;
• international shareholders or future investors;
• cross-border technology or professional services;
• financial or investment activities that may fall within the AIFC regulatory framework;
• a preference for English-language corporate documents and an international dispute-resolution environment.

The AIFC can also be relevant for businesses that expect to relocate international specialists. AIFC participants benefit from a special employment and migration framework, although the exact immigration route must still be checked for each employee and role.

The AIFC is not limited to financial companies. Non-financial businesses can register there as well, but registration does not replace licences or permits required under Kazakhstan law for regulated activities.

3. Mainland Kazakhstan LLP Registration

For many foreign investors, a mainland LLP remains the most practical option. It is usually easier to integrate into Kazakhstan’s ordinary commercial, tax, banking and licensing systems when the company will operate mainly inside the country.

A mainland LLP is often the better fit if the company will:

• sell goods or services mainly to Kazakhstan customers;
• run a local office, shop, warehouse or production site;
• hire a substantial local team;
• import, distribute or manufacture goods in Kazakhstan;
• obtain licences primarily regulated by Kazakhstan legislation;
• work mainly with local counterparties and government systems.

A foreign manufacturer opening a warehouse in Almaty and hiring local staff will normally find an LLP more natural than an AIFC company. By contrast, a holding company for regional investments may have stronger reasons to consider the AIFC.

4. Registration and Practical Requirements

The registration process is different, but both structures require the founder to think beyond the incorporation certificate. Ownership, management, banking, tax and immigration should be planned together.

For an AIFC Private Company, the founder normally confirms the proposed activity, legal form, shareholders, directors and registered office before filing through the AIFC registration system. AFSA currently lists the online registration fee for a Private Company at USD 500. Regulated financial activities require separate authorisation and should not be started simply because the company has been registered.

For a mainland LLP, the founders select the company name, legal address, director, activity code and charter structure. Foreign corporate founders generally need properly authenticated corporate documents and notarised translations into Kazakh and Russian. Foreign individuals may also need an IIN and the correct immigration status depending on their role.

For non-EAEU founders, the important point is that company ownership and the right to work in Kazakhstan are separate matters. A founder who plans to personally manage the company should review immigration and employment requirements before operations begin.

5. Taxes: AIFC Company vs Mainland LLP

All AIFC companies are Kazakhstan tax residents. The general Kazakhstan tax rules therefore remain relevant unless a specific AIFC exemption applies.

Under the AIFC Constitutional Statute, qualifying income from specified financial services can be exempt from corporate income tax until 1 January 2066. Certain legal, audit, accounting and consulting services supplied to AIFC Bodies or qualifying financial-service participants may also receive specific exemptions.

There are also exemptions relating to qualifying gains from the sale of shares or participation interests in AIFC participants and dividends from such interests, subject to the applicable legal conditions.

But an ordinary AIFC IT company, trading business or consulting company should not assume that all operating profit is automatically exempt from tax.

For mainland Kazakhstan companies, the general corporate income-tax rate in 2026 is 20%, although different rates apply to certain sectors and categories of taxpayers.

6. Which Structure Is Right for Your Business?

The best structure is the one that fits how the company will operate after registration. The legal form should follow the business model, not the other way around.

• Consider the AIFC if the business is investment-focused, internationally owned, expects foreign investors, or benefits from English-language governance and the AIFC legal environment.
• Consider a mainland LLP if the company will mainly trade, hire, contract and operate inside Kazakhstan.
• Compare both structures if the business is a regional technology company, international professional-services firm or group headquarters with both Kazakhstan and cross-border activity.

Before deciding, review at least five points: the proposed activity, ownership structure, location of employees and management, tax treatment, and any licensing or immigration requirements. Choosing the wrong structure can later mean transferring contracts, employees, licences, assets or bank relationships to another entity.

7. FAQ: AIFC Company Registration vs Mainland Kazakhstan

1. Can a foreigner own 100% of an AIFC company?

Yes. An AIFC Private Company may have a foreign individual or corporate shareholder. A Kazakhstan shareholder is not required solely for registration.

2. Is an AIFC company tax-free?

No. AIFC companies are Kazakhstan tax residents. Specific exemptions may apply to qualifying activities and investment income, but ordinary commercial income is not automatically exempt.

3. Can an AIFC company work with Kazakhstan customers?

Yes, subject to the AIFC framework and any Kazakhstan licences or permits required for the relevant activity. The company must also comply with the AIFC rules on its registered office and principal business activity.

4. Is AIFC company registration better for foreign investors?

It can be, particularly for holding, investment and internationally financed businesses. For a straightforward local operating business, a mainland LLP may be simpler and more practical.

5. How should a non-EAEU founder choose?

Start with the business model rather than the registration process. Compare where customers and employees will be located, how the company will earn income, whether investors are expected, which licences are required and whether the founder will work in Kazakhstan personally.

Choosing the Right Structure Before You Register

Matias can help foreign founders compare AIFC company registration with a mainland LLP, review the tax and corporate implications, prepare the necessary documents and coordinate the launch of the Kazakhstan business.

Meldir Erbulekova, Managing Partner at Matias, advises international clients on Kazakhstan corporate and market-entry matters. Book a free initial consultation. We can review your ownership structure, proposed activity and operating model and help determine which option is more practical for your business.