TOP 5 Kazakhstan's Takeaways From COP28

Kazakhstan's new Water Code introduces stricter requirements for special water use permits starting January 2027, mandating comprehensive documentation including technical passports, measuring devices, and five-year plans for water loss reduction. Water users must demonstrate compliance with operational limits, implement best available technologies, and maintain proper monitoring systems...

Kazakhstan's environmental regulatory framework has undergone significant reform through amendments to the Environmental Code, introducing new facility classification criteria, enhanced state control mechanisms, and digital reporting requirements. The changes establish risk-based inspection protocols, financial security obligations for high-impact facilities, and provisions for voluntary carbon markets aligned with the Paris Agreement.

What shortcomings the current Environmental Code has?

Kazakhstan has approved a comprehensive Action Plan implementing its Carbon Neutrality Strategy to 2060, establishing emissions trajectories, sector-specific targets, and regulatory measures across electricity generation, hydrogen development, industrial decarbonisation, carbon markets, and climate reporting. The plan creates a structured framework for transitioning the country's coal-dependent energy system while introducing new requirements for carbon pricing, climate disclosure, and green finance that wi

Kazakhstan has enacted its first dedicated radioactive waste management law, establishing a national operator with exclusive disposal rights and new compliance requirements. The legislation introduces stricter ownership transfer conditions, removes previous storage time limits, and creates a framework for importing reprocessed nuclear material. These changes have significant implications for nuclear facility developers, uranium producers, financiers, and contractors operating in Kazakhstan's expanding nucle

On January 2nd, 2021, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed a new code: the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the Code) to introduce...

Starting January 1st, 2025, category I facilities, i.e., facilities that significantly impact the environment, will be required to have an Integrated Environmental Permit (IEP).

Overall, 2.1 thousand fines amounting to 322.9 billion KZT were imposed for environmental violations in 2023.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is increasingly recognised worldwide as a critical mechanism for reducing CO₂ emissions from industrial and energy facilities.

On January 2nd, 2021, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed a new code: the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the Code) to introduce new mechanisms for...

The authorised state bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan have introduced the e-Residency program for foreign nationals and stateless persons, aimed at providing digital access to certain government and commercial...

The Astana Hub connects startups with investors. The Astana venture capital tool has been launched within the Hub. Hub Ventures, through which the most promising residents...

Kazakhstan's 2026 tax reform, initially intended to address budget deficits through measured revenue increases, has evolved into a comprehensive overhaul that significantly expands the tax and compliance burden on businesses. The reform introduces restrictions on expense deductions for payments to simplified-regime taxpayers, potentially raising effective corporate tax rates far beyond the statutory 20% rate, despite warnings from local experts about the risks of sudden tax increases.

Migration formalities for foreign nationals in Kazakhstan require both the host party and the foreign national to follow a sequence of formal procedures. The purpose of stay of business immigrants, the existence of a proper legal basis for residence, timely notification of arrival, and compliance with the requirements applicable to conducting business activities are of significant importance for business immigrants.

Opening A Bank Account In Kazakhstan As A Non-Resident

Central Asia's technological landscape is being rapidly transformed by two flagship innovation ecosystems: Astana Hub in Kazakhstan and IT Park Uzbekistan in Uzbekistan.

Kazakhstan's new Banking Law introduces a comprehensive two-tier licensing system, Islamic banking windows for traditional banks, and a sophisticated bank insolvency resolution regime that fundamentally alters creditor protections and shareholder rights.

The legal framework for renewable energy in Kazakhstan is mainly regulated by the following laws and regulations...

Following the publication of Part 1, which outlined the AIFC's governance model, legal framework and company registration processes, this second part continues the discussion...

This article explores the Astana International Financial Centre, a strategic initiative by Kazakhstan to diversify its economy and integrate into the global financial system.