Obtain a Crypto License in Kazakhstan

Foreign businessmen can obtain a crypto license in Kazakhstan if they want to enter the crypto market, as this industry has recently been regulated in this country. Our consultants can provide information on the licensing process and can help you set up a business in the industry.

Where can I use crypto in Kazakhstan?

Please mind that although the local authorities have created a legal framework for crypto businesses and users, it must be noted that until 1 May 2026 crypto exchange activities were not allowed at a national level, as they could only be carried out in the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC); since then, the National Bank of Kazakhstan also licenses crypto exchange operators outside the AIFC.

Who needs to apply for a crypto license in Kazakhstan?

All companies registered in AIFC carrying activities related to the crypto industry, as well as, since 1 May 2026, crypto exchange operators outside the AIFC (licensed by the National Bank of Kazakhstan).

What institution is in charge with the issuance of the license?

Interested parties need to address the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), which is the competent authority for companies registered in the AIFC (outside the AIFC, crypto exchange operators are licensed by the National Bank of Kazakhstan). Our consultants, specialized in company formation in Kazakhstan, can present the requirements imposed by AFSA.

Who needs to apply for a license?

It is necessary to obtain a license or to complete state registration procedures as long as a company is involved in a crypto activity. The license is required for matters such as:

1. the storage of crypto assets;
2. for entities registered as crypto exchanges;
3. entities involved in crypto transactions;
4. companies that facilitate investments in the field (which act as intermediaries).

What are some of the main obligations a company must meet in order to be licensed in Kazakhstan?

In order to obtain a crypto license in Kazakhstan and maintain it, a company needs to abide by specific registration rules and comply with many reporting obligations after it starts its activities. In the list below, our consultants in company formation in Kazakhstan present some of the main aspects to be taken into consideration:

1. company registration in Kazakhstan – investors must register a legal entity in AIFC following the local registration procedures;
2. compliance – all applicants must prove that they comply with the AML/CFT regulations;
3. minimum investment – it is also required to subscribe and maintain a minimum capital in a bank account set up at a local bank, as a proof that the company is financially stable;
4. crypto documentation – when applying for the crypto license, the documentation must include information on the company’s security policies, the crypto assets that are traded, the exchange procedures, the company’s internal rules and many others.

What is the minimum sum of money I need to prepare in order to be licensed?

You need to pay USD 98,000 as an authorization fee, charged only once, during the process of company formation in Kazakhstan. After this, you need to pay an annual supervision fee of USD 30,000, plus a variable fee based on trading volume.

How long does it take to obtain the license?

It takes at least 2 months (the process can take longer than this in some cases).

Do I need to have an office in AIFC?

Yes, local substance is mandatory, which implies that the crypto business must have a physical place for doing business, and it also needs to hire employees who need to adhere to certain eligibility standards.

Can I use an overseas bank account for my crypto business in Kazakhstan?

No. You need to set up a bank account at a local bank. Our consultants can help you prepare the registration file, as a part of the basic services we offer for company formation in Kazakhstan.

We invite you to contact our team for further information on the types of crypto licenses available here, the application process and any other matter that you may be interested in when investing in the crypto industry.