Open a Holding Company in Kazakhstan

One of the ways of starting a business in Kazakhstan is by setting up a holding. It is recommended to open a holding company in Kazakhstan when you plan to organize more legal entities under the same structure (the holding). Our consultants can present the registration requirements and the advantages of operating a business activity through a holding.

What is a holding company?

A holding company is simply a legal entity that is incorporated for the purpose of holding under its umbrella other legal entities. For this, it is necessary for the main company (the holding) to own shares in the other legal entities operating under its structure, therefore to be a shareholder.

The main purpose of this organizational structure is to have a unified management, so that all companies can, thus, optimize their business operations. Below, our consultants present some of the advantages for which it is recommended to set up a company in Kazakhstan as a holding are:

1. control – the holding has control over the other legal entities (subsidiaries), in terms of the investments made in such companies or in appointing the managerial structure of the subsidiaries;
2. central management – the holding is the central managerial unit of all companies, established by the board of directors;
3. investment strategies – the holding has the right to establish the investment strategies for all its subsidiaries;
4. finance – this structure can provide a variety of tax benefits and can be used for tax minimization purposes, reducing capital costs, etc.

Legal entities recommended for a holding

Investors who will open a holding company in Kazakhstan can opt for several suitable legal entities. However, in practice, it is recommended to complete the process of company formation in Kazakhstan for limited companies, namely the joint stock company or the limited liability partnership.

The most appropriate way to open a holding company in Kazakhstan is by registering the joint stock company, because this business form is specifically designed for the needs of large companies (which is in general the case of holdings).

Best location for opening a holding company in Kazakhstan

The process of company incorporation in Kazakhstan for a holding can be completed anywhere in the country, but we mention that the most suitable locations are the country’s free economic zones (there are 17 such regions), because there are many tax benefits that can be obtained by investors who operate through a holding.

Another popular option is the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), a financial centre with its own special legal regime, where companies can obtain exemptions on the payment of the following taxes:

1. corporate income tax;
2. withholding tax on dividends;
3. investment income exemption.

In comparison, those who open a company in Kazakhstan outside these areas will need to follow the standard taxation regime, which includes some of the following taxes:

• 20% corporate income tax;
• 16% value added tax (since 1 January 2026);
• 15% withholding tax on dividends;
• other tax matters are established in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 18 July 2025 (in force since 1 January 2026).

Please know that if you will opt to complete the process of company registration in Kazakhstan in AIFC you will be able to incorporate the legal entity without having to subscribe a minimum share capital (there are no requirements in this sense, when registering a private company).

There are also benefits concerning the privacy of the owners, as there aren’t any public disclosure obligations. We also mention that the AIFC allows the redomiciliation of a foreign company, provided that the legislation of the respective jurisdiction also recognizes this procedure.

Please contact us for more details concerning the registration of a holding; we can provide legal representation in the process of company registration in Kazakhstan and in any of its free zones.