Types of Companies in Kazakhstan

Investors can set up various types of companies in Kazakhstan, in accordance with the provisions of the commercial law. While most of these entities can be incorporated by investors from around the world, some remain limited to only a few foreign nationals and locals (as is the case of the sole trader). Our specialists in company formation in Kazakhstan can assist in selecting the most suitable business form.

Our team can also provide the necessary legal support in registering any legal entity and can offer a variety of post-incorporation services (accounting, renewal of permits, signing contracts, payroll, etc.) tailored for the needs of each company type.

The main types of companies in Kazakhstan

Foreign investors who want to open a company in Kazakhstan can opt to expand their activities overseas by registering 2 main entities – the branch office or the subsidiary. The first refers to an extension of the parent company abroad, and it defines a structure that does not have legal personality. On the opposite side, the subsidiary refers to corporate entity with legal personality, separate from its founder.

In this sense, investors can opt for the limited liability partnership (LLP), which is a type of entity that combines the characteristics of the limited liability company with the ones of a partnership, or for the joint stock company.

It is also possible to set up a company in Kazakhstan under a sole trader, but this company type is limited to only 7 nationalities (among which we mention Kazakh nationals, Russians, Armenians, etc.).

Those who plan to invest here can also register a representative office, as long as they do not intend to carry out a commercial activity. Concerning this subject, it must be noted that, according to Kazakh Invest, foreign businessmen interested in non-commercial activities may also set up one of the following:

1. cooperative;
2. association;
3. foundation.

The process of company incorporation in Kazakhstan can slightly vary from one entity to another, and this is why we recommend you obtain the necessary information from our consultants. Differences can appear in matters such as: the minimum number of investors, capital, documentation, taxation, permits, allowed operations, etc.

Basic registration requirements for local business forms

In order to initiate the process of company registration in Kazakhstan, businessmen have to prepare the required paperwork and submit it with the Public Service Centers (for those who opt for in-person registration). Online registration is also possible. Some of the basic requirements are:

• pay the registration fee (while for some company types in Kazakhstan the registration does not imply the payment of a fee, registration is free for small and medium-sized businesses, while large businesses, including large joint stock companies, pay a fee of around $20);
• submit the minimum share capital (some entities are exempt of capital requirements, while others need to submit at least 100 Monthly Calculation Index – MCI (medium and large LLPs), or 50,000 MCI (joint stock companies));
• register for VAT (mandatory if the company estimates it will have an annual turnover of at least 10,000 MCI (KZT 43.25 million in 2026));
• comply with shareholding and director requirements (local entities must be incorporated by at least 1 shareholder and, concerning the appointment of a director, where necessary, it must be noted that the law states that a company can function with minimum 1 director).

Note: MCI is the standard national index based on which social benefits, taxes, fees, etc., are calculated in accordance with the parameters of the economy and inflation. The MCI is adjusted on a year-to-year basis and, in 2026, 1 MCI equals 4,325 tenge (KZT). We invite you to contact our consultants specialized in company registration in Kazakhstan for further details on any of the local company types.