Law No. 202-V — On Permissions and Notifications

The primary licensing framework is the Law on Permissions and Notifications (No. 202-V dated 16 May 2014, as amended 8 July 2024). The Law classifies regulated activities into three tracks — licence (first class), certificate (second class), and notification (third class) — and six permit classes. The track determines the level of regulatory scrutiny and the issuing authority. Most substantive commercial activities require a first-class licence issued by the relevant sectoral regulator.

Green corridor — fast-track for qualifying investments

In December 2024, Order No. 11-1-4/746 introduced a “green corridor” fast-track licensing mechanism for qualified investment projects. Projects in priority sectors may access expedited regulatory approvals and licensing timelines. Projects exceeding approximately USD 50 million may receive special investor conditions including tax holidays and deferred payments up to three years. Bond Stone advises on structuring investments to qualify for green corridor treatment.

eGov digital licensing platform

The majority of licence applications in Kazakhstan are now submitted and processed through the egov.kz government services portal. Digital submission requires valid electronic digital signature (EDS) for all authorised persons, correct classification of the activity under the relevant register of licences, and complete documentation upload in the formats accepted by the portal. Bond Stone manages the full digital submission process on behalf of clients.

Consequences of unlicensed activity

Operating in a regulated sector without the required licence is a formal basis for the forced liquidation of a legal entity by court order under the Civil Code of Kazakhstan. All transactions made in the course of unlicensed activity are rendered invalid. Administrative fines reach 500 MCI (approximately USD 3,800), with criminal liability applicable in serious cases under Article 214 of the Criminal Code. Bond Stone advises on urgent licence remediation where unlicensed activity has been identified.

NBK Payment Organisation Licence

Licensing · Kazakhstan · Fintech

Advising a fintech company on obtaining a payment organisation licence from the National Bank of Kazakhstan — eligibility assessment, capital requirements, AML/CFT policy preparation, IT systems documentation, and regulatory liaison throughout the application process.

Pharmaceutical Import/Export Licence

Licensing · Kazakhstan · Pharma

Obtaining pharmaceutical import and wholesale distribution licences for an international pharmaceutical company entering Kazakhstan — product registration coordination, GMP compliance documentation, and Ministry of Healthcare regulatory liaison.

Construction Licence — Category I

Licensing · Kazakhstan · Construction

Obtaining a Category I construction activity licence for a foreign contractor entering Kazakhstan — qualification document preparation, personnel certification, equipment compliance, and Committee for Construction regulatory engagement.

Subsoil Use Licence — Minerals

Licensing · Kazakhstan · Mining

Advising a mining company on subsoil use contract negotiation and licence conversion under Kazakhstan’s Subsoil and Subsoil Use Code (2018) — licence structuring, work programme obligations, and Ministry of Industry and Construction liaison.

Licence Remediation — Urgent Advisory

Licensing · Kazakhstan · Compliance

Urgent licence remediation advisory for a Kazakhstan company identified as operating without a required sector licence — risk assessment, interim operational restructuring, expedited licence application, and regulatory engagement to avoid forced liquidation proceedings.

Green Corridor — Investment Project

Licensing · Kazakhstan · Foreign Investment

Structuring a foreign investment project to qualify for Kazakhstan’s green corridor fast-track licensing mechanism — investment contract preparation, national pool application, and coordination with the Ministry of National Economy on expedited regulatory approvals.