Coffee culture is rapidly growing among young people, but older generations are just as fond of this energizing drink. Unsurprisingly, the coffee business remains one of the most promising sectors in Kazakhstan. However, it comes with its own specific challenges. As life gets faster and busier, many people no longer have time to sit in a cozy café — that’s where self-service coffee points come into play.
What Is a Self-Service Mini Coffee Shop?
This type of business is based on coffee vending machines that offer a wide variety of drinks — from espresso and americano to latte, cappuccino, and raf.
The customer selects a drink and pays by card. In less than a minute, they receive their freshly brewed coffee.
Whether you're applying for state housing benefits, getting in line for public housing, requesting a mortgage, seeking subsidies, or dealing with legal disputes — in all these situations in Kazakhstan, you’ll need a certificate confirming whether or not you own real estate. This official document is issued in Form 6 (F-6) and confirms if a specific individual has any registered immovable property.
Today, there’s no need to visit a government office to obtain this certificate — it can be requested online in just a few minutes. Here are the most convenient ways to do it.
Buying precious metals is one of the oldest investment strategies. Today in Kazakhstan, you no longer need to visit a bank branch to buy gold bars — you can manage everything through an Unallocated Metal Account (UMA), which is opened directly at a bank.
No matter your preferred vacation style — beach, adventure, sightseeing, or shopping — you can find a destination where Kazakh citizens do not need a visa in 2025. There are many such places: Kazakhstanis can travel visa-free to 43 countries, and in 47 more, a visa can be easily obtained upon arrival at the airport.
Let’s explore the list of popular countries you can visit without a visa as a Kazakh citizen.
Every vehicle in Kazakhstan is assigned a specific number — a state registration license plate (GRNZ) — used to identify the car. For example, if there’s a traffic accident, the car at fault can be tracked using its license plate.
When transferring money to a card or account, an IBAN number (also referred to as Iban, Ayban, or IBAN Number) is often required. IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number, and it complies with the ISO 13616 standard, which was developed to standardize interbank settlements worldwide.
Investing is considered one of the most popular tools for generating passive income.
However, opinions about investing vary. Some believe it’s complex and requires expertise to make profitable deals. Others argue that it’s as easy as downloading an app and buying assets. Let's break down what investing is and how to start investing money in Kazakhstan.
As of July 1, 2024, Kazakhstan has registered 532,980 legal entities and 1,753,485 individual entrepreneurs. Additionally, over 2.2 million people are self-employed. The number of business representatives in each segment is steadily growing. This is due to favorable conditions created in the country: a lenient tax regime, the ability to work officially without a visa, and actively developing digitalization that simplifies most business processes.
What holds back proactive individuals from registering a business? Many face the problem: wanting to start their own business but not knowing what kind. What businesses are currently relevant in Kazakhstan? Let's explore the top business ideas for 2025.
Upon the birth of a child, women in Kazakhstan are entitled to maternity benefits. These include allowances for both employed women and those who were not working prior to pregnancy. A state allowance is granted, and employed women are also eligible for a social benefit due to income loss. Additionally, a monthly allowance is provided, which mothers receive until the child reaches the age of one and a half years.
From TikTok to Instagram: How to Promote Your Business Online in Kazakhstan TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram are often seen as platforms for chatting and viewing media. However, they are powerful tools for online business promotion: social networks gather a solvent audience and rely on advertising algorithms that help grow your brand, expand your customer base, and increase sales.
Where should you advertise your business online? How can you do it effectively?
If you’re buying a used car, it’s important to make sure it’s “clean” — meaning it has no legal restrictions (encumbrances). What is a lien on a vehicle? It refers to a situation where the owner cannot fully dispose of the car — for example, sell or gift it. A typical example is when the vehicle is pledged as collateral for a loan. Other forms of encumbrance include the car being stolen (under investigation) or seized due to debts.
Most companies in Kazakhstan that sell goods and provide services, in addition to regular taxes, must also pay Value Added Tax (VAT). This tax is applied to the difference between the purchase price and the selling price. To compensate the seller or producer’s expenses, the VAT amount is included in the final price. The collected tax goes to the state budget and is used for current public needs.
When purchasing goods (from household appliances and electronics to clothing and shoes), different payment options are offered — including installment plans and loans. The essence of both methods is simple: you borrow the required amount from the bank and repay it in parts over a set period. But what exactly distinguishes an installment plan from a loan?
Let’s say you’ve purchased a used car. While the excitement is natural, don’t forget that a few procedures are still ahead — you can’t just get in and drive. One of these steps is vehicle re-registration, which legally transfers ownership to the new owner. From that moment on, all responsibility for the vehicle lies with the buyer.
When a pregnancy reaches the 30th week (or 28th in case of multiple pregnancies), a woman goes on maternity leave. To provide financial support, she is entitled to several types of payments — a one-time state allowance, a social benefit for income loss, and a child care allowance paid over 1.5 years. But do these benefits apply if the woman is self-employed as an individual entrepreneur (IE)? What benefits are available to pregnant IEs in Kazakhstan? How much money is paid at childbirth?
A client applying for a loan at a bank may face a rejection. Why is a loan not approved? One of the key reasons is a poor credit history. This term refers to all records about how a borrower fulfilled previous loan obligations: how many loans they took out and for what amounts, whether they made payments on time, and if they had any debts. Based on this information, the bank decides whether the client is trustworthy and can be expected to repay the loan.
A letter of credit is one of the possible settlement methods between a buyer and a seller. It represents a bank’s commitment, on behalf of the buyer, to pay the seller a specified amount in an agreed currency, provided that the seller submits documents confirming the shipment of goods or delivery of services.
The internet is full of anonymous quotes like “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” or “If travel were free, you’d never see me again.” They reflect one unpleasant truth: traveling costs money — often a lot. But it’s entirely possible to see the world for much less than what tour operators typically offer.
How do you travel on a budget without sacrificing comfort and experience?
To conduct business legally, you will need to open an individual entrepreneur in Kazakhstan. However, legality is not the only advantage. First of all, you will have an official work experience. Secondly, businessmen make pension contributions. Thirdly, all conditions have been created for individual entrepreneurs in the Republic of Kazakhstan for business development and its scaling.
How to Open an IE in Kazakhstan in 2025: Online and Offline
You can open an IE in Kazakhstan in two ways: online or offline by personally visiting the Public Service Center (PSC). The first method is attractive due to its simplicity and efficiency: you can become an individual entrepreneur in just a few minutes without having to spend your time for travelling to the PSC. The second method will not save time but will allow you to ask the PSC staff all your questions and get comprehensive information. Let's consider both options in more detail.
How to Open an IE Online
Online IE registration is possible in three ways:
- Through Egov.kz: This is the electronic government portal.
- Via the E-Salyq Business app: This app is developed by the State Revenue Committee.
- Through certain banks: For example, on the website of Bank CenterCredit at bcc.kz.
Let's look at a specific example of how to open an IE through the Egov portal:
- Go to the Egov.kz website.
- Click on the Business section.
- Select the Business Registration and Development section.
- Go to the Business Registration and Liquidation tab. You will see a list of services; to view all items, click the Show All button.
- Select the Notification of Commencement of Activities as an Individual Entrepreneur section.
- Click on the Order Service Online button. You can't miss it: it's big and bright orange. Log in to the system or register.
- You will be redirected to the electronic licensing portal - Elicense.kz.
- Click on the Notification of Commencement of Activities as an Individual Entrepreneur.
- Fill out the proposed form.
- Sign it with an Electronic Digital Signature (EDS).
Please note that the EDS must be obtained in advance. This can also be done remotely on the Egov.kz website.
How Much Does It Cost to Open an IE Online in Kazakhstan?
The registration procedure is free.
How to Register Through a Bank
This process is just as simple as using the Egov.kz platform. Bank CenterCredit has launched its own service: you can register through the app or on a special web resource. The service will require identity verification: identification can be done through the Egov.kz portal or via video. The user then fills out information about their business (nature of business, address, tax regime). Done! The entire procedure takes no more than 5 minutes.
One significant advantage of registering through a bank is that you can immediately open an account, issue a corporate card, connect internet banking for business, and even gain access to online accounting services.
How to Register an IE at PSC
To register a business in the classic “paper” format, you need to visit the local Public Service Center or the tax authority at the location of your primary business activity or your residence registration. For example, if you are opening a store, you need to approach to the tax office at your store's location. As with online registration, the documents will be ready within a day.
Please note that in some cases, a lease certificate for the premises where the IE will operate may be required.
To start an IE in Kazakhstan, you need to receive an electronic registration notification. Today, business owners no longer need to obtain an IE registration certificate – it is enough to fill out a special form and download the registration notification from the Personal Area on the Elicense.kz electronic licensing portal. The document specifies the address and name of the enterprise, the type of activity according to the Common Classifier of Economic Activity (OKED), and the chosen tax regime.
What You Need to Know Before Starting a Business (IE) in Kazakhstan
Let's answer the most common questions that future entrepreneurs have.
Is It Possible To Run a Business Without Registering As an IE?
Yes, it is possible to engage in entrepreneurial activities without IE status. However, there is a reservation: in this case, entrepreneurs shall not use hired labor, and the annual profit of the enterprise from the sale of goods, works, and services to individuals shall not exceed 12 minimum wages.
Can an IE Registration Be Denied?
The IE registration process in Kazakhstan seems to be very simple and straightforward. However, there are some hidden pitfalls. In certain cases, the authorized body may refuse to open a business. You will be denied if:
- You are already an individual entrepreneur. Opening two IEs by one person is prohibited in Kazakhstan.
- Your company went bankrupt over the last 12 months.
- A court has prohibited you to engage in entrepreneurial activities.
- You submitted registration papers not at the place of residence (i.e., you have selected the wrong tax authority at the registration stage).
- Your document package is incomplete.
- You filled out the application form incorrectly.
- You have chosen a type of activity that is prohibited for IEs. In Kazakhstan, this includes passenger and cargo air transportation, drug manufacturing, activities related to weapons, and a number of others.
At What Age Can an IE Be Opened in Kazakhstan?
Individuals who have reached the age of majority can open an IE. However, in some cases, it is possible not to wait until the age of 18 and become a full-fledged entrepreneur even at the age of 14. To do this, you need to prepare. So, you will need to attach the consent of legal representatives to the list of documents required for business registration. If there is no consent, you need to provide other documents. This may be a copy of the marriage certificate (if the minor is married) or a court decision declaring that the minor is fully capable (this process is called emancipation). However, emancipation is possible only for individuals who have reached the age of 16.
What Tax Regime to Choose?
Individual entrepreneurs may choose one of four regimes:
1. Special Patent-Based Tax Regime
Suitable for IEs who work independently only, i.e. without hiring employees. It provides the most favorable conditions. The tax rate is the same for all entrepreneurs and is 1% of income.
However, there is a condition: the maximum annual income should not exceed 3,528 MCIs (Monthly Calculation Index). In 2025, 1 MCI equals KZT 3,932.
2. Special Tax Regime Based on a Simplified Declaration
This regime allows a maximum of 30 employees (including the business owner). But it also comes with more obligations.
What taxes does an IE pay under the simplified regime in Kazakhstan in 2025? 3% of income, with 1.5% being income tax and another 1.5% being social tax. Additionally, the individual entrepreneur pays for themselves: 10% for pensions, 5% for social security, and 5% of 1.4 Minimum Wage for health insurance.
The simplified regime is suitable for IEs whose maximum income for six months does not exceed 24,038 MCIs. There is also an additional condition: when using the TIS (three-component integrated system), the income threshold increases.
If an IE's income exceeds 20,000 MCIs during the calendar year (20,000 * 3,932 = 78,640,000), the entrepreneur must obtain a VAT certificate (VAT is 12%).
3. Special Tax Regime Using a Fixed Deduction
This taxation system is suitable for companies where, besides the entrepreneur, 49 other people are employed. The tax rate in this case is 10% of income.
But the regime is relevant only when the maximum income for six months does not exceed 144,184 MCIs.
What if your business does not meet the conditions of any of the three systems? In this case, the fourth option - the generally established regime - is optimal. It provides a 10% tax rate on income, while there are no any income limits. Please note that in this situation, tax reports are submitted to the tax authority quarterly and according to the results of the year. The generally established regime is suitable for businesses with large turnovers. Moreover, this system is mandatory for alcohol and tobacco producers, professionals providing financial and accounting services, companies selling petroleum products, or working with natural resources.
What Taxes Are Paid for Hired Workers?
In all tax regimes, except for the patent-based regime, it is possible to employ workers. Therefore, their income must be subject to the following taxes and payments to be withheld and paid monthly:
- 10% – individual income tax (IIT).
- 10% – pension contributions.
- 2% – health insurance contributions (Compulsory Social Health Insurance Contributions).
Additionally, the following is paid at the expense of the IE:
- 5% – social contributions.
- 3% – compulsory health insurance (Compulsory Social Health Insurance).
Individual entrepreneurs on this regime are exempt from the social tax for employees.
What happens if tax reports are not submitted on time and taxes and other payments are delayed?
In this case, the entrepreneur will receive a fine. If a businessman is late with payments, a penalty will be charged for each day of delay.
How to Change IE Information?
If any data submitted by the entrepreneur during registration changes, the tax authority must be notified thereof. You have 10 days to do this.
Changes are made through the Elicense.kz portal. In the Personal Area, you will see a list of available services – select the Service section (Notification Procedure subsection). Then follow this path: Notification of Commencement of Activities as an IE – Change of IE Registration Data. The next step is to click on the Order Service Online button.
Then, you should select the tax authority at the place of registration – the application for changing registration details will be automatically sent to the tax authority.
A form with all the information about your IE will open – you can edit the necessary details here. The final step is to sign the notification of change with your electronic signature. Here you can also download the new (with changes) notification and the IE certificate.
To sum up, we have learned what is needed to open an IE in Kazakhstan. The procedure is as simple and quick as possible, requiring a minimal package of documents. This is why Kazakhstan is considered one of the countries with a favorable business environment. As we can see, most procedures (obtaining an EDS, changing details) can be done online and save time. However, despite the simplicity of the process, it is essential to remember the individual entrepreneur obligations – including timely tax payments and other payments.
Author - Broslavskaya Natalia Alexandrovna
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How does WeChat Pay work? What are its advantages for buyers and sellers? How can it be used to pay for goods and services in Kazakhstan?
According to paragraph 1 of Article 207 of the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, men retire at the age of 63 and women at 61. Many retirees do not continue working: they are entitled to pension payments. Previously, these payments could only be received once the retirement age was reached. However, in 2023, a law was adopted allowing for early withdrawal of pension savings from the UAPF — the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund. However, there are nuances. First, only the funds received from mandatory pension contributions (MPC) can be withdrawn. Second, the withdrawal is allowed only if the funds are planned to be spent for specific purposes.
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The coffee business is one of the most popular in Kazakhstan because it's a great way to start your own venture. At the same time, competition in this niche is high, but with a solid business plan, a quality product, and a true passion for coffee, you can generate good profits. However, any food service business is never simple: you’ll only attract clients with high-quality service. Also, don’t set expectations for profit too high — a profitability rate of 30–35% is considered excellent for a coffee shop.