Licensing Criteria and Procedures for Applying for a Cryptocurrency Exchange License in Kazakhstan
General information
Company structure
- At least one shareholder is required to establish a crypto business in Kazakhstan. This can be either an individual or a corporate entity.
- A minimum of one director is necessary, who must be a resident of Kazakhstan.
Confidentiality
- Beneficial owners' details – disclosed to the Authorities
- Shareholders' details – part of public record
- Directors' details – part of public record
Taxation
Kazakhstan offers a favorable tax regime for crypto businesses operating within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). These businesses enjoy tax exemptions for Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and VAT until January 1, 2066.
Accounting requirements
Filing annual report is obligatory
Secretary - Required
Registered office - A physical office in Kazakhstan is mandatory to comply with regulatory requirements.
The application process for a crypto license involves several steps:
- Stage 1: Collection of preliminary documents, including company name, passport copies, utility bills, CVs, business model, and financial plan.
- Stage 2: Licensing, involving determining the suitable license type, preparing documentation, submitting the application to AFSA, and handling additional requests.
- Stage 3: Company registration, preparation of corporate documents, employment of local employees, and setup of accounting services.
- Stage 4: Corporate account opening, involving analysis of suitable banks, collection of necessary documents, and guiding through the account opening process.
Key documents required for the application include:
- Preferred company name
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Utility bills from all shareholders and directors
- CVs of shareholders and directors
- Business model and business plan
- Financial plan for the first year
- Proof of local office and lease agreement