---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "central_asia", "fatf", "legal"]
aliases: ["KZ", "KAZ", "Қазақстан"]
created: 2026-09-05
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--kazakhstan]]"]
sources:
  - name: "https://www.afsa.kz"
    url: "https://www.afsa.kz"
    type: "official"
  - name: "https://afsa.aifc.kz"
    url: "https://afsa.aifc.kz"
    type: "official"
---

#  Kazakhstan (KZ) — Crypto Regulation

> Kazakhstan maintains a legal and regulated framework for cryptocurrency activities primarily under the AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities effective since January 2024 and amended in 2026. The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) actively regulates and authorizes entities within the AIFC, including digital asset firms, with ongoing enforcement and cooperation with law enforcement.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 25/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Moderate |
| Region | [[domain--central-asia|central asia]] |
| Currency | [[entity--kzt|KZT]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| VAT on Crypto | No |

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--afsa|AFSA]] / NBK |
| Framework | AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | DATF Authorization fee: $98,000 (one-time) + $500-$1,500 registration fee + $30,000 annual supervision fee + quarterly variable fees (capped at $250,000/year as of December 2025). Minimum capital: $200,000 or 12 months working capital, whichever is higher. |
| Timeline | 3-6 months |

AFSA provides fast-track authorization for firms licensed in acceptable regulatory regimes and regulates 369 authorized entities across various financial and digital asset activities.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| [[concept--fatf|FATF]] Member | Yes |
| FATF Status | compliant |

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the AIFC framework with oversight by AFSA, ensuring compliance with AML and licensing requirements.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the AIFC digital asset rules, requiring licensing and compliance with financial regulations.

## NFTs

**Status:** unregulated

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.042/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 12% |
| Climate | continental |
| Infrastructure | fair |

Mining is legal but restricted due to regulatory and energy consumption concerns; infrastructure is developing with moderate quality data centers.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | moderate |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 38/100 |
| Ease of Business | moderate |
| Internet Freedom | partly_free |
| Banking Access | moderate |
| Sanctions Programs Active | No |

### Recent Political Events

- 2026-08-07: AFSA signed memorandum of cooperation with Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General’s Office — Strengthens regulatory enforcement and legal cooperation in crypto sector

## Enforcement

No detailed enforcement information available

## CBDC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | launched |
| Name | Digital Tenge |
| Authority | National Bank of Kazakhstan |
| Type | retail |

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan maintains a legal and regulated framework for cryptocurrency activities primarily under the AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities effective since January 2024 and amended in 2026. The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) actively regulates and authorizes entities within the AIFC, including digital asset firms, with ongoing enforcement and cooperation with law enforcement.

### What is the FATF status of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is classified by FATF as: compliant.

### Are VASPs licensed in Kazakhstan?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Kazakhstan?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-09-05.*

**Sources:**
- [https://www.afsa.kz](https://www.afsa.kz)
- [https://afsa.aifc.kz](https://afsa.aifc.kz)