---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "central_asia", "eag", "legal"]
aliases: ["KZ", "KAZ", "Қазақстан"]
created: 2026-06-01
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 environment for cryptocurrencies, primarily governed by the AIFC Digital Asset Trading Facility Rules. The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) actively regulates digital asset activities within the AIFC zone and continues to develop its regulatory framework.

## 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 |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | 10% individual income tax on crypto gains |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 20% corporate income tax |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | 15% income tax on mining income (corporate rate for entities). Additional electricity-based royalty tax: KZT 2 per kWh consumed (KZT 1/kWh for renewable energy sources), effective January 1, 2024. Mining income recognized as taxable upon asset allocation from pool. |

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--afsa|AFSA]] / NBK |
| Framework | AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities (effective January 1, 2024; amended January 1, 2026) |
| 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 |

Licensing is managed by AFSA under the AIFC framework with a structured process for digital asset service providers.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | fsrb_only |

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the AIFC framework with clear guidelines for compliance and licensing.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under a dedicated AFSA Stablecoin Framework (January 2024), requiring a specific license, full reserve backing, and annual audit. Only G10-currency and commodity-backed stablecoins are currently permitted.

## NFTs

**Status:** unregulated

## Mining

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

Mining is legal but subject to restrictions and regulations, especially regarding energy consumption and licensing within Kazakhstan.

## Geopolitics

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

## Enforcement

No detailed enforcement information available

## CBDC Status: launched

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan maintains a legal and regulated environment for cryptocurrencies, primarily governed by the AIFC Digital Asset Trading Facility Rules. The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) actively regulates digital asset activities within the AIFC zone and continues to develop its regulatory framework.

### What is the FATF status of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is classified by FATF as: fsrb_only.

### 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: 2026-06-01.*

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