Crypto Regulation in Astana International Financial Centre

Crypto Friendly

The AIFC is Kazakhstan's international financial hub operating under a separate common law jurisdiction (based on English law). The AFSA has established a comprehensive digital asset regulatory framework, making AIFC a crypto-friendly special economic zone distinct from Kazakhstan's mainland restrictions.

Region: Central AsiaRisk Score: 15/100

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)
0% within AIFC (exempt from Kazakhstan individual income tax for AIFC participants until 2066)
Capital Gains (Corporate)
0% corporate income tax for AIFC participants (50-year exemption until 2066)
VAT on Crypto
No
Staking Tax
0% within AIFC for qualifying participants
Airdrop Tax
0% within AIFC for qualifying participants
Mining Tax
Mainland Kazakhstan taxes crypto mining; AIFC entities may benefit from exemptions
Summary
AIFC offers a 50-year tax exemption (until 2066) for qualifying participants, including 0% corporate income tax, 0% individual income tax on AIFC-sourced income, and 0% capital gains tax. This applies to AIFC-registered entities and their employees.

Licensing & Registration

License Required
Yes
Regulator
AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority)
Framework
AIFC Framework for Regulation of Digital Asset Activities (2023, amended 2025)
License Types
Digital Asset Trading Facility (DATF), Digital Asset Custodian, Digital Asset Service Provider, Mining Operation License
Estimated Cost (USD)
$15,000 - $100,000
Timeline
2-6 months
Ease of Licensing
Medium
Notes
AFSA regulates digital assets within the AIFC jurisdiction under a bespoke common law framework. The AIFC operates independently from Kazakhstan's domestic financial regulation. Licensed entities can serve international clients. AFSA has been actively developing its crypto framework and has licensed multiple exchanges and custodians.

AML / KYC

KYC Required
Yes
Travel Rule
Yes
FATF Member
No
FATF Status
Monitoring
Suspicious Activity Reporting
Yes

Mining

Mining Legal
Yes
Status
Legal
Electricity Cost ($/kWh)
$0.04
Renewable Energy
25%
Climate
Cold
Infrastructure
Excellent
Tax on Mining Income
0% in AIFC zone until 2066
Notes
Very competitive electricity rates make this jurisdiction attractive for mining operations.

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

DeFi: legalStablecoins: general framework

Soken Services

Legal Opinion
Available | $2,000 - $8,000 | 7 days
Banking
Difficulty: Easy | Crypto-friendly banks: Altyn Bank, Freedom Finance
Min. Deposit
$5,000
Fiat Rails
SWIFT
Card Payments
Visa, Mastercard
Company Registration
$5,000 | 14 days | Private Company
Licensing Support
Available | $15,000 - $50,000

Sources

AFSA AIFC
Reviewed: 2026-03-01verified

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crypto legal in Astana International Financial Centre?
Cryptocurrency is currently classified as "Crypto Friendly" in Astana International Financial Centre. The AIFC is Kazakhstan's international financial hub operating under a separate common law jurisdiction (based on English law). The AFSA has established a comprehensive digital asset regulatory framework, making AIFC a crypto-friendly special economic zone distinct from Kazakhstan's mainland restrictions.
What is the crypto tax rate in Astana International Financial Centre?
In Astana International Financial Centre, the personal capital gains tax on crypto is 0% within AIFC (exempt from Kazakhstan individual income tax for AIFC participants until 2066), and the corporate tax rate is 0% corporate income tax for AIFC participants (50-year exemption until 2066). AIFC offers a 50-year tax exemption (until 2066) for qualifying participants, including 0% corporate income tax, 0% individual income tax on AIFC-sourced income, and 0% capital gains tax. This applies to AIFC-registered entities and their employees.
Do I need a crypto license in Astana International Financial Centre?
Yes, a crypto license is required in Astana International Financial Centre. The regulator is Astana Financial Services Authority under AIFC Framework for Regulation of Digital Asset Activities (2023, amended 2025). Estimated licensing cost: $15,000 - $100,000.
Is crypto mining legal in Astana International Financial Centre?
Yes, crypto mining is legal in Astana International Financial Centre. Electricity costs approximately $0.04/kWh. Mining income is taxed at: 0% in AIFC zone until 2066. Very competitive electricity rates make this jurisdiction attractive for mining operations.
What are the AML/KYC requirements for crypto in Astana International Financial Centre?
Yes, crypto businesses in Astana International Financial Centre must comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. The FATF Travel Rule is implemented. FATF compliance status: monitoring.