---
type: free_zone
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "central_asia", "eag", "crypto_friendly"]
aliases: ["AIFC", "KAZ-AIFC"]
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2025-11-01
compile_into: ["[[country--kazakhstan]]"]
sources:
  - name: "AFSA"
    url: "https://afsa.aifc.kz"
    type: "official"
  - name: "AIFC"
    url: "https://www.afsa.kz"
    type: "official"
---

#  Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) — Crypto Regulation

> The AIFC operates a crypto-friendly regulatory environment under the AIFC Framework for Regulation of Digital Asset Activities, with active regulatory development and cooperation with international regulators.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | crypto_friendly |
| Sub-jurisdiction of | [[country--kazakhstan|Kazakhstan]] |
| Risk Score | 15/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Low |
| Region | [[domain--central-asia|central asia]] |
| Currency | [[entity--kzt|KZT]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| 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 |
| Mining Tax | Mainland Kazakhstan taxes crypto mining; AIFC entities may benefit from exemptions |
| Staking Tax | 0% within AIFC for qualifying participants |
| Airdrop Tax | 0% within AIFC for qualifying participants |

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

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--afsa|AFSA]] |
| Framework | AIFC Framework for Regulation of Digital Asset Activities |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | $15,000 - $100,000 |
| Timeline | 2-6 months |

Licensing is managed by AFSA with multiple regulated activity types and ongoing framework enhancements.

## 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 digital asset framework with clear guidelines.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated within the AIFC digital asset regulatory framework with specific requirements.

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No specific NFT regulation; generally permitted

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.04/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 25% |
| Climate | continental |
| Infrastructure | good |

Mining is legal with competitive electricity costs and moderate renewable energy usage. Infrastructure is rated good for data centers and internet connectivity.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 45/100 |
| Ease of Business | moderate |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | moderate |

## Enforcement

No significant enforcement actions reported; jurisdiction actively encourages crypto business

## CBDC Status: pilot

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.io/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-04-13.*

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