Fast. Legal. By International Standards.

 

 

Why AIFC?

 

 

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a unique legal and tax platform based on English common law. Registering a company here gives you access to the global market with minimum risks and maximum opportunities.

 

English law framework

0% corporate tax until 2066

Prestige and trust from international partners

Digital registration within 3–5 business days

 

 

 

 

Available Company Structures

 

 

Private Company (Ltd) – limited liability company

Branch of a foreign company

Partnerships and funds

Fintech companies and startups

 

 

 

 

Stages of Company Registration in AIFC

 

 

1. Preparation

 

Choose the legal form: Ltd, Branch, etc.

Collect documents: Articles of Association, shareholder details, proof of address, etc.

 

 

2. Application Submission

 

Online via e-Registrar platform

Upload documents

Pay the state fee (from $300)

 

 

3. Registration

 

Review of the application by the Registrar of Companies (RoC)

Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation, BIN, and company register extract

 

 

4. (If required) AFSA License

 

For financial, investment, trust, and fintech companies

Application and regulatory approval process

 

 

5. Bank Account

 

Option to open an account with AIFC-resident banks or international banks

 

 

 

 

What Do You Get?

 

 

A fully registered company in a jurisdiction with a strong international rating

Legal framework under English common law standards

Simplified currency and tax controls

Support for international structuring (links with UAE, Singapore, Cyprus, etc.)

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

 

How long does registration take?

3–5 business days with correct documents.

 

Is a local director required?

No, in most cases a foreign director is sufficient.

 

Can nominee shareholders be used?

Yes, this is allowed.

 

What taxes apply to AIFC companies?

0% corporate tax, dividends, and capital gains tax until 2066.

 

 

 

Detailed Registration Procedure in AIFC

 

 

The company registration process in the AIFC is structured and relatively quick, thanks to the AIX e-Registry digital platform and the favorable legal regime based on English common law. Below is a step-by-step description:

 

1. Choosing the Legal Form

 

Private Company (Ltd) — limited liability company (similar to LLP or Limited in other jurisdictions)

Branch of a foreign company

General Partnership / Limited Partnership

Foundation / Trust — for estate and trust planning purposes

Fintech Lab Participants — fintech startups with the ability to test without full licensing

 

 

2. Preparation of Incorporation Documents

Required documents:

 

Application Form (online)

Articles of Association (template available or custom version)

Resolutions of Founders / Directors

Shareholder and Director details — passport copies, addresses, contacts

Proof of Address (lease agreement, utility bill, etc.)

Business Plan (in specific cases, especially for regulated activities)

 

 

3. Registration with the AIFC Registrar of Companies (RoC)

 

Create account on AIFC e-Registry

Fill out the online application form

Upload documents

Pay registration fee

 

 

Processing time: 3–5 business days (sometimes faster for simple structures).

 

4. Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation

Upon approval, RoC issues:

 

Certificate of Incorporation

Business Identification Number (BIN)

Incorporation Notification Letter

Extract from the Company Register (if required)

 

 

5. (Optional) Licensing with AFSA

For regulated activities (financial services, asset management, fintech, trusts, etc.), licensing is required with the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA):

 

Separate online application

Interview (in some cases)

Compliance check (AML/KYC, capital adequacy, etc.)

 

 

6. (Optional) Opening a Bank Account

Possible with AIFC-resident banks (e.g., Bank Freedom Finance Kazakhstan, Al Hilal) or international banks, depending on the business model.

 

7. Ongoing Obligations

 

Annual renewal and payment of annual fees

Accounting and reporting obligations (depending on activity)

Appointment of a registered agent (if required)

Compliance with AML/CFT rules (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

Advantages of AIFC Incorporation

 

 

English law and independent courts (AIFC Court, Arbitration Centre)

0% corporate tax until 2066

Simplified currency regime

Option to use nominee shareholders and directors

Prestige and recognition as a regional hub

 

 

 

If you are interested in setting up a company in the Astana International Financial Centre, contact our consultants today.

 

 

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