Foreign construction contractors in Kazakhstan: licence, LLP or branch, and staff

Kazakhstan's construction market is sizeable, but for a foreign contractor the work does not begin with winning a tender. First you need to establish which legal entity and which licence will allow you to carry out the works, and then who will actually work on site. Since 1 July 2026 a new Construction Code has been part of this picture.

What the market shows

According to Qazstat data reported by Bizmedia.kz, construction output in the first half of 2026 was KZT 4.1 trillion, up 15.2% on January–June 2025. Foreign companies accounted for 8.3%. There is a niche, but it is a modest one: most work is done by local players, and real opportunity depends on the segment and the client.

Licence: what is known and what to check

Construction and installation works are licensed, and a licence cannot be transferred to another person. So "working under a partner's licence" or a parent company's licence is a risky assumption. Practical explanations describe three categories tied to the responsibility level of the structures, along with qualification requirements: a production base in Kazakhstan, owned or leased, equipment and certified engineering staff.

An important caveat: those descriptions were written under the previous law. The new Code was signed on 9 January 2026. The ministry has announced an electronic register of licensees linked to state systems, automatic checks of compliance, and tighter requirements. Check current conditions against the Code and rules in force, not against older articles.

Foreign licences are a separate matter. An explanation from December 2022 says that under a 1997 CIS agreement, licences may be recognised through the issue of a national licence, and that the company first opens a branch or representative office. No such route is described for countries outside that agreement. Its application today must be confirmed with the licensing authority.

LLP or branch

The choice depends on the client, the tender and your tax model. See the comparison of a branch and a representative office and the LLP registration guide. The 2026 tax rates are 16% VAT and 20% corporate income tax.

Staff

Every foreigner on site needs a lawful basis to work, and visa-free entry does not provide one. Usually the employer obtains a foreign labour permit and the worker gets a C3 work visa. Short preparatory trips may fall under business visas, depending on nationality and purpose.

For comparison, Turkish citizens may stay without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180, and Chinese citizens for up to 30 days per visit and no more than 90 in 180. That is enough for negotiations and a site survey, but not for work on site.

Where to start

1. Define the type of structures and the category of work you need.
2. Ask the client about licence and legal presence requirements.
3. Check qualification requirements under the rules in force.
4. Prepare a staffing plan before signing the contract.

Visa Navigator helps with LLP or branch registration and staff permits. The licensing decision rests with the authorised body. Describe your project and we will suggest which documents to prepare first.

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and practice change — verify the current requirements as of the date you apply.