Why Almaty: a city for foreign business and relocation, with the facts and a comparison with Astana

When choosing a city in Kazakhstan, foreigners usually compare Almaty and Astana. One is bigger, the other is growing faster. Neither is best for everyone: it depends on your customers, team and task. Here is a comparison based on data rather than promotional promises.

The cities in numbers

GDP shares are revised national statistics; the preliminary estimate for Almaty was 23.4%. Growth and per capita figures are estimates from Kapital.kz, citing The Times of Central Asia. That publication describes Almaty as the leading business and financial centre and Astana as a strengthening political and corporate one.

Why companies choose Almaty

Market and people. It is the country's most populous city and largest urban economy. On 1 May 2025 it had 378,900 active small and medium businesses, up 7.4% year on year. That suits trade, services and finding contractors.

Connectivity. Almaty airport handled more than 11.3 million passengers in 2024, according to Forbes Kazakhstan. Frequent flights matter if you travel to partners and family.

Living environment. The mountains are close and the city is well developed, but there is a downside: traffic, winter smog and high housing prices in popular districts. Check these yourself on a short trip before signing a long lease.

When Astana is the better fit

Astana hosts the government and the Astana International Financial Centre with its own regime. That is a serious argument if your business is financial, needs participant status or involves constant work with ministries. The city is growing faster, but its consumer and services market is smaller.

What does not depend on the city

Laws and base rates are the same nationwide: 16% VAT and 20% corporate income tax since 2026. The choice of company form follows the same rules: see how a foreigner registers an LLP and branch or representative office.

Migration logic does not change either. Registering a company gives no right to live in the country. Moving requires a basis such as work, business or family. Start with the temporary residence guide, then look at the C5 visa and permanent residence. The arrival notification rules are covered separately.

Practical steps when moving

Come for a short stay first and check districts, schools, healthcare and the commute. When renting, remember that the landlord or another host takes part in migration procedures, so discuss arrival notification and any consents in advance. Get your IIN early: you will need it for banking and contracts. If moving with family, plan their documents alongside yours. This avoids a rush as your visa-free stay runs out.

How to decide

Write down where your customers are, where you will hire and whether you need the AIFC regime. If the answers point in different directions, you can base yourself in one city and travel to the other. Visa Navigator works in Almaty and helps with company registration and stay documents: tell us about your task and we will suggest a suitable route.

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.