Chinese business in Kazakhstan: why its presence is growing and what to know before entering the market
Trade with China has neared $50 billion, the two sides speak of a $100 billion target, and companies with Chinese capital already number in the thousands. What this means for an entrepreneur and which statuses you need to work.
China is one of Kazakhstan's main economic partners. Trade approached $50 billion last year, and the two governments speak of a $100 billion target. According to officials, cumulative Chinese investment has exceeded $29 billion.
What is happening in the market
Chinese business is moving beyond raw-materials projects. Joint production has been announced in car manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and coal chemistry, and UBTECH is building a robot plant in Almaty due to start up in the first quarter of 2027. A Kazakh-Chinese investment fund under Kazakh Invest has also been announced.
Estimates of the number of companies with Chinese capital range from 5,000 to more than 9,000. There is no single figure, but various sources confirm the upward trend.
Why Kazakhstan
- Border and transit. The two countries are linked by overland routes, and Kazakhstan lies on the way from China to Europe.
- The EAEU market. A company in Kazakhstan operates inside the union's common market.
- Easy travel. Chinese citizens can enter without a visa for up to 30 days, and up to 90 days in total in any 180. The rules are in our article on visa-free entry.
Which documents you will need
Visa-free travel suits negotiations but not employment. Staff need a C3 visa and a work permit, and for moves within a corporate group you should check the intra-company transfer conditions. From 2026 it is also important to take the updated rates and rules for hiring foreign labour into account.
To establish a market presence, you can use an LLP or a branch or representative office. Chinese documents for Kazakhstan are certified with an apostille, as China has applied the Hague Convention since November 2023. On tax, see our 2026 overview for foreign business.
Visa Navigator helps Chinese companies with registration and staff paperwork. Tell us about your project and we will find a suitable option.
Questions and answers
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Kazakhstan?
Not for trips of up to 30 days per entry and up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Working in Kazakhstan requires separate formalities.
How many companies with Chinese capital operate in Kazakhstan?
Estimates vary widely depending on the method, and published figures range from 5,000 to more than 9,000.
Sources
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.
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