Kazakhstan Real Estate 2025: Laws, Foreign Ownership & Investment Hotspots
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7/25/2025

✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Kazakhstan?
Yes — foreigners can buy apartments and buildings, but not land. Ownership rights apply to the structure only, while the land remains state-owned and can be leased.
🏢 Foreigners cannot purchase land directly but can fully own apartments, commercial units, and buildings.
⚖️ Ownership Rules for Foreign Buyers in Kazakhstan (2025)
🔹 Allowed:
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Apartments and flats (freehold ownership)
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Commercial real estate
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Detached buildings without land rights (structure only)
🔹 Not Allowed:
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Land plots (residential, agricultural, or commercial)
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Houses with land, unless purchased through a Kazakh entity
🔹 Workaround:
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Foreigners can establish a local legal entity to lease land or own homes
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Long-term land leases (up to 49 years) are possible for commercial use via companies
📌 Kazakhstan is currently reviewing certain aspects of land use by foreigners — updates may occur in the coming years.
🏙️ Top Cities to Buy Property in 2025
🔹 1. Almaty
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Largest and most developed city
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Strong demand for high-end apartments, expat housing, and offices
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Top yields in tourist and business districts
🔹 2. Astana (Nur-Sultan)
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Capital city and administrative center
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Modern infrastructure, rapid growth, and government projects
🔹 3. Shymkent
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Fast-growing southern city with young population
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Demand rising in mid-market housing and logistics spaces
🔹 4. Aktau & Atyrau
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Energy sector hubs on the Caspian Sea
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Opportunities in rental housing and commercial logistics
💰 Average Property Prices in 2025
City | Avg. Price (KZT/sqm) | Approx. €/sqm |
---|---|---|
Almaty | 700k–1.2M | €1,400–€2,400 |
Astana | 650k–1.1M | €1,300–€2,200 |
Shymkent | 400k–650k | €800–€1,300 |
Atyrau | 600k–950k | €1,200–€1,900 |
Note: Kazakhstan uses the tenge (KZT). Exchange rate risk should be considered.
📈 Rental Yields & ROI
Location | Long-Term Yield | Short-Term ROI |
---|---|---|
Almaty | 5.5–7% | 7–9% |
Astana | 5–6.5% | 6.5–8% |
Atyrau | 6–7.5% | 7–9% |
Shymkent | 5.5–7% | 6.5–8% |
Airbnb is allowed in most cities, with no major restrictions as of 2025.
🛠️ Buying Process for Foreigners
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Choose property (apartment or commercial unit)
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Sign a preliminary purchase agreement
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Verify title and building registration
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Engage a licensed notary and translator
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Finalize contract and register with the State Real Estate Registry (Zhergar)
⏱️ Timeline: 3–6 weeks
🔍 Due diligence is critical — work with a legal team to ensure clean title
🧾 Taxes & Fees
Type | Rate/Cost |
---|---|
Property Transfer Tax | None (built into seller’s price) |
Notary & Legal Fees | ~0.5–1% |
Capital Gains Tax | 10% for residents; 15% for non-residents |
Rental Income Tax | 10% flat or corporate rate via entity |
Annual Property Tax | 0.1–0.5% of property value |
📌 Kazakhstan has low property taxes, but gains and income are taxed for foreigners.
🛂 Does Buying Property Grant Residency?
❌ No — buying property does not offer residency or citizenship in Kazakhstan.
However:
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Foreign buyers can apply for long-term visas, business permits, or digital nomad programs (being developed)
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Owning property can support visa extensions or investor residency applications
🏘️ Who Should Invest in Kazakhstan?
✅ Ideal for:
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Regional investors from the Middle East, China, Türkiye, or Russia
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Buyers interested in early-stage growth in Central Asia
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Investors seeking high yields and low acquisition cost
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Commercial investors in logistics, offices, or rentals
❌ Not ideal for:
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Investors requiring land ownership
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Buyers seeking visa/citizenship benefits through real estate
🔮 2025 Market Trends in Kazakhstan
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Almaty’s southern districts undergoing luxury redevelopment
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Rising demand for green buildings and smart housing
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Digital land registry reforms improving transparency
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Government pushing foreign investment zones in Atyrau and Aktobe
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Property market increasingly integrated with Chinese Belt & Road investments
🧭 Final Thoughts
Kazakhstan offers a high-yield, low-entry-point real estate market in the heart of Central Asia. While land ownership is restricted, apartments and commercial properties are available to foreign buyers with full title rights.
If you’re looking for frontier-market returns, exposure to a rising economy, and a stable legal framework (with some complexity), Kazakhstan is a compelling choice in 2025.
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