Why AIFC

Strategic Location

Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is located between the eastern and western global financial and business centres and offers to future participants the optimal solution for their businesses while maximising opportunities in the region of Central Asia and minimising costs and risks.
Membership in WTO, regional integrations — such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) — and cooperation within China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have had a significant impact on the global role. Learn more

Common Law Jurisdiction

AIFC is the unique jurisdiction offering businesses a complete and comprehensive legal platform that helps to attract, implement, and protect investments.
 

The AIFC law is based on the principles, norms, and precedents of the law of England and Wales and/or standards of the world’s leading financial centres. Overall AIFC has adopted more than 80 Legal and Financial Rules and Regulation which regulate all aspects required for the continuous conduct of any business. 

Independent Financial Regulator

The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) is the independent regulator of the AIFC, that registers, authorizes and recognises all entities who carry financial or non-financial services activities.
An independent regulator of the AIFC was established under the Constitutional Statute of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Astana International Financial Centre” to regulate financial services and related activities in the AIFC.The purpose of AFSA is to facilitate business by maintaining security. Learn more

Favorable Tax Regime

Determined by the Tax Code, the tax regime within the AIFC offers various exemptions for participants, such as exemptions from:

  • Corporate income tax (CIT);
  • Value-added tax (VAT);
  • Property Tax;
  • Land tax, etc.

A favorable tax regime and operating benefits help to reduce costs, thereby increasing the competitiveness of companies, and making the cost of doing business in the AIFC even more attractive.

Independent Court and Arbitration Centre

The judicial system of the AIFC Court is based on the principles of English Common Law and the international standards of commercial courts in other financial centres.
AIFC Court is the independent part of the AIFC eco-system, that operates in accordance with the best world practices for resolving civil and commercial disputes within the jurisdiction. It consists of a Court of First Instance (with a special accelerated procedure for considering claims for up to 150 thousand US dollars) and an Appeals Court.  Learn more

Talented Reserve Pool

13 000 AIFC Reserve Pool members possess the essential set of knowledge, skills, and abilities required for any proficient work opportunities whether it’s domestic or foreign markets. The process of providing services is accelerated owing to the AIFC Reserve Pool, each candidate of which is ready for employment and meets international standards.
Bureau for Continuing Professional Development (BCPD ) provides international professional certification preparatory courses. Learn more