Zhiheng Sharing | Chinese Companies Going Overseas to Kazakhstan - How to Rent Real Estate in Kazakhstan (Part 1)
1. Overview of the Real Estate Market in Kazakhstan
In recent years, Kazakhstan’s real estate market has experienced rapid growth, particularly in the capital, Astana, and the largest city, Almaty, where urbanization and population growth have driven a sustained increase in housing demand. Kazakhstan is actively advancing legal modernization reforms, such as developing e‑government, promoting digital court systems, strengthening judicial transparency and anti‑corruption mechanisms, and striving to provide foreign investors with more robust legal safeguards.
Moreover, some property information and transaction processes can already be handled through electronic platforms, gradually enhancing convenience.
In terms of rent, residential rents in the central areas of major cities are relatively high. Taking 2024 as an example, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centers of Almaty and Astana typically ranges from $500 to $800, while in the suburban areas or smaller cities, rents are even lower, usually between $300 and $500.
Rent is typically paid monthly, and a formal lease agreement is signed, usually for a term of one year. Foreign tenants are also required to register their residential address after moving in. Overall, the rental market is becoming increasingly well-regulated, but a certain degree of “black-market” renting still exists and should be carefully identified.
2. Legal Framework for Property Leasing in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a civil law country, and its legal system is deeply influenced by the Soviet legal tradition and the European continental law, with written law as its primary characteristic. The current Constitution, adopted in 1995, establishes the system of separation of powers and the fundamental principles of a market economy, and serves as the country’s fundamental law. Kazakhstan’s legal system encompasses various fields, including civil law, criminal law, administrative law, tax law, and labor law. Among these, the Civil Code serves as the core statute governing civil legal relationships such as property, contracts, and inheritance.
In terms of the structure of state institutions, legislative power is exercised by the parliament, which comprises two chambers: the Senate and the Majilis. The judicial system has the Supreme Court as the court of final appeal, and also includes ordinary courts as well as specialized courts for economic and administrative matters. The procuratorial organs independently exercise their functions of supervision and public prosecution.
The following is the legal framework for property leasing in Kazakhstan:
1. The Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan: governs general property lease relationships and applies to the leasing of non-residential and commercial properties. The key provisions areConcentrateed in Articles 556–612 (covering amendments and termination, rights and obligations, guarantees and indemnification, etc.).
2. The Land Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Regulates the acquisition, modification, and termination of land use rights, as well as land leasing (Articles 50–61), including provisions on intended use, lease terms, public auctions, and other related matters.
3. Law on State Registration of Rights to Immovable Property (No. 310III ZRK): Stipulates that lease agreements with a term of one year or more must be registered (the principles and procedures for registration are set out in Articles 2–15).
4. The “Law on Financial Leasing”: In addition to the “lease contract” under the Civil Code, a separate system of “financial leasing” is established.
5. The “Law on Housing Relations”: This law specifically governs residential (tenant) leases between natural persons or families, with procedures and safeguards distinct from those applicable to commercial leases.
6. Government and Presidential Decrees: For example, Government Regulation No. V2100024803 of 2021, the “Rules on Electronic Auctions for Land Leases,” clearly outlines the procedures for public bidding and auctions of state-owned land.
3. Chinese Enterprises' Real Estate Leasing Practices and Common Procedures in Kazakhstan
A．Analysis of Typical Leasing Scenarios and Property Type Demand
Scene Type | Property Type | Features and Requirements |
Establish a representative office/branch office | Office building, co-working space | City core area, convenient transportation, formal contract |
Construction Project Site | Industrial land, warehouses, and factory buildings | A usage permit is required; considerations include water and electricity supply, transportation, and land-use restrictions. |
Employee Residence | Apartment, Single-family home | Available for short-term or long-term rental; amenities such as furniture, internet, and heating should be considered. |
Trade shows, short-term projects | Temporary Lease of Commercial Premises | Contracts are flexible and can be rented on a weekly or monthly basis; payment terms must be agreed upon in advance. |
B.Common Lease Operation Procedures
1. Searching for and screening properties
· Main channels: Kazakhstan’s largest real estate platforms Krisha.kz and Olx.kz, as well as local real estate agencies;
· Key Screening Points:
Is the property use permitted by law (e.g., is office or storage use allowed)?
Does the lease term support long-term agreements (1 year or longer)?
Does the landlord have clear property rights (to avoid the issue of a subletting landlord)?
2. Business Negotiation and Contract Signing
· Security deposit: Typically 1–2 months’ rent;
· Payment method: Most options are monthly payments, with some supporting quarterly payments.
· The contract content is recommended to include:
Chinese-English bilingual version (for reference only; the Russian or Kazakh versions shall prevail in legal terms)
Default and Early Termination Clauses
Allocation of responsibilities for taxes, utilities, property management fees, etc.
Does it support address registration (for company registration or personal residence)?
For leases with a term exceeding one year, involving substantial amounts, or pertaining to corporate office space, notarization or registration with the real estate registration authority is recommended to enhance legal protection.
3. Address Registration and Filing (Required for Foreign Employees or Legal Representatives)
· After being leased by a Chinese enterprise or individual, it is necessary to proceed with...Registered Address Registration, used for immigration bureau filing, legal person registration, or tax purposes;
· can be processed through the eGov.kz electronic platform or in person;
· If used for company registration, the leased address must comply with business registration requirements (residential addresses cannot be used to register commercial companies).
4. Conclusion
As the Belt and Road Initiative continues to advance and China–Kazakhstan economic and trade cooperation deepens, an increasing number of Chinese enterprises and individuals are seeking investment and development opportunities in Kazakhstan. As a critical support for corporate establishment and employee relocation, the legal compliance and operational standardization of real estate leasing are increasingly becoming key areas of focus.
It is recommended that Chinese enterprises intending to enter the Kazakh market conduct thorough legal due diligence prior to leasing or acquiring real estate, clearly define the intended use of the property and any restrictions on land use, ensure that contracts are properly executed and necessary registrations are completed, and thereby guarantee lawful and compliant operations. At the same time, it may be advisable to engage local counsel or qualified intermediaries to assist with lease-related matters, thereby minimizing legal risks and enhancing project stability.
References
Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan
General part: https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K940001000_
Special part: https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K990000409_
Land Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan
https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K030000442_
Law on State Registration of Rights to Immovable Property
https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/Z070000310_
"On Financial Leasing"
https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/Z000000078_
Law on Housing Relations
https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/Z970000094_
“Rules for Electronic Bidding on Land Leases” On the approval of the Rules for organizing and conducting tenders (auctions) for the sale of land plots or the right to lease land plots in electronic form on the web portal of the register of state property.
https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/V2100024803
Supervising Attorney
Yang Xiaoming
Hong Kong Registered Foreign Lawyer (RFL)
Email: yangxiaoming@zhihenglawyer.com
WeChat ID: yxm810229
Contributor
Zhang Yichen
City University of Hong Kong JD (Doctor of Jurisprudence)
Email: yiczhang066@gmail.com
WeChat ID: yic1--echo
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This article is reprinted from Zhiheng Hong Kong Law Firm and is intended solely forExchange and learning.