Investment incentives and benefits available to foreign investors in Kazakhstan:
1. Tax Incentives: Kazakhstan offers various tax incentives to attract foreign investment, including:
- Exemption or reduction of corporate income tax for specified periods in priority sectors or regions.
- Preferential tax rates for certain types of investment projects, such as those related to manufacturing, technology, and innovation.
- Tax exemptions or deductions for capital investments, research and development activities, and export-oriented businesses.
- VAT refunds on imported machinery, equipment, and raw materials used in priority sectors.
2. Customs Duties and Tariffs: Foreign investors may benefit from customs duties and tariff exemptions or reductions on the import of equipment, machinery, and raw materials necessary for their investment projects.
3. Free Economic Zones (FEZs): Kazakhstan has established Free Economic Zones in strategic locations across the country, offering special incentives and benefits to investors, such as:
- Exemption from corporate income tax, land tax, property tax, and customs duties.
- Simplified administrative procedures for business registration, permits, and licenses.
- Infrastructure support, including access to utilities, transportation, and telecommunications.
4. Investment Preferences: The Government of Kazakhstan provides investment preferences to priority sectors and industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, information technology, renewable energy, and tourism. These preferences may include financial support, grants, subsidies, and other incentives to encourage investment and development.
5. Stability Guarantees: Kazakhstan provides stability guarantees to investors through investment contracts, which ensure the stability of investment conditions, protection against adverse regulatory changes, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
6. Repatriation of Profits: Foreign investors are allowed to repatriate their profits, dividends, and proceeds from the sale of investments abroad without restrictions, subject to compliance with applicable currency control regulations.
7. Investment Protection: Kazakhstan has bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and double taxation treaties (DTTs) with numerous countries to protect foreign investments and prevent double taxation. These treaties provide legal protection, guarantees of fair and equitable treatment, and mechanisms for the resolution of investment disputes.
Overall, Kazakhstan offers a range of investment incentives and benefits to attract foreign investors, promote economic growth, and foster international trade and cooperation. These incentives contribute to creating a favorable investment climate and enhancing the competitiveness of Kazakhstan as an investment destination.