Crypto license in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
The Digital Asset Trading Operation license (crypto / VASP equivalent) is the only lawful route to operate a cryptocurrency business connected to Kazakhstan. Issued exclusively by the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), it is a carve-out from the general Kazakhstani…
| Jurisdiction | Kazakhstan |
| License type | Crypto license |
| Regulator | Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) |
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Requirements
Under Law No. 193-VII 'On Digital Assets in the Republic of Kazakhstan' (in force since 1 April 2023), general circulation of unsecured digital assets is banned in mainland Kazakhstan. The law carves out a single exception: issuance and circulation of digital assets is permitted through the AIFC, on condition that the operator holds a Digital Asset Trading Operation license. This gives Kazakhstan-facing crypto businesses a clear, government-sanctioned legal channel that does not exist anywhere else in the country.
A licensed Digital Asset Trading Operation may: - Purchase, sell and exchange cryptocurrencies for fiat currency or for other cryptocurrencies; - Accept and transfer crypto payments on behalf of customers.
Licensees must also maintain customer identification (KYC) procedures and AML/CFT compliance, as required by the AIFC, which supervises licensees on an ongoing basis.
Get Your Crypto License in Kazakhstan
Astana International Financial Center (AIFC)
Special financial center in Kazakhstan through which issuance and circulation of digital assets is permitted; issues the 'Digital Asset Trading Operation' license required for purchase, sale and exchange of cryptocurrencies for fiat or other cryptocurrencies, and for accepting/transferring crypto payments; oversees KYC and AML/CFT compliance obligations of licensees. https://aifc.kz/
Overview
The Digital Asset Trading Operation license (crypto / VASP equivalent) is the only lawful route to operate a cryptocurrency business connected to Kazakhstan. Issued exclusively by the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), it is a carve-out from the general Kazakhstani ban on circulating unsecured digital assets, allowing licensed operators to buy, sell and exchange cryptocurrencies for fiat or other cryptocurrencies, and to accept and transfer crypto payments — provided they operate through the AIFC and meet its KYC/AML standards.
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Licensing Process
Step 1
Register the operating company via eGov.kz, the State Portal of Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which handles business registration services.
Step 2
Apply to the AIFC for the Digital Asset Trading Operation license, demonstrating the ability to meet its licensing conditions.
Step 3
Implement KYC customer-identification procedures and an AML/CFT compliance program as required for licensees.
Step 4
Commence licensed activity — purchase, sale and exchange of cryptocurrencies for fiat or other cryptocurrencies, and acceptance/transfer of crypto payments — under ongoing AIFC supervision.
Receive a Licensing Roadmap
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Digital Asset Trading Operation license?
It is the license issued by the AIFC that permits a business to purchase, sell and exchange cryptocurrencies for fiat or other cryptocurrencies, and to accept or transfer crypto payments, within the AIFC's special legal regime.
How does the Digital Asset Trading Operation license differ from a standard international crypto/VASP license?
Functionally it covers the same core activities recognised internationally as a virtual asset service provider (VASP) or money service business — trading and payment services in cryptocurrency — but it is only issued by the AIFC, a special financial center, rather than by a mainland Kazakhstani regulator.
Can a crypto business operate anywhere in Kazakhstan with this license?
The license operates within the framework of the AIFC exception; general circulation of unsecured digital assets outside this AIFC-based route remains banned in mainland Kazakhstan.
What legal basis creates this license?
Law No. 193-VII 'On Digital Assets in the Republic of Kazakhstan', in force since 1 April 2023, which bans general circulation of unsecured digital assets in mainland Kazakhstan while permitting it through the AIFC under license.
What compliance obligations apply to licensees?
Licensees must carry out customer identification (KYC) and maintain AML/CFT compliance, overseen by the AIFC.
What activities are covered by the license?
Purchase, sale and exchange of cryptocurrencies for fiat or other cryptocurrencies, and accepting or transferring crypto payments.
Where do I register the company before applying for the license?
Business registration in Kazakhstan can be carried out via the eGov.kz state e-government portal.
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