Kazakhstan Introduces New Entry Authorization and Corporate Debt Restrictions in November Policy Shift

Foreign nationals traveling to Kazakhstan and businesses with tax debts are facing a new regulatory landscape following several policy updates that took effect this November. Under the newly launched QazETA system, visa-free visitors can now apply for online travel authorization up to 72 hours prior to arrival, free of charge and valid for 180 days. Currently operating as a pilot across select entry hubs - including Aktau International Airport and major border checkpoints in the Pavlodar, Zhambyl, Turkestan, and Zhetysu regions - the system remains voluntary through June 30, 2027, before becoming mandatory for designated categories on July 1, 2027.

Concurrently, the government has tightened administrative controls on non-compliant corporate entities. Companies with outstanding tax, customs, or mandatory payment debts exceeding 45 monthly calculation indices (194,625 tenge) that remain unpaid for four consecutive months are now barred from altering their executive leadership or changing their registered legal address.

In addition to structural reforms, several critical tax deadlines are set for November. Self-employed individuals and private practice professionals must settle their personal income tax for October earnings by November 5. Meanwhile, November 16 marks the final deadline for submitting various primary tax returns, with subsequent cutoffs on November 20 and 25 for executing required recurring tax payments and statutory contributions.