Relocating to a new country can be a challenge — but in Kazakhstan, the AIFC Expat Centre is making the journey smoother for thousands of professionals and their families. From visa support and housing to schools and integration programs, the Centre offers a one-stop solution for anyone looking to start a new life in Central Asia. We spoke with Ainur Zhumatova, Director of the Centre, to learn how they’re helping expats feel at home — and what’s next for this growing international community.
Ainur Zhumatova, Director of the AIFC Expat Centre, linkedin
About AIFC Expat Centre
The AIFC Expat Centre was set up in October 2017, and its core mission is to support foreign investors and professionals as they set up and operate in Kazakhstan through the Astana International Financial Centre — AIFC.
As you may know, the AIFC is a truly unique financial hub in Central Asia — a place where the best practices of global financial centres meet local opportunity. What sets us apart is that we’re the first in the region to offer a comprehensive legal framework specifically designed to attract, protect, and support investments. Our legal system is built on the principles of English common law — the gold standard used by many of the world’s leading financial centres.
What’s more, our independent AIFC institutions provide an extra layer of support and protection for businesses, helping them operate with confidence in a stable, transparent environment.
As AIFC Expat Centre we work as a true one-stop shop, helping foreign professionals navigate everything from visa processes to setting up a company, and settling comfortably into life in Kazakhstan. Our role is to ensure that every step — from arrival to integration — is as seamless as possible.
About services
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, and that’s exactly why we’re here. Our team supports foreign professionals and their families with a full range of essential services: visas, digital signatures, taxpayer registration, and much more.
Beyond that, we partner with trusted providers to help with relocation — such as medical insurance, international schools, kindergartens, and everyday needs. We also offer the Investment Tax Residency Programme for individuals seeking investment opportunities in Kazakhstan.
Our services are not limited to AIFC-registered companies; we also support embassies, international organisations, and local businesses employing international staff.
We actively collaborate with various public institutions — particularly the Migration Office and Public Service Centre — to ensure that expats can easily handle legal and logistical requirements. This cooperation helps reduce bureaucracy and allows foreign professionals to settle in smoothly.
About investment and companies
AIFC has grown into a truly global financial hub. Currently, the AIFC hosts over 3800 companies from over 85 countries, including the USA, UK, EU, China, Türkiye, Singapore and the Middle East. As of today the volume of both foreign and local companies investments attracted through the AIFC platform amounted to over $14,5 billion. The AIFC ecosystem has generated over 10 000 jobs.
Many AIFC-registered companies stand out for their ability to attract international talent — especially in finance, IT, and consulting. These sectors are particularly active in hiring highly qualified specialists from abroad. At the same time, they’re also creating opportunities for local professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across the board.
About visas and requirements
At the Expat Centre, we most frequently assist with business, work, investor, and dependent visas. These are the most relevant for professionals and investors working within the AIFC framework. The AIFC participants enjoy simplified procedures. There’s no need for a work permit or quota. Highly qualified professionals can apply for a five-year visa, which can be obtained at a Kazakh embassy abroad, upon arrival in Astana or Almaty, or directly through our Centre. The key requirements include proper qualifications and compliance with secondment rules.
About family life and integration
Relocating families often face challenges such as securing visas, finding a reliable relocation service, housing, and choosing the right school for their children. Our Centre is here to help with all of that. We support families in gathering the required documentation and connect them with trusted partners to ensure a smooth transition.
We provide comprehensive soft-landing support. Recently, we launched our Expat Loyalty Programme — a membership-based network that helps families settle in and feel supported. Members gain access to English-speaking service providers across healthcare, education, insurance, housing, entertainment, and more. It’s about offering the comfort and confidence they need to start a new life in Kazakhstan.
About plans
We’ve already launched the Expat Loyalty Club Community and marked it with a special opening event timed with the celebration of Nauryz. The event brought together our partners and participants in a warm, cultural atmosphere.
We see this community as a key tool in supporting adaptation — not just through services, but through meaningful human connections. We plan to host networking events, cultural gatherings, and family-friendly activities that promote integration, build friendships, and make expats feel truly at home in Kazakhstan.