Requirements
AIFC AFSA Licence — Key Requirements
Entity
AIFC-registered company
AIFC LLP or Private Company; registered with AIFC Registrar
Min. Capital
USD 100,000–500,000
Varies by activity; exchange higher than custody
Physical Presence
Required in AIFC Astana
Nur-Sultan; AIFC campus office required
AML/CFT
AFSA AML Rules
KYC/CDD; STR reporting; Travel Rule compliance
Key Personnel
Fit & proper
Directors; UBOs; AFSA background check
Business Plan
AFSA-reviewed
Business plan with financial projections required
IT Security
Cybersecurity policy
AFSA technology risk guidelines
Compliance Officer
Required (MLRO for AML)
Dedicated MLRO for anti-money laundering
Process
How to Get an AIFC AFSA Crypto Licence — Step by Step
1
Incorporate AIFC Entity
AIFC Registrar; LLP or Private Company; inject capital; AIFC campus office establishment.
2–3 weeks2
Pre-Application Meeting with AFSA
AFSA offers pre-application guidance; specify licence category and discuss requirements.
1–2 weeks3
Prepare & Submit AFSA Application
Business plan; AML programme; governance documentation; fit & proper documentation for key persons.
6–10 weeks4
AFSA Review
AFSA review; queries; potential interview with senior management; clarification rounds.
2–4 months5
Licence Issued; Begin Operations
Commence operations; ongoing AFSA reporting; 0% corporate tax within AIFC zone until 2066.
OngoingCosts
AIFC AFSA Crypto Licence — Full Cost Breakdown
| Item | Details | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| AFSA application fee | Non-refundable regulatory fee | USD 5,000–20,000 |
| Annual AFSA levy | Ongoing supervisory levy | USD 5,000–15,000/yr |
| AIFC company formation | Registrar fees and formation | USD 3,000–8,000 |
| AIFC office | AIFC campus office space | USD 15,000–40,000/yr |
| Legal & compliance | Application preparation, AML policies | USD 20,000–50,000 |
| Estimated Year 1 Total (excl. capital) | Setup, regulatory, office, professional fees | USD 45,000–130,000 |
FAQ
Kazakhstan AIFC Crypto Licence — Common Questions
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a special financial zone in Kazakhstan's capital Astana, operating under English common law with its own court and arbitration centre (AIFC Court). The AIFC Financial Services Authority (AFSA) regulates all financial activities including digital assets. The AIFC zone offers 0% corporate tax until 2066 and English-language contracts.
AFSA licences: Digital Asset Trading Facilities (exchanges), Digital Asset Custodians, Digital Asset Fund Managers, Digital Asset Broker-Dealers, and Digital Asset Issuance platforms. Each has separate capital requirements and regulatory conditions.
0% corporate income tax within the AIFC zone until 2066. No VAT, no personal income tax on dividends for AIFC companies. This is one of the most competitive tax regimes globally for financial services.
No. AIFC is not an EU jurisdiction and does not offer EU or EEA market passporting. However, it provides access to CIS markets (Russia, Central Asia) and operates under English common law which is familiar to global financial institutions.
AIFC offers unique advantages: 0% tax, English law, independent court, and access to CIS markets. Main limitations are geographic remoteness and no EU access. Best suited for firms targeting Central Asian, CIS, or MENA markets.
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