The auto leasing program for individuals in Kazakhstan, launched in late 2025, has not gained the expected popularity. Economic conditions have made this instrument less attractive compared to traditional auto loans, and the project is currently being refined, according to infohub.kz.
The essence of leasing is that a company purchases a car and transfers it to the client for temporary use. The citizen makes payments over a certain period, and at the end of the contract can either return the car or buy it at its residual value. However, as practice has shown, interest in this scheme has been low.
Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliev stated at a government briefing that there are no legislative obstacles to auto leasing. The problem lies in economic inexpediency. "From the point of view of conditions, our position is that there is no need to introduce amendments or special legal regimes into legislation. Here, the issues are economic and creating favorable conditions so that clients use this instrument as often as possible," the minister said. He confirmed that creating favorable conditions includes lowering the base rate.
Experts have previously pointed to the high cost of the program, making it inaccessible to most potential users. Auto expert Alexey Alekseev noted that it is essentially another form of auto loan but with less attractive terms. "Why would someone take a lease without being the owner of the car? Why would they do that? Especially under unfavorable conditions. In the West, a person leases a car for 2-3 years in installments, paying only the amount that the car loses in depreciation," he explained. He added that leasing programs are usually developed by car dealerships, but in Kazakhstan, banks have become involved, increasing the cost due to the base rate, interest, and commissions.
The Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported that the full launch of auto leasing has not yet taken place. "The program operated in pilot mode in December. One car was issued as a test, and then shortcomings were identified. It is still being refined, and the necessary regulatory legal acts are being adopted. After that, leasing will work fully," the ministry noted. Exact launch dates have not yet been announced.
President of the Association of Industrial Investors of Kazakhstan Kairat Elamanov said that a by-law is expected to be adopted, which is currently under approval. After it comes into force, the full launch of the updated mechanism will be announced.
Thus, the auto leasing program is being refined. Its attractiveness will depend on favorable conditions that should make the product more interesting than traditional auto loans. However, the base rate and cost of lending remain high despite some reduction.