The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has expanded its Investment Tax Residency Programme (ITRP) to include digital assets. Now, foreign investors can qualify for a long-term investor visa and tax residency in Kazakhstan by investing in digital assets through licensed AIFC platforms, reports infohub.kz.

Previously, participants could invest in shares, equity interests, fund units registered in the AIFC, securities on the AIX exchange, and charter capital of companies registered in the centre. The minimum non-reducible investment for these instruments was $60,000.

Now, digital assets available through operators licensed by the AIFC's Financial Services Regulatory Committee (AFSA) have been added. For this option, the minimum investment is set at $150,000, which must be maintained throughout the entire period of participation in the programme.

The Investment Tax Residency Programme allows foreign citizens to invest in approved instruments and obtain tax residency through a simplified procedure. Participants must be over 18 years old, not citizens of Kazakhstan, and not have been tax residents of the country for the past 20 years.

The AIFC noted that the decision is linked to the development of the digital asset market in Kazakhstan. In 2026, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on stimulating and developing the digital asset industry, aimed at improving regulation, developing digital financial infrastructure, and enhancing the country's investment attractiveness.

"Our Programme has expanded the list of instruments for international investors by including digital assets as a new mechanism for attracting investment. This allows investors to access investment opportunities in the AIFC ecosystem and supports the development of digital assets as part of the country's financial technology architecture," said Ainur Zhumatova, Director of the AIFC Expat Centre.

The AIFC believes that launching the new instrument will help strengthen the centre's position as an international platform for attracting capital and provide investors with access to modern financial opportunities.

The new rules take effect from the date the programme act is published on the official AIFC website.