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To secure a monthly pension of over 311,000 tenge upon reaching retirement age, Kazakh citizens must meet specific criteria, as outlined by the Unified Accumulation Pension Fund (ENPF). Achieving this substantial income requires at least 40 years of consistent participation in the savings system, with uninterrupted monthly contributions.

Shifting Pension Landscape

The ENPF highlighted a declining trend in state-funded pensions. The calculation for these pensions considers only work experience prior to January 1, 1998. As citizens with no prior work experience before this date begin to retire in the early 2040s, their pension payments will become solely dependent on their personal savings.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), a replacement rate of at least 40% of previous earnings is recommended for a stable retirement income. The ENPF identified three key factors crucial for reaching this goal: the duration of savings, the regularity of contributions, and the completeness of these contributions.

Savings and Payouts: What to Expect

ENPF specialists conducted calculations based on 2026 figures, illustrating how pension payment amounts vary depending on average monthly wages and the length of participation in the system.

The Importance of Consistent Contributions

The fund emphasized that not only the total duration of contributions but also the frequency of deposits significantly impacts the final pension amount. Irregular contributions, even if from an average salary, directly affect the overall sum available in retirement.

Looking ahead, it is anticipated that the difference between the required ILO standard and the percentage covered by mandatory employer pension contributions (MEPC) will be compensated through future adjustments.

Other Factors Influencing Pension Size

As of January 1, 2026, investment income accounted for 41.4% of the total savings held by Kazakhstanis. The longer funds remain in the pension account and the more consistent the contributions, the greater the investment income generated, potentially reaching 70-80% in global practices. Pensioners also have the option to manage their returns by entrusting a portion of their funds to private management companies (PMCs).

Making additional voluntary contributions for oneself or relatives can offer tax benefits. Voluntary payments also allow for early withdrawal of funds, starting from age 50.

Withdrawing funds for housing or medical treatment will reduce the final pension amount. The minimum required balance left in the account is intended solely to ensure the minimum possible payment in old age.

The ENPF encourages Kazakhstanis to actively engage in financial planning and utilize the pension calculator available on the fund's mobile application to adjust their savings strategy.