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A nationwide 2025 survey of 3،000 adults finds Kazakhstani savers know more about the pension system، yet overall trust remains muted at 5.92 out of 10 — a crucial gap as policy changes and investment choices shape future retirement income.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

Who was surveyed and how

The study covered all regions، including Astana، Almaty and Shymkent، and used a 26‑question questionnaire. Respondents were 67.7% employees، 27.7% self‑employed and 4.6% unemployed، all aged 18 and above.

What people know

Basic financial literacy ticked up to 74.2% (from 73.8% a year earlier). A strong majority — 90.1% — know mandatory pension contributions exist، and 80.4% correctly name the rate at 10%. In 2025، 84.1% correctly identify retirement ages as 63 for men and 61 for women. Most also know how to check their personal account via the website، mobile app، eGov.kz، service centers or postal statements.

Where understanding breaks down

Advanced knowledge lags at 45.3%. Only 58.2% correctly point to the National Bank and/or authorized asset managers as those who invest pension assets؛ 35.6% mistakenly think the national pension fund manages the money directly. Just one in four (25%) understand that investment returns vary with market performance. Knowledge of annuities is thin too: only 29% can specify who can buy a pension annuity and under what conditions.

Tax and guarantees also confuse many respondents. Only 38% know that pension payments are currently subject to personal income tax but will not be taxed starting January 1، 2026. Less than half (49.5%) are aware that the state guarantee applies only to mandatory contributions، not to voluntary savings.

Trust is lukewarm

Overall confidence in the pension system stands at 5.92/10. Trust in the national pension fund (ENPF) is slightly higher at 6.04/10. Participation has grown sharply — the share of people who have made at least one contribution rose from 42.7% in 2021 to 78.7% in 2025 — but this has not translated into stronger trust.

Where people get pension news

Social media dominates: Instagram (32.3%)، Facebook (13.6%)، WhatsApp (11.9%)، Telegram (10.9%)، TikTok (9.3%) and YouTube (6%) lead the way. Television remains at 29.4% but is ceding ground to digital platforms، underscoring the need for clear and accurate explanations online.

Why it matters

The findings paint a mixed picture: participation and basic knowledge are improving، yet confusion around investment risk، annuities، taxes and guarantees keeps confidence fragile. The ENPF has pledged to expand digital services and strengthen public education. Clear، plain‑language communication about how each tenge is managed — and the risks and returns involved — remains essential ahead of the 2026 tax change.