Freelance in Kazakhstan

The freelance market in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has a fast-growing digital market centred on Almaty and Astana. Local businesses actively order SMM, targeting, design and development, and Astana Hub supports IT companies and startups. Many relocated specialists from Russia have joined the market since 2022, which increased both competition and demand.

Taxes and legal status

A new Tax Code applies from 1 January 2026. Freelancers usually register as an individual entrepreneur (ИП) through eGov and choose the simplified declaration, paid as a percentage of income (a base rate of about 4%, which local councils can adjust), plus social payments for yourself. People with small incomes can use the special regime for the self-employed, with registration in a mobile app. IT companies can get Astana Hub participant status with tax benefits.

This is general information as of 2026, not tax or legal advice. Rates and thresholds change, so check them with the tax authority or a local accountant before you register.

Getting paid

Local clients pay through Kaspi and other bank transfers. Foreign clients pay by SWIFT to an entrepreneur's currency account, through Payoneer, or by card transfers. Because many Russian specialists bank here, Kazakh banks are used to foreign freelance income, but they will ask for contracts.

• Kaspi and local bank transfers
• SWIFT transfers to a currency account
• Payoneer
• card transfers

Skills in demand

• SMM and targeted ads
• web development and Telegram bots
• design for Instagram businesses
• video editing
• content in Kazakh and Russian
• 1C and business automation

Tips for freelancers in Kazakhstan

• Open an entrepreneur status through eGov in a day: many clients need documents for payment.
• Content in Kazakh is in growing demand: mention it if you can work in both languages.
• Check the new 2026 rules for your region, since local rates can differ.

Hiring a freelancer from Kazakhstan

Local time in Kazakhstan is UTC+5, so agree in advance on the hours when you are both available for calls. Describe the task, the deadline and the budget in your first message, ask for examples of similar work, and fix what counts as done before work starts. If the work is for a local audience, a freelancer who knows the language and the market will save you rewrites.

Kits for freelancers in Kazakhstan

Kits is an international freelance marketplace that is not tied to one country. Freelancers in Kazakhstan can publish services with a portfolio and a clear price, or respond to clients' jobs, and talk to clients in the built-in chat. The first listing on each account is free, and the site works in nine languages, from English and Spanish to Russian, Turkish and Georgian.