Kazakhstan to grant special legal status to Astana and Alatau

Kazakhstan plans to grant special legal status to Astana and the city of Alatau through separate constitutional laws, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin said during a government meeting, according to Kazakh media.

The proposed legislation introduces a “city of accelerated development” regime for Alatau, aimed at implementing advanced international standards and promoting innovation. Plans for the city include the development of autonomous transport systems and the expansion of digital asset infrastructure.

For Astana, the draft law seeks to clarify and strengthen its legal status by introducing special governance mechanisms in key sectors, including urban planning, migration policy, and transport management, with the goal of improving the quality of the urban environment.

Both legislative initiatives are designed to attract investment and enhance the effectiveness of local governance.

Zhumangarin stated that the draft law on Alatau предусматривает a special tax regime and guarantees for investment protection. He added that the bill will undergo its second reading in Parliament on March 27. Meanwhile, the draft law defining Astana’s status is expected to be submitted to the Mazhilis, the lower house of Parliament, by the end of April.

By Tamilla Hasanova