Kazakhstan is taking a decisive step toward forming a full-fledged crypto economy. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree aimed at stimulating and developing the digital asset industry. The document, prepared by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development in collaboration with the National Bank and the Astana International Financial Centre, lays the groundwork for a "modern and transparent ecosystem of digital financial services."
Tax Relief and Legalization of Circulation
A key element of the decree is tax incentives. Individuals conducting transactions with digital assets through Kazakhstan's regulated infrastructure will be exempt from individual income tax. This is a powerful signal to investors, intended to shift part of the shadow market into the legal sphere. Additionally, a procedure is provided for the voluntary disclosure of crypto assets previously held on foreign unregulated platforms, followed by their transfer to local provider platforms.
Cross-Border Settlements and Tokenization
Special attention is given to the practical application of blockchain. The decree mandates the development of mechanisms for using digital assets and stablecoins in cross-border settlements. Authorities see this as a tool to expand business export-import operations within a regulated framework. Concurrently, the development of tokenized financial instruments and a national trade blockchain infrastructure will be encouraged.
Mining with Associated Gas
For the mining industry, this is a crucial innovation. The document permits the use of associated petroleum and natural gas from fields for autonomous electricity generation, which can be directed toward cryptocurrency mining, provided these resources are not needed for state purposes. This decision turns a previously useless resource into a source of income and reduces the burden on the energy system.
This decree is a logical continuation of the course set in autumn 2025, when Kazakhstan's Central Bank announced the creation of a state crypto reserve worth between $500 million and $1 billion. The republic is consistently transforming into one of the key jurisdictions for legal crypto business in Eurasia.
Analyst's comment: Kazakhstan demonstrates a rare example of a comprehensive approach: from tax incentives for retail investors to industrial mining and state reserves. If the implementation of the decree is as well-thought-out as its concept, the country could become a model for other developing economies seeking to integrate digital assets.