Alatau City and Its Special Legal Regime in Kazakhstan - November 2026

GRATA International is launching a new monthly publication series: Alatau City and Its Special Legal Regime in Kazakhstan. As part of this series, we will introduce you to the city’s key features and explore its unique business opportunities.

This publication examines the establishment of Alatau City, its territory and geographic location, as well as the directions of its economic development.

1. Establishment of Alatau City 

Zhetygen village was separated from the Ili district of Almaty region through reorganization, granted the status of a city of regional significance and renamed Alatau City in accordance with Decree No. 432 of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 9, 2024. 

The next step was the adoption of Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 286-VIII “On the special legal regime of Alatau City” dated May 8, 2026, signed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter the “Constitutional Law”). It provides for the operation and development of Alatau City under the special legal regime of a “city of accelerated development”, which establishes specific features of legal regulation, including public administration.

The special legal regime of Alatau City is based on 8 key principles: transparency, territoriality, “one-stop shop”, digital-first, subsidiarity, stability, financial sustainability, and priority of private investments.

The city and its development are of strategic significance to Kazakhstan.

2. Territory and Location of Alatau City

The territory of Alatau City is located between the cities of Almaty and Qonaev, along the “Western Europe - Western China” international transport corridor. Its geographical location facilitates the development of international trade, industry, and logistics.

Read the full publication:

This publication was prepared by:

Danil Gavrin, Counsel;

Aruzhan Assylbek, Paralegal.