eResidency is a digital citizenship programme which enables foreign users to obtain a secure digital identity, allowing them to establish and manage companies and access selected financial services in Kazakhstan entirely online. In this interview, CEO Kanat Amirkin explains how Kazakhstan’s eResidency expands remote access to finance and business as the country builds a digital gateway. 

Q: How would you define Kazakhstan’s eResidency programme today, and how has your vision for the initiative evolved since its launch? 

Kanat Amirkin, CEO: The eResidency Kazakhstan programme is a digital residency initiative. While similar models have been implemented globally — with Estonia being a well-known example — our approach has been adapted to Kazakhstan’s regulatory environment and infrastructure. 

eResidency provides remote access to selected elements of Kazakhstan’s financial ecosystem, including the ability to establish and manage a business online. A key component of this ecosystem is the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), which operates under English common law and has attracted a growing number of international companies. 

Globally, more than two billion people lack access to formal banking services. Our aim is to provide a secure and regulated digital gateway for those seeking reliable financial tools. Applicants download the app from major platforms, complete verification and undergo screening in line with international compliance standards. Once approved, they receive a digital identity enabling access to available services. 

This digital identity does not grant migration rights or physical entry into Kazakhstan. It is designed as a secure access tool to digital financial services. 

Through eResidency, users can open bank accounts remotely, access payment cards and utilise brokerage services provided by licensed Kazakh institutions. 

Verification processes are designed to be both robust and user-friendly. We rely on biometric passports and internationally recognised standards to ensure identity accuracy and minimise fraud risks. 

The programme is structured to remain accessible. The initial fee has been reduced to encourage adoption, while still covering essential services such as digital identification, access to financial tools and secure authentication mechanisms. 

The entire model is built around remote access. Many individuals require financial and business management tools without the need to travel. The programme is designed to balance strong compliance requirements with a seamless user experience. 

Kazakhstan aims to further develop its digital financial ecosystem by expanding access to selected services for international users. In this context, eResidency serves as a digital gateway connecting global users to Kazakhstan’s financial and corporate infrastructure. 

Q: Can you confirm that your KPI is one million eResidents in the first year and targeting a long-term goal of ten million within the next few years? 

KA: We see strong interest from multiple international markets. While these targets are ambitious, they reflect the potential scale of demand for accessible and compliant digital financial services. 

Q: To further understand your broader reach, could you expand on your international positioning? 

KA: Our geographic position and digital infrastructure create opportunities to serve a global user base. Even at early stages, we observed interest from users across different regions. 

Applicants who do not meet compliance requirements are not approved. The programme operates under strict verification procedures aligned with international KYC/AML standards and applicable regulations. 

Our long-term ambition is for eResidency to contribute meaningfully to the development of Kazakhstan’s service and financial economy, alongside other key sectors. 

With a relatively small domestic population, Kazakhstan’s financial system benefits from solutions that enable international participation. eResidency supports this by providing scalable, digital access to services. 

Q: Can you confirm that the next stage is remote company registration and business operations? 

KA: Yes. The next phase includes remote company registration, further expanding the functionality of the platform. This can be particularly effective when combined with existing frameworks such as the AIFC and Astana Hub, which offer competitive regulatory and tax conditions for certain sectors. 

We maintain strict controls to ensure the platform is used in full compliance with applicable laws and regulatory standards. This includes monitoring of transactions and risk management procedures aligned with international best practices.  

Q: Is there a database that tracks this? 

KA: Blockchain technology itself provides transparency in transaction history. Our approach focuses on ensuring that all activity within the ecosystem complies with applicable regulatory frameworks. 

As technology evolves, compliance and monitoring tools continue to improve, supporting safer and more transparent financial interactions. 

Our goal is to provide access to global financial tools within a structured and compliant environment. 

Q: Beyond specific regions, which markets are you prioritising? 

KA: We are exploring demand across several international regions, including Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the CIS, while fully respecting local regulatory frameworks and global compliance requirements. 

Some regions demonstrate strong interest due to economic factors such as currency volatility or limited access to international financial instruments. eResidency can provide an additional channel for accessing stable and regulated financial services. 

With gradual scaling and sustained user adoption, the programme has the potential to contribute to increased financial flows and support long-term ecosystem development. 

We focus on individuals and entrepreneurs, enabling them to participate in global economic activity through simplified digital tools. 

Q: Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a regional hub. How does e-Residency intersect with this broader ecosystem? 

KA: We are building an integrated digital infrastructure. At its core is eResidency, providing remote financial access. Additional initiatives, such as QazETA, are being developed to improve efficiency, security and user experience for international visitors. 

We believe there is strong potential in complementing traditional promotion with more targeted, data-driven digital engagement channels to increase international awareness. This approach allows for more precise communication with relevant audiences and supports sustainable ecosystem growth. 

Security remains a key priority. Systems are designed to support compliance, transparency and risk management in line with international standards. 

Q: How does this tie into healthcare access and insurance requirements? 

KA: Kazakhstan provides emergency medical care to individuals on its territory, including foreign visitors. As part of broader system development, mechanisms such as insurance integration may be introduced to ensure sustainability and efficiency. 

Digital tools can also support tourism and compliance processes, including the management of administrative obligations in a transparent and user-friendly way. 

Overall, the focus is on building a structured and balanced ecosystem that supports both accessibility and regulatory integrity. 

The technical launch of eResidency is underway, with further developments expected as the ecosystem expands.