Kazakhstan Inheritance & Gift Tax Guide 2026

No Inheritance Tax

Kazakhstan is one of many countries that does not levy an inheritance tax or estate tax. When a person dies, their estate passes to heirs without any tax liability to the estate or to individual beneficiaries. There is no filing requirement, no exemption threshold, and no tax return related to inheritance in Kazakhstan. This makes Kazakhstan a favourable jurisdiction for wealth transfer from a tax perspective, particularly for high-net-worth families. The absence of inheritance tax is a long-standing feature of Kazakh tax policy, consistent with the approach in most Central Asian and CIS countries.

No Gift Tax

Kazakhstan does not impose a gift tax on transfers made during the donor's lifetime. Gifts of cash, property, shares, or other assets are not subject to any tax in the hands of either the donor or the recipient. There are no annual gift exemptions, thresholds, or reporting requirements for gift tax purposes. However, gifts of income-generating assets (such as rental property) subject the recipient to income tax on the income derived after the gift. Gifts that are part of a business or entrepreneurial activity may be treated as income subject to IIT or CIT.

Succession Law — Civil Code

Inheritance in Kazakhstan is governed by the Civil Code (Section VI — Inheritance Law). Key provisions include:

• Testate succession: Any individual of legal age and legal capacity may make a will. The will must be notarised and registered in the Unified Notary System. Testators may freely dispose of their property, subject to compulsory share rules for minor children and disabled dependants.
• Intestate succession: If no will exists, the estate is distributed according to priority orders. First priority: spouse, children, and parents equally. Second priority: siblings and grandparents. Further priorities extend to more distant relatives.
• Compulsory share: Minor children, disabled adult children, disabled spouse, and disabled parents are entitled to a compulsory share of at least 50% of the share they would have received under intestate succession, regardless of the will's provisions.

Property Transfer Costs

When real estate is transferred to heirs or donees, the following costs apply:

• Notary fees: For certification of inheritance rights or gift agreements, typically 0.5-1% of the asset value depending on complexity
• State registration fee: For registering the title transfer at the state real estate registry, typically 0.1-0.5% of the property value
• Technical inventory fee: For updating the technical passport of the property

These are administrative fees, not taxes. The total transaction costs for transferring inherited property typically amount to 1-2% of the property value.

No Step-Up in Cost Basis

Kazakhstan does not provide a step-up in cost basis for inherited assets. When an heir sells an inherited asset (such as property or shares), the cost basis for calculating capital gains is the original purchase price paid by the deceased, not the fair market value at the date of death. This means that heirs may face a significant IIT or CIT liability upon sale, as the gain reflects the entire appreciation from the original purchase through the date of sale. For example, if the deceased bought land for KZT 5 million in 2010 and it is worth KZT 20 million at death, the heir selling it for KZT 20 million would pay IIT of 10% on KZT 15 million (KZT 1.5 million).

Estate Planning Considerations

Although Kazakhstan has no inheritance or gift tax, proper estate planning is still important. Key considerations include making a valid notarised will, minimising delays in the notarial succession process (typically 1-3 months), ensuring sufficient liquidity to pay estate costs (notary fees, registration fees), and considering the CGT implications when heirs plan to sell inherited assets. Trusts and family foundations are increasingly used by high-net-worth families in Kazakhstan for estate planning, offering asset protection and succession planning benefits.

FAQs

Do I need to file a tax return for inherited assets?

No, the inheritance itself is not taxable and requires no tax filing. However, if inherited assets generate income (rent, dividends), that income must be declared in the heir's annual tax return.

Can a foreigner inherit Kazakh property?

Yes, foreigners may inherit property in Kazakhstan under the same rules as Kazakh citizens. There are no restrictions on foreign inheritance of Kazakh real estate. The heir must obtain a TIN (ИИН) to register the property title.

Are transfers between spouses subject to tax?

No, transfers between spouses (whether by gift, inheritance, or divorce settlement) are not subject to income tax, CGT, or gift tax. Property registration fees still apply to title transfers. A full spousal exemption applies for all tax purposes.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Kazakhstan inheritance and gift tax rules for the 2026 tax year. Tax laws and succession rules may vary. Always consult with a qualified Kazakh legal advisor or the State Revenue Committee for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide legal or tax advice.