Buying an apartment in Kazakhstan: steps and documents

Can a foreigner buy housing

A foreigner can buy housing in their own name only with a residence permit. Without one, the purchase is registered to a legal entity (an LLP). Commercial property has no such restriction; agricultural land is off-limits to foreigners.

Deal steps

A typical purchase goes like this:

• negotiations and agreeing the price;
• a deposit or advance to reserve the property;
• checking the property and the seller;
• the sale contract and settlement;
• registering ownership;
• transferring utility accounts to your name.

Due diligence

Due diligence protects you from buying a problem apartment. Be sure to check:

• the certificate of registered rights and encumbrances (form F-2) — owners, pledges, seizures; ordered on eGov;
• the technical passport and that the layout matches;
• the seller's spouse's notarised consent;
• whether there are hidden co-owners, including minors;
• the absence of utility and property-tax debts.

Contract and safe settlement

The sale contract can be notarised or in simple written form with signatures certified at a PSC. Money is safer via a bank letter of credit (safe-settlement service) or a notary's deposit — released after registration. Know the difference between a deposit (secures the deal) and an advance (mere prepayment, returned if the deal falls through).

Registering ownership

Ownership is registered via a PSC, eGov (with an e-signature) or a notary; the registering body is the Ministry of Justice. Via eGov or a notary it usually takes up to 1 business day; via a PSC — a few days. The registration fee is small; confirm the exact amount at a PSC or on eGov.