01
Transactions
- Incorporation of companies in Kazakhstan
- Due diligence for real estate and company acquisitions and disposals
- Legal support for investment projects
Central Asia Lawyers
A boutique law firm for foreign companies, investors and individuals navigating business in Kazakhstan.
We advise on transactions, disputes and taxation under the laws of Kazakhstan and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
Legal support for doing business in Kazakhstan
International clients come to us when a legal issue can materially affect an investment, transaction, tax position or business relationship.
- You need to establish a company or group of companies in the AIFC.
- You are trying to collect a debt from a Kazakhstan legal entity and need to assess the prospects of recovery.
- You are acquiring a company and need legal due diligence before making the decision.
- You are launching a joint venture in Kazakhstan and need integrated legal and tax support, including an assessment of tax risks.
- You need advice on the tax implications of a cross-border transaction.
- You need contracts for shipment, construction works or services governed by Kazakhstan or AIFC law.
What we do
We focus on three areas where legal, commercial and tax considerations come together.
02
Disputes
- Representation before the AIFC Court and the AIFC International Arbitration Centre (IAC)
- Representation in arbitration proceedings
- Representation in the economic courts of Kazakhstan in contractual and corporate disputes and claims for damages
03
Taxes
- Challenging the results of tax audits
- Tax planning for setting up a business in Kazakhstan
- Legal memoranda on Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs), tax incentives and preferences, and export VAT
- Tax planning for cross-border transactions and DTAs
Experience you can verify
Our experience is reflected in the matters we handle and the outcomes achieved for clients.
Selected client cases
Real legal problems often require more than identifying the rule. Our work focuses on identifying the risk, creating a practical response and protecting the client's position.
KZT 1.2 billion in potential damages prevented
Construction dispute
A Chinese contractor was working under a KZT 3 billion construction contract with an oil refinery. The project was almost a year behind schedule, negotiations had reached a deadlock, and unilateral termination by the employer could have resulted in significant damages and fines.
We audited the project, identified the key contractual and management risks, advised the CEO, supported suspension of the contract to prevent potential termination, and drafted contractual amendments. The main unilateral-termination risk was removed and KZT 1.2 billion in potential damages was prevented.
USD 3 million preserved
Oil company acquisition
A US-based investor considered acquiring an interest connected to a local oil company. Our due diligence identified an unresolved dividend-policy issue within the ownership structure that could potentially lead to a shareholder deadlock.
We advised the client to resolve the shareholder arrangements before proceeding with the acquisition. The parties did not reach agreement on the dividend policy, and the client decided not to proceed, preserving USD 3 million.
KZT 180 million saved
Medical equipment imports
A Turkey-based medical equipment supplier was operating in Kazakhstan and applying a 0% VAT rate to a range of supplies. A legal audit identified contracts with individuals that could expose the client to a tax claim for unsupported use of the 0% rate.
We recommended replacing the vulnerable shipment contracts. The resulting restructuring saved KZT 180 million.
Investor's rights protected
Investment project
A bread manufacturer had a USD 78 million investment agreement with Kazakhstan for construction of a factory in a special economic zone. A dispute arose over the investor’s obligations to sell part of its production on the Kazakhstan market.
We analysed the contractual and statutory obligations, proposed amendments, supported negotiations, and helped secure the signing of outstanding project-performance reports. The risk of termination of the investment contract was eliminated and the investor’s rights were protected.
Founder and partners
Ivan Vasyukov
Founder & CEO
Ivan Vasyukov is a legal consultant in the Republic of Kazakhstan, specializing in transactions, investment projects and disputes. He brings 13 years of legal experience, having handled investment projects and transactions totaling $93 million, as well as 128 court cases—spanning breach of contract, damages, corporate disputes, and bankruptcy—in the courts of Kazakhstan and Russia and in international arbitration.
Tatiana Shilova
Partner, Tax and Audit Practice
Tatiana Shilova is an auditor and tax consultant with 22 years of experience. Ex Big 4 consultant. Her primary areas of focus are tax consulting and forensic services. She has participated in 37 tax audits and 118 corporate audits.
Have a legal or tax matter in Kazakhstan?
Tell us briefly about your situation. Start with a free introductory consultation to discuss the legal context, key risks and possible next steps.