Investment Policy Monitor
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The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with up-to-date, country-specific information on recent policy developments affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Through its ongoing monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD delivers cutting-edge and forward-looking contributions to investment policy discourse. The Monitor also supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at ensuring that foreign investment contributes to sustainable development. The Monitor also informs the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends featured in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitor publications and the joint UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Investment Measures.
UNCTAD has tracked changes in national policies affecting FDI on an annual basis since 1992. Over time, the methodology has been revised to enhance the quality and consistency of reporting. The most recent revision, completed in 2024, further refined the monitoring framework and applied the updated classification to policy measures dating back to 2012.
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UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor The UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor database compiles official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting foreign investment (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures that have a clear impact on such investment (FDI-related).
The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases).
The classification of measures as more or less favourable to investors is based solely on their potential impact on investors. The type of measures included in each category are described below. This classification does not reflect any value judgement by UNCTAD on the merit or suitability of the measure.
Classification of the nature of measures
More favourable to investors
Liberalization: includes privatization; lifting of entry restrictions (e.g. opening of sectors to FDI) and entry conditions (e.g. minimum capital requirement); removal (total or partial) of FDI screening or approval mechanisms; lifting of foreign exchange restrictions; liberalization of land access.
Facilitation: includes streamlining of investment procedures (e.g. one-stop shops); greater transparency of investment-related laws and procedures (e.g. information portals); introduction by IPAs and other entities of new services to assist investors (e.g. linkages programmes, investor visa facilitation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms).
Promotion: includes establishment of IPAs or other institutions with a remit as investment promoters and expansion of their mandate; adoption of investment promotion strategy and plans; introduction of PPPs, auctions, and concessions initiatives or framework; introduction of OFDI promotion initiatives.
Incentives: includes adoption of new tax and financial incentives schemes for investment; introduction of other incentives (e.g. citizenship by investment programmes); adoption of new SEZ-related incentives.
Other regulatory changes: includes enhancement of investor treatment and protection guarantees; easing of labour or migration regulations concerning foreign hires and key personnel; removal of operational restrictions on investment (e.g. local content requirements).
Less favourable to investors
Entry: includes introduction or tightening of entry restrictions (e.g. total or partial ban on FDI in specific sectors); introduction or tightening of entry conditions (e.g. minimum investment threshold, joint venture requirements or State participation in strategic sectors); introduction or expansion of screening mechanisms for national security.
Treatment and operation: includes introduction or expansion of foreign exchange restrictions; introduction or expansion of restrictions on foreign hires and key personnel; removal or reduction of investment incentives; introduction or expansion of post-establishment requirements for local content; reduction of guarantees for investment treatment and protection; introduction or expansion of restrictions on OFDI.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
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Investment Policy Measures
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Kazakhstan
31 Dec 2024Implements facilitation mechanisms for priority investments
On 31 December 2024, Kazakhstan adopted Order No. 11-1-4/746, amending the Rules for Organising a "One-Stop Shop" for Investors and the Procedure for Investment Attraction. The amendments introduce a structured investment classification, [...]
Kazakhstan
16 Dec 2024Mandates financial assurances for land allocation in investment projects
On 2 December 2024, Kazakhstan amended the requirements for investors seeking local authorities' consent for land allocation in investment projects, as outlined in Order No. 11-1-4/664. Under the new provisions, investors must provide [...]
Kazakhstan
18 Oct 2024Approves the Concept of Investment Policy 2024-2029
On 18 October 2024, the Government of Kazakhstan approved the Concept of Investment Policy 2024–2029. The goal of the Concept is to enhance the country's investment environment and attract at least $150 billion in foreign direct investment. [...]
Kazakhstan
01 Apr 2024Launches a National Digital Investment Platform
In 2024, the Government of Kazakhstan launched the National Digital Investment Platform, aiming to streamline investment establishment procedures and reduce barriers for investors. This initiative resulted from the Memorandum of Cooperation [...]
Kazakhstan
11 Jul 2022Withdraws some tax incentives for foreign investors
On 11 July 2022, Kazakhstan amended the Tax Code. Several amendments affect foreign investors, including: - The deductibility of certain payments made to a related intra-group party will be limited; - The dividend withholding [...]
Kazakhstan
01 Jan 2022Introduces VAT for foreign companies supplying goods and services electronically (so called “Google tax”)
On 1 January 2022, Law No. 382-VI, which introduces amendments to the VAT regime, will enter into force. Accordingly, foreign companies that provide services or supply goods electronically to individuals in Kazakhstan will be obliged [...]
Kazakhstan
02 Jan 2021Kazakhstan introduces investment agreements
With the entry into force of the Law № 399-VI RKZ adopted on 2 January 2021, the institution of investment agreements was introduced in Kazakhstan. Its aim is to support investors in implementing investment projects in priority sectors [...]
Kazakhstan
21 Jan 2019Kazakhstan amended its arbitration rules
A recent law adopted on 21 January 2019 liberalizes the arbitration framework of Kazakhstan and harmonizes it with relevant international conventions and standards. Among others, it now permits that foreign law applies to a dispute [...]
Kazakhstan
01 Jan 2017Amendments to the Law “On Television and Radio Broadcasting”
On 1 January 2017 amendments to the Law “On Television and Radio Broadcasting” came into force. The amendments regulate the registration and licencing procedures for foreign broadcasting companies. Specifically, for the purposes of [...]
Kazakhstan
01 Jan 2017New rules and procedures for expatriate work permits and inter-corporate transfers
New rules on the application and extension of work permits for expatriate employees became effective on 1 January 2017. Inter alia, the new regulations (1) reduce the time required to review work permit applications from at least one [...]
Kazakhstan
15 Dec 2016Lists the categories of expatriates that do not require work permits
On 15 December 2016, the Government adopted a resolution listing the categories of expatriates that do not require a work permit. These include (1) expatriate heads of branches and representative offices of foreign legal entities; [...]
Kazakhstan
01 Jan 2016Government expands One Stop Shop approach beyond priority investment projects
The "One Stop Shop" approach was piloted in 2015 to provide assistance for investors implementing priority investment projects. Starting from 1 January 2016, all investors have the possibility to interact with authorities on the basis [...]
Kazakhstan
30 Dec 2015Government lifts monopoly on 4G telecommunication services
On 30 December 2015, the government lifted the monopoly under which previously only the Altel company - a subsidiary of the state-owned telecoms provider, Kazakhtelecom - had the right to provide 4G services. The government will henceforth [...]
Kazakhstan
05 Nov 2015Parliament approves law on the setting up of the Astana International Financial Center
On 5 November 2015, the Parliament of Kazakhstan approved the Law on the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC). The AIFC will be a Special Economic Zone, offering tax incentives to attract investors. These will include a 50-year [...]
Kazakhstan
19 May 2015Government expands visa-free regime for nationals of countries investing significantly in Kazakhstan
Under the presidential decree of 19 May 2015, the government will extend visa-free status to Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, and to all 34 member states of the OECD. Citizens of these countries will be able to enter [...]
Kazakhstan
29 Dec 2014Law of Kazakhstan No. 271-V 3PK On introduction of amendments and additions to certain legislative acts on subsoil use matters
On 29 December 2014 the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 271-V 3PK “On introduction of amendments and additions to certain legislative acts on subsoil use matters” was adopted. It will become effective on 11 January 2015. The [...]
Kazakhstan
04 Nov 2014Decree of 4 November 2014 N° 1175 on "Rules of granting investment subsidies"
Pursuant to the Law on Investments of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 2003, the government approved, on 4 November 2014, the "Rules of granting investment subsidies". The rules will enter into force on 1 January 2015. The rules define [...]
Kazakhstan
30 Oct 2014Government creates an Investment Ombudsman
On 30 October 2014, the Government adopted Resolution № 1153 approving the regulation on the activities of the Investment Ombudsman. The main functions of the Investment Ombudsman are the following: 1) Consideration of appeals of [...]
Kazakhstan
22 Jun 2012Approves Law on the use of main pipelines
Kazakhstan approved amendments to laws relating to pipelines and taxation. The law establishes the priority right of the state to take part in any new trunk pipeline being built in the country with at least a 51 percent share. [...]
Kazakhstan
01 Mar 2011Adopts law on state-owned property
Kazakhstan adopted the Law on State-Owned Property which legalizes nationalization of private properties. According to the law, private properties can be nationalized in extreme cases such as threats to national security. Kazakh President [...]
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The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with up-to-date, country-specific information on recent policy developments affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Through its ongoing monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD delivers cutting-edge and forward-looking contributions to investment policy discourse. The Monitor also supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at ensuring that foreign investment contributes to sustainable development. The Monitor also informs the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends featured in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitor publications and the joint UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Investment Measures.
UNCTAD has tracked changes in national policies affecting FDI on an annual basis since 1992. Over time, the methodology has been revised to enhance the quality and consistency of reporting. The most recent revision, completed in 2024, further refined the monitoring framework and applied the updated classification to policy measures dating back to 2012.
-
UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor The UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor database compiles official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting foreign investment (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures that have a clear impact on such investment (FDI-related).
The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases).
The classification of measures as more or less favourable to investors is based solely on their potential impact on investors. The type of measures included in each category are described below. This classification does not reflect any value judgement by UNCTAD on the merit or suitability of the measure.
Classification of the nature of measures
More favourable to investors
Liberalization: includes privatization; lifting of entry restrictions (e.g. opening of sectors to FDI) and entry conditions (e.g. minimum capital requirement); removal (total or partial) of FDI screening or approval mechanisms; lifting of foreign exchange restrictions; liberalization of land access.
Facilitation: includes streamlining of investment procedures (e.g. one-stop shops); greater transparency of investment-related laws and procedures (e.g. information portals); introduction by IPAs and other entities of new services to assist investors (e.g. linkages programmes, investor visa facilitation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms).
Promotion: includes establishment of IPAs or other institutions with a remit as investment promoters and expansion of their mandate; adoption of investment promotion strategy and plans; introduction of PPPs, auctions, and concessions initiatives or framework; introduction of OFDI promotion initiatives.
Incentives: includes adoption of new tax and financial incentives schemes for investment; introduction of other incentives (e.g. citizenship by investment programmes); adoption of new SEZ-related incentives.
Other regulatory changes: includes enhancement of investor treatment and protection guarantees; easing of labour or migration regulations concerning foreign hires and key personnel; removal of operational restrictions on investment (e.g. local content requirements).
Less favourable to investors
Entry: includes introduction or tightening of entry restrictions (e.g. total or partial ban on FDI in specific sectors); introduction or tightening of entry conditions (e.g. minimum investment threshold, joint venture requirements or State participation in strategic sectors); introduction or expansion of screening mechanisms for national security.
Treatment and operation: includes introduction or expansion of foreign exchange restrictions; introduction or expansion of restrictions on foreign hires and key personnel; removal or reduction of investment incentives; introduction or expansion of post-establishment requirements for local content; reduction of guarantees for investment treatment and protection; introduction or expansion of restrictions on OFDI.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
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