New Rules for Organizing Construction and Permitting Procedures in the Construction Sector Approved in Kazakhstan
By order of the Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated May 29, 2026, new Rules for organizing construction and obtaining permits in the construction sector have been approved.
The order will enter into force on August 4, 2026.
The Rules regulate the procedure for obtaining documents and completing procedures related to construction, reconstruction, redevelopment, re-equipment, repurposing of facilities, as well as commissioning (putting into operation) of completed objects.
Key Changes
General construction project process
The Rules establish a clear sequence of project stages:
- obtaining initial planning materials;
- development and approval of the sketch (preliminary design);
- development of design documentation;
- passing expert review (examination);
- notification of the start of construction and installation works;
- construction;
- acceptance and commissioning of the facility.
Reconstruction, redevelopment, and re-equipment
If the works affect load-bearing or external structures, engineering systems, or equipment, the full permitting procedure applies, including project development, expert review, and commissioning.
If such elements are not affected and the functional purpose of the facility remains unchanged, the works may be carried out based on a technical project without full design documentation and without passing expert review.
Simplified procedure
A simplified procedure is provided for certain categories of objects.
Construction of third-level responsibility facilities, as well as reconstruction of individual residential houses up to two floors, may be carried out based on a sketch (preliminary design) without full project documentation, expert review, and notification of construction and installation works.
Exceptions apply to facilities located in areas with high seismic, mudflow, landslide, or avalanche risk.
Initial materials and technical conditions
Initial materials include:
- architectural planning assignment (APA);
- technical conditions for connection to engineering networks;
- routing schemes for external networks;
- other design-related documents.
The APA and technical conditions are valid for the standard construction period. If the project lasts more than three years, their validity may be extended upon confirmation of construction commencement.
Engineering networks
The Rules prohibit issuing technical conditions for connection to projected engineering networks.
At the same time, external engineering network designs developed based on issued technical conditions do not require additional approval from utility or infrastructure service providers.
Validity of local executive authority decisions
Decisions of local executive bodies regarding reconstruction, redevelopment, re-equipment, or repurposing remain valid until the commissioning of the facility.
Practical significance for business
The new Rules are important for developers, property owners, and tenants.
Before starting any works, it is necessary to determine their legal classification, as this affects whether permits, design documentation, and expert review are required.
Particular attention should be paid to:
- correct classification of construction works;
- compliance with the sequence of permitting procedures;
- validity periods of APA and technical conditions;
- requirements for reconstruction and redevelopment projects.
Recommendations
In light of the new Rules coming into force, it is recommended to:
- conduct legal and technical analysis of planned construction works before project implementation;
- determine in advance whether the project falls under the general or simplified permitting procedure;
- verify the need to obtain APA, technical conditions, design documentation, and expert review;
- consider restrictions for projects located in high-risk seismic, mudflow, landslide, and avalanche zones;
- monitor validity periods of initial permitting documents and ensure timely extension if needed;
- properly document the commencement of construction for extension purposes;
- assess whether planned reconstruction or redevelopment affects structural or engineering systems;
- ensure internal compliance control over all permitting stages to avoid legal risks and work suspension.
How we can help
We can provide support on the application of the new Rules, including:
- analysis of planned works and required permitting procedures;
- assistance in obtaining APA, technical conditions, and other documents;
- support for reconstruction, redevelopment, and re-equipment projects;
- preparation of legal opinions on construction and commissioning matters;
- legal audits of construction projects for compliance with the new Rules;
- assessment of regulatory risks and development of mitigation strategies;
- representation before state authorities.
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