1. Registering a legal entity (1–2 weeks)
IP (sole proprietorship) or TOO (LLP) — the choice depends on projected revenue and taxation. Up to 12,000 MRP per year (≈ 44 million ₸ in 2026) — an IP on the simplified regime (3%). Above that — a TOO with VAT.
OKED codes: 10.13 (meat), 10.51 (dairy), 10.71 (bakery), 10.85 (ready meals) — pick the most precise one, as it affects inspections and tax incentives.
If you plan to export to Russia or other EAEU countries, register a TOO from the start: an IP cannot file a TR CU declaration of conformity.
2. Premises and the SES (2–4 months)
The premises must comply with the SanPiN of the Republic of Kazakhstan (sanitary-epidemiological rules). Key requirements:
— Zoning from raw materials → finished products (one-way flow, no cross-overs).
— Walls up to 1.8 m clad in materials that withstand wet cleaning (tile, stainless steel).
— Separate changing rooms, staff restrooms, and handwashing sinks in every zone.
— Ventilation calculated per SP RK 4.01-101-2013, with an air exchange rate of 8–12 for hot kitchens.
Without design documentation the SES will not accept the premises. Expect at least 2–3 rounds of remarks before the sanitary-epidemiological conclusion is issued.
3. HACCP under ST RK ISO 22000:2019
Since 1 January 2022, HACCP has been mandatory for all food producers in Kazakhstan (Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Food Product Safety" of 21.07.2007 No. 301-III, Art. 6).
Implementing HACCP takes 12–16 weeks: forming the team, describing the products, hazard analysis, identifying CCPs, monitoring, corrective actions, documentation, verification.
Without HACCP documents, no major chain (Magnum, Galmart, METRO) will sign a supply contract.
4. TR CU 021/2011 declaration of conformity
The EAEU technical regulation "On Food Product Safety" is mandatory for all products not covered by specialized regulations (baby food, mineral water, etc. have their own TRs).
The declaration is registered by a certification body accredited in Kazakhstan. The cycle: laboratory testing (2–3 weeks) → filing the declaration (1 week) → entry into the registry. Budget 250–800 thousand ₸ depending on the product range.
5. Equipment
Locally assembled (Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus) — cheaper, faster delivery, local service available. Downsides: a narrower range than European suppliers.
Europe / Turkey — the quality standard, expensive, long logistics (3–4 months).
China — the price-to-quality ratio has improved sharply over the past 5 years, but after-sales service is a risk. Better to work through a Kazakhstan-based distributor.
Set aside 15–20% of the budget for spare parts and consumables in the first year.
6. Taxes and government support
Standard 2026 rates: corporate income tax 20%, personal income tax 10%, VAT 12%.
The "Park of Innovative Technologies" special economic zone (Alatau) — corporate income tax exemption for up to 10 years for productions that meet the innovation criteria.
Astana Hub — residency for food-tech startups with a digital component: 0% corporate income tax, 0% personal income tax for employees.
The "Business Roadmap 2025" program — grants of up to 5 million ₸ for SMEs in manufacturing.
7. Entering retail
Magnum — the largest Kazakhstan chain; requires a supplier with a warehouse in Almaty or Astana, a minimum of 6 SKUs, and payment deferral of 30–45 days.
Galmart — the premium segment, with emphasis on packaging quality and brand story.
METRO Kazakhstan — the HoReCa channel; requires certification for food-service supply.
Anvar / Small — regional chains: easier to enter, but smaller volumes.
Preparing for listing is a separate 3–4-month project: pricing model, packaging with EAEU labeling, logistics, merchandising.
- Budget: from 12 million ₸ (micro) to 350 million ₸ (mid-sized plant).
- Timeline: 14–18 months from registration to the first batch.
- Mandatory: IP/TOO, SES clearance, HACCP, TR CU 021/2011 declaration.
- The rookie mistakes: skimping on premises design, choosing equipment on price without capacity calculations, trying to enter retail without HACCP documents.