General Overview

Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world, has a growing economy primarily based on oil, gas, mining, and agriculture. With increasing foreign investments and a developing labor market, the country has established clear labor laws ensuring worker rights and employer obligations.

‍

‍

Employment Contracts

Employment contracts can be for:

‍

• Indefinite periods (default option).
• Fixed periods (specific duration or project-based).
• Temporary replacement of an absent worker.

‍

‍

Probation Period

The probation period can be specified in the contract but cannot exceed 3 months. Either party may terminate the contract with written notice during the probation period.

‍

‍

Working Hours

Standard workweek: 40 hours (maximum). Daily work hours: Up to 8 hours. Rest periods: Minimum 12 hours between shifts.

‍

Workweek types:

‍

• 5-day workweek (2 days off).
• 6-day workweek (1 day off).

‍

Overtime:

‍

• Requires written employee consent.
• Cannot exceed 2 hours per day.
• Must be paid at 1.5x the regular hourly rate.
• Work on public holidays or rest days is also paid at 1.5x the normal rate.

‍

‍

Vacation Days

Employees are entitled to at least 24 calendar days of paid vacation annually. Public holidays do not count towards vacation days. Employees must take vacation within 12 months of work. Employers cannot deny vacation for two consecutive years. Unused vacation is compensated in case of dismissal.

‍

‍

Sick Leave

Sick pay is based on average monthly earnings and is calculated by:

‍

• Dividing total wages by the number of working days.
• Multiplying by the number of sick days specified in the medical certificate.

‍

‍

Wages and Salary Payment

• Minimum wage for 2024: 85,000 KZT per month (~€170 or ~$185).
• Salaries must be paid at least once a month, no later than the 10th day of the following month.
• The exact payday must be outlined in the employment contract.

‍

‍

Public Holidays

Kazakhstan observes national public holidays, including:

‍

• January 1-2: New Year.
• March 8: International Women's Day.
• March 22: Nauryz (Traditional Spring Festival).
• May 1: Unity Day.
• May 9: Victory Day.
• July 6: Astana Day.
• August 30: Constitution Day.
• December 16: Independence Day.

‍

Additional holidays may be set by legislation.

‍

‍

Employer Taxes

• Social tax: 9.5% (set to increase to 11% in 2025).
• Mandatory social insurance: 3.5% (increasing to 5% from January 1, 2025).
• Obligatory medical insurance: 3% of salary.

‍

‍

Employee Taxes

• Mandatory pension contributions: 10% of gross salary.
• Obligatory medical insurance: 2% of salary.
• Income tax: 10% flat rate on taxable income.

‍

‍

Notice Period

• Employees must be notified in writing and given at least 1 month’s notice before termination.
• Employees may leave earlier with mutual consent.

‍

‍

Termination and Severance Pay‍

Employees dismissed due to company closure, downsizing, or employer misconduct receive: 1 month’s salary as severance pay. Employees dismissed due to economic conditions (e.g., reduced production/workload) receive: 2 months’ salary as severance pay. Collective agreements or employment contracts may allow for higher severance packages.