Kazakhstan to Bar Foreign Travel for Tax Debtors in 2026

Kazakhstan to Restrict Foreign Travel for Tax Debtors Kazakhstan is set to implement a new law restricting international travel for citizens with significant tax arrears. Starting January 1, 2026, individuals with unpaid taxes exceeding 20 MRP (approximately 80,000 KZT in 2025) will be prohibited from leaving the country. This measure affects a wide range of individuals, including entrepreneurs, company managers, lawyers, and notaries. "This is an additional burden on businesses, particularly given the introduction of the new Tax Code," commented one business owner in a recent video interview. The new Tax Code, set to come into effect in 2026, is expected to bring significant changes to the tax system. However, others see the travel restriction as a necessary step to ensure tax compliance. "It's a logical measure to enforce the large-scale tax reform," stated a legal expert in the same interview. The expert also highlighted the importance of such measures in promoting fair tax collection and preventing tax evasion. The upcoming law has sparked considerable debate in Kazakhstan, with many expressing concern about its impact on businesses and individual citizens. The government maintains the measure is necessary for fiscal stability and to support the tax reform.