Feasibility study for a SEZ: how to become a special economic zone participant
A company becomes a SEZ participant under a contract with the management company, and the contract is signed on the basis of the project’s feasibility study. The requirements for the study are set by Order No. 501 of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development. We prepare the study to these requirements and calculate the project category and the funding package.
The first review of your project is free and without obligation. We reply in working hours and tell you where to apply and whether you are in time.
Apex Consulting is a consulting firm in Astana, working since 2017. We have prepared 2,137 business plans for 535 clients; our clients have raised $1.7 billion in financing. Payment: 70% after the brief is agreed, 30% after the committee approves the project. Revisions after expert comments are free for three months. We defend the project before the committee together with the client. From ₸350,000, from 3 working days.
What SEZ participant status gives
Zones specialise in different industries: Astana – New City, Khorgos – Eastern Gate, Saryarka, Pavlodar, Qyzyljar, Astana Technopolis, Turan and others. Each zone has its own list of priority activities, and the project has to be on it.
For priority activities the participant receives:
- Corporate income tax reduced by 100%.
- Land tax and land fees at a coefficient of 0.
- Property tax at 0%.
- VAT exemption for goods fully consumed in priority activities in the zone, and the free customs zone procedure.
- A plot sub-leased from the management company without an auction.
How long the incentives last
For contracts signed after 1 January 2024 the term depends on the investment:
- Category A, up to 3 million MCI (about ₸13 billion): 7 years.
- Category B, 3 to 14.5 million MCI: 15 years.
- Category C, from 14.5 million MCI (about ₸62.7 billion): 25 years.
What the feasibility study must contain
Order No. 501 of 11 July 2019 sets the mandatory sections: introduction, project summary, general description, marketing and sales, production plan, financial and economic section, annexes. Innovation and ICT zones accept a simplified project justification.
Together with the study the management company asks for a questionnaire, the charter, the registration certificate, the shareholders’ decision to implement the project, financial statements, a bank statement, a credit report, a certificate of no tax arrears and a draft design if construction is planned.
Funding and timelines
On the application date you must confirm funding of at least 10% of the project cost: cash in the account, a bank guarantee or a pledge. The rest is confirmed within two years.
The management company signs the contract or refuses within 10 working days of the application. Entry in the unified register of participants takes another 5 working days.
How we work
Free review: we check whether the activity is among the chosen zone’s priorities and which category the investment puts you in. After the brief is agreed and 70% is paid, we prepare the feasibility study under Order No. 501 with a financial model and assemble the package for the management company. We answer its comments. 30% is paid after the management company’s decision.
What you get
- Feasibility study under Order No. 501 with all mandatory sections, in Word and PDF.
- Financial and economic model in Excel with the incentives calculated over the full term.
- Project category and funding plan calculation.
- Document package for the management company and answers to its comments.
From ₸350,000, from 3 working days. Payment: 70% after the brief is agreed, 30% after the committee approves the project. Revisions after expert comments are free for three months; we defend the project with you.
Questions and answers
- How much does a feasibility study for a SEZ cost?
- From ₸350,000, from 3 working days for small projects. We quote the exact price after the review; it depends on the production volume and whether a draft design is needed.
- How long does the SEZ take to respond?
- The management company signs the contract or refuses within 10 working days of the application, then 5 working days for entry in the register of participants.
- Which taxes does a SEZ participant not pay?
- For priority activities corporate income tax is reduced by 100%, and land and property tax are not paid. The incentives last 7, 15 or 25 years depending on the investment.
- Do I need my own money?
- Yes, on the application date funding of at least 10% of the project cost is confirmed: cash, a bank guarantee or a pledge.
Cases
Cement plant
$10 million loan from a foreign fund. Business plan and model in two languages. Amount: $10 mln
Grinding media plant
Entry into a SEZ and 80/20 financing. Feasibility study revised to the SEZ’s comments. Amount: $5 mln
Shopping centre, hotel and boiler house
Three loans with an interest subsidy. Three plans, recalculated at the bank’s request. Amount: $15 mln
Sources
Programme terms change. Checked on 15 October 2026. Verify with the primary source before applying:
The first review of your project is free and without obligation. We reply in working hours and tell you where to apply and whether you are in time.