Kazakhstan to launch crypto pilot zone for payments and adoption

Kazakhstan is launching a pilot zone called "CryptoCity" in the city of Alatau to enable regulated cryptocurrency payments and foster crypto adoption. This initiative was announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Astana International Forum 2025.

The pilot zone will function as a regulatory sandbox where cryptocurrencies can be used to pay for goods, services, real estate, and investments, aiming to integrate crypto into daily transactions within a legal framework.

Alatau was chosen due to its status as a research and innovation hub, hosting institutions like the Kazakhstan National Nuclear Center and the Innovation Technology Park, which provides a strong technological base to support this project.

The government and regulators are collaborating to finalize the location and regulatory framework, emphasizing crypto-friendly legislation and free circulation of cryptocurrencies within CryptoCity.

This move aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to become a leading crypto hub in Central Asia by modernizing its digital economy, attracting IT specialists, and encouraging blockchain innovation.

The pilot zone will also explore tax, investment, and digital ID systems based on blockchain technology. The government aims to use the pilot’s outcomes to inform future national crypto legislation and boost economic growth through technology-driven development.

Overall, CryptoCity represents a significant step toward legalizing and mainstreaming cryptocurrency use in Kazakhstan, transitioning from a previously restrictive approach to a more regulated and innovation-friendly environment.

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