Constitutional Law on Alatau City Enters into Force: What Changes from July 1?

The Constitutional Law was signed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on May 8, 2026. Its implementation will take place in stages, allowing the Government to gradually establish the new governance framework, adopt the necessary secondary legislation, and launch new institutions while ensuring the stability and consistency of the overall system.

Why Does Alatau City Require a Separate Constitutional Law?

Most cities in Kazakhstan operate under a unified system of public administration. Alatau City, however, is being developed on an entirely different scale and with a fundamentally different mission.

The project is not simply about building a new city. It is about creating a new economic territory capable of competing for international investment, advanced technologies, and global companies. To achieve this objective, a dedicated Constitutional Law establishing a special legal regime for Alatau City was adopted.

Its primary purpose is to create a modern regulatory framework that enables faster decision-making, continuous improvement of the legal and regulatory environment, the adoption of international best practices in governance, and the creation of the most favorable conditions for investors and the implementation of large-scale strategic projects.

In essence, the Constitutional Law establishes a new institutional model for urban development, making public administration more flexible while strengthening cooperation between the Government, businesses, and international partners.

Which Provisions Take Effect on July 1?

The Constitutional Law will be implemented in phases. The first phase takes effect on July 1, 2026, followed by the second phase on January 1, 2027. The Law will enter into full force on July 1, 2027. This phased implementation is provided for by the Law itself to allow sufficient time for the development of the necessary regulatory framework and the establishment of new governance institutions.

The first phase introduces the core provisions that lay the foundation for Alatau City’s new governance model. These include:

• the official launch of the special legal regime for the accelerated development of Alatau City;

• the legal framework governing the activities of Alatau City’s governing bodies;

• mechanisms for developing legislation under the special legal regime;

• the establishment of conditions for implementing the city’s investment policy;

• the application of special regulatory instruments;

• the legal framework for establishing a suburban zone with selected elements of the special legal regime;

• the establishment of institutions required to support the next stages of reform.

These provisions establish the institutional foundation upon which the remaining elements of the Constitutional Law will be introduced in a phased and systematic manner.

A New Development Institution: Alatau City Authority

One of the key pillars of the new governance model is the establishment of Alatau City Authority (ACA), a dedicated development institution responsible for implementing the Government’s policy for the development of Alatau City.

The Authority’s key responsibilities include:

• developing Alatau City’s long-term development strategy;

• improving the legal and regulatory framework;

• facilitating strategic investment projects;

• coordinating cooperation between government agencies and investors;

• fostering a modern regulatory environment.

In practice, Alatau City Authority will serve as the city’s central development institution, ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the provisions of the Constitutional Law.

Work on the New Regulatory Framework Has Already Begun

With the first provisions of the Constitutional Law entering into force, the next phase begins: the development of the legal and regulatory instruments required for the full implementation of Alatau City’s special legal regime. Work is already underway on strategic development documents and secondary legislation that will define the city’s long-term development priorities.

International experts and specialized consulting firms with extensive experience in developing strategies for modern cities and special economic jurisdictions have been engaged to support this process. These documents will establish the mechanisms for implementing the new governance model, investment policy, and urban development strategy.

What Does the New Law Mean for Investors?

The most significant outcome of the Constitutional Law entering into force is the creation of a clear, transparent, and predictable institutional environment. For prospective investors, this means a dedicated regulatory framework designed to facilitate large-scale investment projects, streamline administrative procedures, and provide long-term regulatory certainty.

As a result, Alatau City is establishing its own long-term legal and institutional framework for sustainable development.

In practical terms, July 1 marks the beginning of the implementation of one of Kazakhstan’s most ambitious institutional reforms in the field of urban development. Its ultimate objective is to establish Alatau City as a modern international hub for investment, technology, and human capital.