Construction Code 2026: Key Changes for Business - FCHAIN

Construction Code 2026: Key Changes for Business

On 1 July 2026, the new Construction Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan entered into force, becoming one of the most significant legislative reforms in recent years in the fields of construction, architecture, urban planning, and real estate. At the same time, dozens of new regulations and subordinate legal acts came into effect, governing design, construction, state supervision, digitalization of the industry, licensing, and the operation of real estate facilities. The new regulations affect construction companies, developers, design organizations, architects, engineers, investors, property owners, government authorities, and all participants in the construction sector.

 

New Construction Code

The primary objective of the Code is to establish a modern legal framework for regulating the construction industry, improve the safety of construction projects, enhance urban planning, and introduce digital governance mechanisms in the construction sector. The Code provides for:

1. higher construction quality requirements;
2. strengthened state supervision;
3. development of digital government systems;
4. implementation of modern design standards;
5. increased responsibility of all participants in the construction process.

 

Enhanced Seismic Safety Requirements

One of the keys focuses of the reform is the strengthening of construction requirements in seismically hazardous regions of Kazakhstan. The legislation now introduces:

1. mandatory seismic risk assessment during the design stage;
2. application of modern seismic isolation technologies;
3. seismic resistance testing of structural systems;
4. installation of engineering seismic monitoring stations at Class I responsibility facilities;
5. mandatory seismic certification of residential and public buildings located in seismic zones;
6. mandatory use of seismic microzonation maps when selecting land plots for construction.

Additional restrictions have also been introduced for Almaty and other seismic regions regarding land allocation and changes to the designated purpose of land plots.

 

Full Digitalization of the Construction Industry

Digital transformation has become one of the major priorities of the reform. Kazakhstan is introducing:

1. an Automated State Urban Planning Cadastre Information System;
2. an automated register of architectural, urban planning, and construction activities;
3. an electronic register of license holders;
4. digital construction standards catalogs;
5. electronic registration of project documentation.

These digital systems will be used to monitor project implementation, maintain permitting records, and facilitate interaction between government authorities and market participants.

 

Strengthened State Construction Supervision

The new Code significantly expands the powers of the State Architectural and Construction Control Authorities. Construction supervision will now be carried out throughout the entire construction process, from the commencement of works to commissioning. The new mechanisms include:

1. scheduled inspections of construction sites;
2. remote (desk-based) supervision;
3. digital monitoring of construction projects;
4. notification of justice authorities regarding illegally constructed facilities;
5. participation of GASK authorities and emergency services in the commissioning of construction projects.

 

Updated Design and Construction Regulations

Alongside the new Construction Code, new regulations governing engineering and geological surveys, registration of pre-design and design documentation, approval of design and cost estimate documentation, determination of the technical complexity of construction projects, independent commissioning procedures, preparation of master plans and detailed planning projects, development of interregional territorial development schemes, maintenance of architectural and construction catalogs, property addressing procedures, use of reserve territories, and development and application of state construction standards have entered into force. These changes are intended to standardize construction procedures, increase transparency, and improve state regulation of the industry.

 

New Licensing and Register Requirements

A unified automated register is being introduced within the construction sector. The register will consolidate information on licenses, qualified specialists, expert organizations, companies’ production facilities, completed construction projects, technical resources, and the status of permitting documents. The creation of this unified digital database will enable government authorities, customers, and investors to promptly verify contractors, improve market transparency, and strengthen compliance monitoring.

 

New Rules for Territorial Development and Smart Cities

The reform also affects territorial planning. New regulations have been introduced governing:

1. development of the General Territorial Planning Scheme of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
2. preparation of interregional development schemes;
3. development of urban planning projects;
4. establishment of architectural and construction catalogs.

In addition, Kazakhstan has approved a new Smart City and Smart Region methodology aimed at digitalizing urban management, developing intelligent infrastructure, improving public services, and introducing advanced technologies into the construction industry.

 

What This Means for Business

The new legislative framework significantly changes the implementation of construction projects in Kazakhstan. Construction companies, developers, design organizations, and investors should carefully consider the new requirements when preparing project documentation, selecting land plots, undergoing expert reviews, obtaining licenses, carrying out construction works, and commissioning completed facilities. Failure to comply with the new requirements may result in project approval refusals, administrative liability, additional costs, and delays in project implementation.

Legal Support for the Construction Industry by FChain

The recent legislative changes require timely legal assessment and professional support. FChain specialists help companies minimize legal risks, ensure compliance with the new legal requirements, and successfully implement construction projects at every stage of their development. We provide:

• Company registration in Kazakhstan;
• Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to carry out construction activities;
• Legal support for construction companies in Kazakhstan;
• Accounting and HR services;
• Legal and HR audit;
• Contract drafting and legal review;
• Mediation and corporate dispute resolution;
• Liquidation of Company.

FChain is a trusted business partner providing comprehensive legal support, minimizing legal risks, and assisting companies in complying with the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

 

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Prepared by: Moldir Mukhtar

Business Development Specialist

FChain Kazakhstan

 📩 almaty@f-chain.com
📱 WhatsApp: +7 771 214 1820