Doing Business in Malaysia VS Kazakhstan – A Comparison
Investors looking to expand into Asia may find themselves choosing between Malaysia and Kazakhstan. While Malaysia is part of the ASEAN network with a strong digital infrastructure and pro-business policies, Kazakhstan serves as a strategic gateway between Europe and Asia with abundant natural resources and incentives in its special economic zones.
This comparison helps you evaluate both countries based on incorporation ease, tax policies, market access, and business operating costs—key factors for any international expansion.
Malaysia: Malaysia offers a stable business environment with investor-friendly government initiatives, strong digital infrastructure, and active participation in global trade agreements.
Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan is a resource-rich country with improving regulatory frameworks, particularly in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), though bureaucracy can still pose challenges.
Taxation
Malaysia: Malaysia maintains a flat 24% corporate tax rate, with incentives for SMEs and no capital gains tax on most asset disposals.
Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan applies a 20% corporate tax rate, and capital gains are generally taxed, although certain exemptions apply within special economic zones.
Kazakhstan: While Kazakhstan has simplified registration for domestic entities, foreign investors may face language barriers and extra regulatory steps when incorporating.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
Malaysia: With affordable office space, labor, and services, Malaysia is ideal for starting a business in Malaysia and managing costs efficiently.
Kazakhstan: Business costs are moderate, though certain services and imports may be more expensive due to regional logistics and economic fluctuations.
Access to Markets
Malaysia: Malaysia enjoys trade access through ASEAN, RCEP, and CPTPP, connecting businesses to global markets in Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan provides access to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) markets and shares transit routes between China and Europe, boosting logistics and manufacturing sectors.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference.
Simplified for locals; more complex for foreigners
Business Costs
Low operating and living costs
Moderate, with variable logistics costs
Market Access
ASEAN, CPTPP, RCEP, global FTAs
EAEU, China-Europe trade corridor
Benefits of Choosing 3E Accounting
Selecting the right partner is crucial when it comes to starting a business in Malaysia. At 3E Accounting, we offer a comprehensive range of solutions designed to simplify the entire process of company incorporation in Malaysia. From ensuring compliance with local regulations to providing expert guidance tailored to your specific needs, we make the journey seamless.
To explore our services or discuss your business needs, contact 3E Accounting. With our strong presence in Malaysia and a proven track record, we are your trusted partner for success in Asia.
Ready to Expand into Malaysia? Choose 3E Accounting Today!
Stay Secure, Stay Successful With 3E Accounting Services
Kazakhstan has a slightly lower corporate tax rate at 20%, while Malaysia’s rate is 24%, but Malaysia offers more exemptions and no capital gains tax in most cases.
Yes, Malaysia generally offers lower business costs across office rental, labor, and utilities. You can explore more in this guide to setting up businesses in Malaysia.
Malaysia is a member of ASEAN, CPTPP, and RCEP, providing wider trade opportunities than Kazakhstan, which primarily connects through the Eurasian Economic Union.
Yes, company setup in Malaysia is fully supported by expert firms like 3E Accounting, offering end-to-end assistance for local and foreign investors.
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.