Kazakhstan raises pension transfer cap to 100% from September 1
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
From September 1, Kazakhstanis will be able to transfer up to 100% of their pension savings to private asset managers, up from 50%. The change follows a law signed on July 7, 2026, and gives contributors full choice over investment strategy. The state will continue to guarantee mandatory pension contributions at their actual contributed amount.
Key Facts
- From September 1, 2026, Kazakhstanis can transfer up to 100% of pension savings to private asset managers, up from 50%.
- The law was signed on July 7, 2026.
- From 2027, the state plans to stop compensating the difference between pension fund returns and inflation.
- The National Bank of Kazakhstan will continue to manage pension assets for most contributors, targeting inflation plus 1% by 2028.
- Primary school students in grades 1–4 will no longer take summative assessments for sections (СОР) and quarters (СОЧ) starting the new academic year.
Pension Transfer Expansion
From September 1, Kazakhstanis can transfer up to 100% of their pension savings to private asset managers, up from the previous 50% limit. The law was signed on July 7, 2026, and allows contributors to choose their own investment strategy, including more conservative or riskier options. The state will continue to guarantee mandatory pension contributions and mandatory occupational pension contributions at the actual contributed amount.
Compensation Phase-Out
Starting in 2027, the state plans to stop paying the difference between pension fund returns and inflation. The Ministry of Labour explains that individuals choose their own private asset manager and investment strategy, so the state should not compensate for those choices from the budget. Private asset managers will face increased responsibility: if a company shows negative returns, it must cover the difference from its own capital.
School Assessment Changes
Starting the new academic year, students in grades 1–4 will no longer take summative assessments for sections (СОР) and quarters (СОЧ). The Ministry of Education stated that analysis showed insufficient effectiveness of this system for primary school. For middle and high school students, СОР and СОЧ assessments will remain. School curricula have been updated to include artificial intelligence sections, with subjects renamed to 'Digital Literacy and Artificial Intelligence' for grades 1–4 and 'Informatics and Artificial Intelligence' for grades 5–11.
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Kazakhstan raises pension transfer cap to 100% from September 1
