Compensating pension contributions for freelancers in Kazakhstan: An Examination of the Reasons Behind Such Payments
In Kazakhstan, freelancers and self-employed individuals, including notaries and bailiffs, are now mandated to contribute to the country's pension system. This obligation, previously confined to traditional employees, also applies to those working on internet platforms, such as delivery workers and taxi drivers.
Unlike traditional employees, clients do not automatically deduct and remit pension contributions on behalf of freelancers. It is the freelancer's responsibility to make these contributions, although some clients may offer a social package as an incentive.
Freelancers can further supplement their pension savings through voluntary contributions, made via the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF) portal and e-government services. There are no minimum contribution requirements, but regular contributions are encouraged.
The funds accumulated from mandatory and voluntary contributions are invested in various financial instruments, which directly impact the size of the future state pension. Freelancers benefit from tax advantages when making voluntary contributions, as long as they are accounted for as a deduction.
An individual pension account is automatically opened for freelancers once the first contribution is made, requiring only the freelancer's individual identification number (IIN) during the payment process. Unlike other citizens, freelancers do not need to gather documents or contact UAPF.
It's worth noting that while Kazakhstan's pension system ranks 26th in the Allianz Pension Index 2025, it may face future challenges due to population aging and declining birth rates.
Freelancers can also access free healthcare services in Kazakhstan, as previously explained by our reports. For comprehensive information on the pension contribution system for freelancers, key features, potential future challenges, and digital management tools, refer to our article.
Freelancers in Kazakhstan, despite not having their contributions automatically deducted by clients, are responsible for making pension contributions via the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF) portal and e-government services. Furthermore, freelancers can supplement their savings by voluntarily contributing, which offers tax advantages when accounted for as a deduction.
