Procedure for Licensing Tour Operator Activities in Kazakhstan

The tourism business in Kazakhstan is developing rapidly, as this type of activity generates considerable profit. Today, almost any individual can travel abroad, often several times per year.

This article outlines the main aspects of this business activity. Before engaging in tour operator activities, it is necessary to develop a business plan, establish external relationships and customer contacts, find office premises, consider interior design, and, most importantly, obtain a licence authorising tour operator activities.

The licensing procedure consists of three essential stages: submission of documents, decision-making, and the issuance or refusal of a licence by the competent authority.

Submission of documents to the licensing authority

A crucial stage in obtaining a licence is the submission of documents. This serves as proof that the intended tourism activities will be conducted in compliance with qualification requirements. The required document package includes an application from a legal entity or individual seeking a licence, an electronic copy of proof of payment of the licensing fee, and a form confirming compliance with qualification requirements together with the list of documents substantiating such compliance for engaging in tour operator activities.

Decision-making and licence issuance

The licensing authority verifies the accuracy of the information provided and assesses the applicant’s capability to conduct tour operator activities. If a complete document package is submitted, an order for the issuance of the licence is prepared, approved, and signed.

Grounds for refusal to issue a licence

If the applicant submits an incomplete document package or documents with expired validity, the licensing authority prepares a reasoned refusal to further consider the application. Additional grounds for refusal include:

• engaging in tour operator activities is prohibited by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the applicant category;
• the licensing fee has not been paid;
• the applicant does not meet the qualification requirements established for tour operator activities;
• a final court decision (judgment) exists suspending or prohibiting the applicant from conducting tour operator activities;
• the court, based on a submission from a bailiff, has temporarily prohibited issuing a licence to the applicant due to outstanding debt;
• the applicant does not meet qualification requirements due to reorganisation of a legal entity in the form of division or separation;
• the licence was previously reissued to another legal entity formed as a result of the division of licensed legal entities (in cases of reorganisation in the form of separation).

According to recent statistics, tourism demand is increasing annually not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. The tourism sector has strong potential, and if you decide to open a business in this field, we recommend entrusting the licensing process to professionals.