Astanaruns on a handful of strong industries. If you’re job-hunting or weighing a move, here’s where the opportunities (and the big-name employers) are.
Top industries & employers
Financial Services (AIFC)
AIFC-registered banks, funds, fintechs, the Astana International Exchange, Big Four firms
The Centre's English-common-law regime, its own court and the exemption to 2066 have pulled regional financial activity to Astana. This is the city's distinctive employer and it hires internationally.
Government & Diplomacy
Ministries, national agencies, embassies and international organisations
As the purpose-built capital, Astana concentrates the state. Diplomatic missions and international organisations are a major employer of foreign professionals here in a way they are not in Almaty.
Technology & Startups (Astana Hub)
Astana Hub resident companies, government digital projects
Astana Hub is the state technology park and the administrator of the B9/B9-1 digital nomad visa for in-demand professions. The engineering depth is in Almaty; the policy and grant machinery is here.
Energy & Resources (corporate)
KazMunayGas, Samruk-Kazyna portfolio companies, Kazatomprom
The national companies and the sovereign wealth fund are headquartered in the capital, so the corporate, legal and strategy end of the resource economy sits here rather than at the fields.
Construction & Infrastructure
State-linked developers, LRT and transport contractors, architectural practices
The city has been continuously built for nearly three decades and the pipeline is still running — the second LRT line to Kosshy has begun construction.
Higher Education & Research
Nazarbayev University, Astana IT University, national research institutes
Nazarbayev University teaches entirely in English and recruits faculty internationally, which makes it one of the most straightforward routes into Kazakhstan for an academic.
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