Redomiciliation to the AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre)

Redomiciliation is the process of transferring a company’s legal domicile from one jurisdiction to another without liquidating the company or incorporating a new legal entity. During redomiciliation, the business structure, areas of activity, and the nature of the entity’s relationships remain unchanged. This mechanism is used by companies seeking to change their corporate domicile in order to gain certain legal, tax, or economic advantages, as well as to avoid sanctions-related restrictions.

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) offers a unique opportunity for the redomiciliation of foreign companies.
The advantages of redomiciliation to the AIFC include:

• Preservation of the company’s legal continuity
• No need for liquidation
• No requirement to re-execute existing contracts and licenses
• Simplified licensing for regulated activities
• Tax and visa incentives
• Application of English common law principles and protection by an independent court

Redomiciliation is only possible if the following conditions are met:

• The legislation of the originating jurisdiction permits redomiciliation;
• The company is not undergoing bankruptcy or liquidation procedures;
• There are no sanctions or restrictions applicable to the shareholders or beneficial owners;
• The company is solvent;
• Regulatory approval (if required) has been obtained in the country of original registration.

As of the date of publication, redomiciliation is permitted from more than 50 jurisdictions, including the British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, the UAE, Seychelles, the United States (Delaware), the Cayman Islands, Luxembourg, and others. The Netherlands, for example, does not allow direct redomiciliation — an intermediate structure is required.