How to Obtain a Design License in Kazakhstan

Under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the design, construction, and reconstruction of facilities, roads, and utility networks are subject to mandatory licensing. The only exception covers certain expert and engineering services in architecture, urban planning, construction, and installation, for which certification is sufficient.

Licensing follows the general requirements and provisions set by law. License holders performing construction, installation, design, and architectural work are divided into Categories I, II, and III.

Licensing is required for surveying, design, construction, installation, and organizing residential development funded by equity holders. The complete list of activities is described in Kazakhstan Law No. 33, “On Licensing.”

Design Licenses: Key Concepts

Individuals and legal entities are assigned to Category I, II, or III based on qualification requirements. A design license is issued when special conditions are met, depending on relevant experience.

Category I and II licensing requires 10 and 5 years of industry experience, respectively. Experience is counted from the date of license issuance. A list of completed projects supported by contracting and subcontracting agreements is also mandatory for Categories I and II.

The highest category requires confirmation of 10 completed projects under direct contracts and 20 buildings under subcontracts. The middle category requires 5 projects under direct contracts and 10 under subcontracts.

Under a direct contract, completion is confirmed by the facility commissioning certificate; under a subcontract, by a certificate of completed work. A construction company or sole proprietor cannot obtain Category I or II without meeting these requirements. New entrants to construction can obtain only the initial Category III.

Types and Categories of Design Licenses

Architecture

Design and construction of buildings at responsibility levels I, II, and III. The license authorizes planning and restoration of buildings designated as historical and cultural monuments of Kazakhstan. It also permits general site planning, engineering preparation of facilities, landscaping of surrounding areas, and terrain development;

Urban planning

Authorizes planning, design, and urban development work in historic districts but not restoration of Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural monuments. Covers development plans for urban and suburban construction and improvements, settlement master plans, detailed plans for residential blocks, neighborhoods, and individual land plots.

Includes engineering plans for water and gas supply, sewerage, telecommunications, heating, and transport interchanges within settlements and between cities.

Engineering Systems and Telecommunications

Authorizes work with internal and external utility systems, including water supply, heating, telephony, alarm systems, gas piping, and ventilation. The license also permits design of trunk oil and gas pipelines, lighting, and electrical supply systems at 110 kV and above.

Construction

Design of major repair and reconstruction plans for buildings, concrete, iron, stone, and metal structures, and development of foundations and footings.

Technology

• Design of facilities for education, including kindergartens, boarding schools, and schools; healthcare, including sanatoriums, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and pharmacies; cultural institutions, including theaters, museums, and libraries; and food service, consumer services, trade, entertainment, recreation, and tourism.

• Design of telecommunications and transport technologies, including municipal and regional land, water, and air transport systems and communication lines.

• Planning and development of technological project sections for medical, food processing, manufacturing, energy, and transport industries. Includes permission to design hydraulic engineering facilities and heavy machinery plants.

• Development of construction technologies for transport and agricultural facilities, excluding design of processing industry buildings.

Category I License

Category I authorizes design and construction of buildings at responsibility levels 1, 2, and 3.

Category II License

Allows design and construction of facilities at the second (medium) and third (lowest) responsibility levels. Level II covers mass-produced residential and nonresidential buildings, while Level III covers auxiliary, seasonal, and less complex structures. Highly complex facilities may be designed only under subcontract.

Category II excludes industrial facilities, production workshops, high-responsibility residential and public buildings, and structurally unique facilities.

Category III License

The most basic license allows design and construction of medium- or low-responsibility buildings. Medium- and high-responsibility facilities are permitted only under a subcontract.

Category III excludes industrial facilities and production workshops but permits design of transport interchanges, power, water, heating, and telecommunications networks.

How to Obtain a License in Kazakhstan

Applicants submit an application with a complete set of documents to the local public service center. In Kazakhstan, the relevant authority for this area is the Agency for Construction and Housing and Utilities.

Getting a license is not a quick process, but public authorities have simplified document issuance over time, including by providing detailed lists of the required paperwork.

Obtaining Category I, II, or III requires meeting the following qualification and technical requirements:

One or more certified engineers in the licensed field of work. Staff must be permanent employees; required experience is specified during certification.

• Administrative and utility premises owned or leased by the company. Workplaces must have good lighting, necessary equipment, and safe conditions for employees.

• Software for designing facilities, preparing sketches, and other activities corresponding to the type of work being licensed.

Why Do You Need a Design License?

• A license authorizes a company or an individual to prepare design documentation in the permitted area of activity.

• A license helps protect a company when working with competitors and in disputes arising from contracts and subcontracts.

• Category I and II licenses allow a broader range of services in the selected industry.

Ready-Made Software Package for Tenders or License Applications

We do not provide licensing application services, but we know which software is suitable for meeting the requirements. We have assembled the essential programs in a cost-effective package to help you comply at minimal cost. We can supply everything needed, with all the required documents, in 1 day. Learn more on our website.

Source: https://shyndau.kz/