Almaty is Kazakhstan's and Central Asia's largest logistics hub. Its proximity to borders with China and Kyrgyzstan, a well-developed transport network, and concentration of 40% of the country's consumer market make it the leading warehouse market in Kazakhstan. But building here is more complex than in other regions.
8–9 points
seismicity
Almaty — high seismic activity zone
+10–15%
cost premium
for seismic reinforcement of the frame
40%
Kazakhstan consumer market
concentrated in Almaty
3–6 months
permit cycle
for facilities within the city limits
Why Seismicity Is the Primary Factor
Almaty is located in an 8–9-point seismic zone. This is not an abstract risk — in 1887 and 1911 earthquakes completely destroyed the city. For construction this means:
- Mandatory seismic resistance calculation for all permanent structures
- Reinforced column-to-truss connection nodes
- Antiseismic belts in the foundation
- Mandatory state expert review for buildings from 500 m²
- Structure cost premium: 10–18%
Cutting corners on seismic reinforcement means building a structure that risks collapse in a 7+ point earthquake.
Warehouse Construction$2 Districts in Almaty
| District / direction | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Ili district (north) | Cheap land, close to Almaty–Astana highway | No city infrastructure |
| Karasai district (south) | Close to Almaty Airport | More active seismics, more expensive land |
| Talgar district (east) | Highway to China, SEZ "Khorgos" | Distance from city |
| Alatau and Turksib districts | Within city limits, infrastructure | Expensive land, strict urban planning requirements |
Most new warehouse complexes are being built in the Ili direction — the main logistics parks are concentrated there.
Permit Documentation
In Almaty the permit process is stricter than in the regions:
- Obtaining an APZ (architectural planning brief) — 15–30 days
- Design development (PSD) — 4–8 weeks
- State expert review — 30–45 days
- Building permit — 10–20 days
Total: 3–6 months before construction starts. Begin documentation in parallel with design.
Warehouse Construction Cost in Almaty 2026
| Type and area | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cold warehouse 500 m² | from 12–15 M ₸ |
| Cold warehouse 1,000 m² | from 22–26 M ₸ |
| Heated warehouse 500 m² | from 35–42 M ₸ |
| Heated warehouse 1,000 m² | from 65–80 M ₸ |
| Class A warehouse 2,000 m² | from 250–320 M ₸ |
Prices include seismic reinforcement and are typical for suburban Almaty projects. Within the city limits, add land cost and enhanced documentation.
We build warehouses in Almaty and the Almaty Region
We know the local specifics: seismicity, approvals, contractors. More than 40 projects in the region.
