Considering the potential restrictions on the operation of Telegram in Russia, owners of popular channels have begun actively searching for new jurisdictions to register their businesses. The main goal is to preserve advertising revenues in the face of a possible ban or blocking of the messenger. The most attractive options for re-registration have become Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Belarus, where the conditions for opening companies are the most favorable, according to media reports.
Entrepreneurs are carefully studying the tax regimes and registration requirements in the EAEU and CIS countries, striving to find the optimal combination of ease of registration and tax burden. Each of the countries under consideration has its unique features that influence the choice.
The highest number of those wishing to open a business chooses Kyrgyzstan. This is explained by the maximally simplified registration system and low taxes. As of January 1, 2026, changes to the tax legislation came into force in Kyrgyzstan, making the country even more attractive for those working in international markets.
The unified tax rate for activities conducted outside the country has been reduced from 1% to 0.1% of revenue. This innovation applies to taxpayers conducting business abroad. Starting in 2026, such entrepreneurs can exclusively use the unified tax regime.
Another important advantage is the ability to open a limited liability company (LLC) without the need for a residence permit — through a simplified system. The tax rate is 4% of revenue for standard types of activities and 0.1% for export services.
Kazakhstan: personal presence is mandatory
Kazakhstan ranks second in popularity among entrepreneurs. To register a limited liability partnership (LLP), a foreign citizen must be personally present in the country for at least a week to open a bank account. It is also required to obtain a certificate confirming that they are not listed in the registry of disqualified persons.
Kazakhstan allows 100% foreign participation in business without a mandatory local partner. The corporate income tax rate is 20%. The registration procedure is automated and available through Public Service Centers or the government services portal.
Non-residents need to obtain an individual identification number (IIN) and, for citizens of countries not part of the EAEU, a C5 category business immigration visa.
Armenia: possibility without a residence permit, but with high taxes
In Armenia, foreigners can also open companies without obtaining a residence permit. 100% foreign ownership of businesses is allowed, and there is no requirement to appoint a local director.
However, the tax burden in Armenia is significantly higher compared to other countries. The corporate tax is 18% on profits, and value-added tax (VAT) is mandatory at a rate of 20%. Alternative regimes are available for small businesses, but for large projects with high turnover, taxes remain substantial.
Belarus: strict regulation and difficulties for foreign entrepreneurs
Belarus has become the least attractive for business registration. Stricter rules apply to foreign citizens here. To open an individual entrepreneurship, a residence permit is required, although this requirement is not necessary for LLCs.
The tax system includes mandatory contributions to the Social Protection Fund. Tax rates for individual entrepreneurs range from 20% to 30% depending on the chosen regime, while for limited liability companies, they are 20% or 6% under the simplified system.
Legislation in the field of entrepreneurship is constantly being updated. At the end of 2025, a law was adopted clarifying the rules for individual entrepreneurs and expanding preferences for organizations with up to 50 employees. Nevertheless, the registration procedures and requirements for foreigners remain more complex compared to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
The record "Administrators of Russian Telegram channels are massively relocating their businesses to Kyrgyzstan and other CIS countries" first appeared on the K-News website.
