Cars from Korea to Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is one of the most cost-effective destinations for Korean cars in the CIS. The reduced recycling fee makes the same car 5–15% cheaper than in Russia, and the cultural and linguistic closeness turns paperwork into a routine. We deliver to Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Karaganda and other major cities.
How the delivery works
Purchase and paperwork in Korea
Sourcing at auction or from a dealer, transfer to our yard in Ansan, export certificate.
Loading at the port of Busan
We book a RoRo sailing to Vladivostok and prepare the export declaration and the bill of lading.
Sea freight
Busan → Vladivostok is the shortest sea crossing from Korea, with no transshipment. The car is then received at the bonded warehouse in Vladivostok.
Rail transit across Russia to the border
The car travels by rail across Russia to the border point with Kazakhstan, handled by partner carriers — timing is approximate. No additional declaration is needed inside the EAEU.
Customs clearance in Kazakhstan
Customs clearance in Almaty or Astana. The recycling fee is lower than the Russian commercial rate, and the duty rate is often more favourable.
Delivery within Kazakhstan
Car carrier or under its own power to Almaty / Astana / Shymkent / Karaganda via partner carriers — timing is approximate. Handover at a point convenient for the client.
Estimate a car from Korea — Kazakhstan
A line-by-line estimate: auction price, sea logistics, customs duty, excise, VAT, customs fee and recycling fee. From January 1, 2026 the recycling-fee discount is preserved only for individuals importing cars up to 160 hp — engine power and importer status are critical to the final number.
Up to 160 hp — recycling-fee discount preserved through 2026
Route highlights
- 01
The recycling fee in Kazakhstan is one of the lowest in the EAEU: for most cars 1–3 years old it's around 92,000 tenge, versus 970,000 rubles in Russia.
- 02
Customs duty and VAT rates often work out more favourable than Russian ones, especially for 2022–2024 cars.
- 03
Kazakhstan's first-registration fee rises sharply for cars over three years old — so a younger car works out better financially, and we factor that into the search.
- 04
Almaty is Central Asia's largest service hub for Korean and German brands: dealers, parts, consumables.
- 05
A Russian- and Kazakh-speaking audience and simple legal handling: a contract-based deal, SWIFT payment, notary support.
Frequently asked
A 2023 Hyundai Palisade turnkey in Almaty — from $34,000–$40,000. A Kia K8 — from $26,000–$32,000. A Genesis GV80 — from $55,000–$65,000. On most models the saving versus Moscow is 5–15%, thanks to the reduced recycling fee and more favourable customs.
For private individuals, on cars with a 1.5–3.0 L engine under 3 years old — around 92,000 tenge (~$200). For older cars and larger engines the fee is proportionally higher. The right comparison is with the Russian commercial rate: a private importer in Russia with an engine under 160 hp and below 3 L gets a reduced rate of their own, and that one is lower than Kazakhstan's. Kazakhstan's advantage shows on cars that fall outside the Russian exemption. We confirm the current rate with a broker before the deal.
It can be moved, but there is no longer an advantage in it. Since 1 April 2026 the recycling fee is topped up to Russian rates on registration in Russia, which wipes out the Kazakh saving the moment the car crosses. The scheme made sense while the rates differed; for Russia it is now cheaper to ship directly via Vladivostok. Kazakh rates pay off for a car that stays in Kazakhstan.
Usually in Almaty (the Zhetysu or Turksib districts — the relevant SpetsTSON offices are there too) or in Astana (Yesil, Saryarka). If needed — Shymkent or Karaganda. We deliver by car carrier to the place agreed with the client.
The full package: the customs declaration (TD), certificate of conformity, vehicle passport (after registration at SpetsTSON), the sale contract, invoice, BL (bill of lading) and the export certificate from Korea. After processing — a Kazakh vehicle passport and registration plates.
On average around 28–45 days. The fastest deals — about 25 days (if a ship departs right away and the railway runs to schedule). The longest — 50+ when extra certification is needed (for example, for electric cars or rare trims).
Full package: sales contract, certified export certificate, invoice, BL (bill of lading), inspection report with photos, service history from the Korean dealer system. All documents are delivered electronically within 24 hours of payment.
Yes. We provide a detailed photo report (40–60 photos), a video walk-around with engine start and systems check, plus a live video call with our manager directly from the lot. On request — independent inspection from a partner service in Korea.
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