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The Government of Kazakhstan has introduced new requirements for assigning names to state-owned facilities, including airports, railway stations, ports, and bus terminals.
Under a government resolution adopted on 14 July 2026, the names of distinguished public figures, scientists, cultural figures, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the country may be assigned to state-owned facilities no earlier than five years after their death. This requirement does not apply to individuals who demonstrated exceptional heroism or made an outstanding contribution to strengthening Kazakhstan’s independence.
The resolution also clarifies the procedures for naming, renaming, and changing the spelling of names of state-owned facilities. In addition, it establishes a comprehensive list of documents required for assigning names to state-owned legal entities and legal entities with state participation.
Under the new rules, the authorized body on onomastic affairs must receive an application from the initiating authority, a joint decision of the representative and executive bodies, minutes of the organization’s staff meeting, a proposal from the head of the facility, supporting archival and reference materials, biographical information about the person whose name is proposed, and information on the funding sources for the renaming process.
The amendments also set deadlines for reviewing applications. After receiving the required documents, the authorized body must forward the opinion of the Republican Onomastic Commission to the relevant central government body or local executive authority within three working days.
If the commission issues a positive opinion, the competent authority may decide to assign or change the name of the facility. Where required by law, a draft government resolution, together with the commission’s opinion, will be submitted to the Government for consideration.
The updated rules came into force on 17 July 2026.
