Kazakhstan approves new monthly calculation index (MCI) for 2026

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan will introduce a new monthly calculation index (MCI) starting 1 January 2026, according to the state budget approved today for 2026–2028.

Parliament endorsed the key social and economic indicators used for nationwide calculations.

Main indicators for 2026:

• MCI: 4,325 tenge (up from 3,932 tenge in 2025)
• Minimum wage: 85,000 tenge (unchanged)
• Minimum pension: 69,049 tenge (62,771 tenge in 2025)
• Basic state pension payment: 35,596 tenge (32,360 tenge in 2025)
• Living wage: 50,851 tenge (46,228 tenge in 2025)

What the MCI is for

The MCI is a fixed value used by the government to calculate fines, benefits, taxes, social payments and various allowances. It serves as a universal reference number so authorities do not need to recalculate each payment individually.

Why the MCI increases each year

Because prices and living costs continue to rise. Adjusting the MCI ensures that fines and social payments keep up with inflation and retain their real value.

How the national budget works

The republican budget is the country’s main financial document. It outlines government revenues (taxes, transfers and other inflows), expenditures (social sector, education, infrastructure) and deficit forecasts. It also sets key social indicators — the MCI, minimum wage, pensions and the living wage — which directly affect citizens.