October 08, 2024 Insights

All international employees working in Afghanistan must obtain work visas and permits. Here are the key steps required.

October 08, 2024 Insights

There has been a noticeable rise in international arbitrations related to Afghanistan in recent years. Many of these cases are being brought by businesses that used to operate in the country, with proceedings held in places like London, Dubai, and Virginia, United States. The disputes cover a range of issues, from breaches of contract to non-performance and contract terminations.

October 08, 2024 Insights

In Afghanistan, the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are regulated by the Ministry of Economy. In the past, NGOs that registered to conduct activities in the country were issued an NGO license that, unlike business licenses, had no expiration date. However, new NGO licenses are now being issued for a period of three (3) years with the possibility of renewal. Existing NGOs are required to transition to this new procedure.

October 21, 2022 Insights Taxation

The administrative structure of the Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Afghanistan has changed. The Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) are dissolved and replaced with the “Taxpayer Services Directorate.”

October 21, 2022 Insights Banking and Finance

In this article you can read about bank transfers to and from Afghanistan, domestic money transfer within Afghanistan, and money withdrawal and limitations currently imposed.

October 21, 2022 Insights Criminal Law and Litigation

According to circular number 6 dated August 20, 2022, the acting Attorney General, Mawlawi Shamsudin Shariati, has instructed the regional and central Attorney General’s Offices not to accept new criminal matters for investigation.

October 21, 2022 Insights Corporate

The World Bank Group organized the Afghanistan PERSISTS (Private Enterprise Recovery Scale-up & Initiating Sustainable Transitional Solutions) event to provide a platform for the private sector to discuss a private sector-led economic recovery outlook with international development agencies.

March 10, 2022 Insights Banking and Finance

On February 25, 2022, the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued General License No. 20 on Authorizing Transactions Involving Afghanistan or Governing Institutions in Afghanistan (“GL 20”).

March 10, 2022 Insights Taxation

One aspect of doing business in Afghanistan remains constant—tax compliance is essential. Failure to file an annual income tax return can lead to problems with your business license, bank account, visas, work permits, and other matters.

June 12, 2021 Insights Taxation

On April 12, 2021, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (“NATO”) and Resolute Support (“RS”) issued a Diplomatic Note to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan regarding certain “Legacy Tax” issues. The Diplomatic Note, which is signed by representatives of the Afghanistan Ministry of Finance, clarifies that the Afghanistan Revenue Department will not attempt to collect Legacy Taxes from the non-Afghan United States and NATO defense contractors.

June 12, 2021 Insights Corporate

A common—and costly--mistake that many companies make is assuming that if its projects have ended, or it otherwise ceases actively doing business here, then the company has no further obligations with respect to government filings. This assumption is not correct.

June 12, 2021 Insights Telecommunications

Online business and entertainment platforms are becoming increasingly popular in Afghanistan. The platforms have started to cover most of the sectors and are increasingly being used for diverse purposes, including but not limited to social media, banking, business, education, and entertainment. Some of these platforms have been popular for years--for example, social media and online games. More recently, greater use of online platforms is being made in more business-oriented sectors such as money transfers and online banking. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many educational activities to online platforms.

June 12, 2021 Insights Banking and Finance

Islamic Banking is a widely growing sector in Afghanistan and is one of the key focuses of the Central Bank of Afghanistan. A department dedicated to Islamic Banking was established pursuant to DAB’s High Council approval and since then the department has contributed to the growth and development of Islamic Banking through implementing Shariah–compliant banking standards in Afghanistan.

December 03, 2020 Insights Telecommunications

The Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA) is the sole authority for the issuance of telecom licenses and permits in Afghanistan. ATRA issues licenses for mobile telecom services, new and modern technologies, and supportive services through the Telecom Development Fund (TDF).

December 02, 2020 Insights Telecommunications

The journey of Afghanistan in the world of telecommunication and relation began with the installation of a telephone at the ARG (Presidential Palace) in 1898. It was followed by the installation of a small telephone system with a capacity of 25 lanes to the north of the ARG in 1908 and telegraph services in 1914.