National Bank of Kazakhstan will issue new 500 tenge banknotes from the “Saka Style” series starting December 25, 2025.
The note is the fifth release in the series inspired by Saka-era art, which forms the basis of traditional Kazakh ornamentation and reflects the country’s cultural heritage.
While the banknotes will be legally issued in December 2025, they will enter mass circulation in the second quarter of 2026, as additional time is required to distribute them nationwide and adapt ATMs, terminals, and cash-handling equipment.
The new banknote is blue in color. The obverse features the Tree of Life with a soaring bird from the Issyk kurgan, a DNA spiral and infinity symbol representing the connection between humans and nature, and a ram-headed artifact from the Berel burial mounds. The reverse depicts an argali sheep against a stylized ornamental shield, incorporating symbols of protection, the four cardinal directions, solar energy, and a landscape of Mount Muztau framed by an infinity ornament.
The new 500 tenge banknotes will gradually replace the 2017 issue over a 24-month parallel circulation period from December 25, 2025 to December 24, 2027. During this time, both versions will remain legal tender, and no mandatory exchange is required.
From December 25, 2027 to December 24, 2030, banks and Kazpost will exchange old banknotes for the new ones. Branches of the National Bank of Kazakhstan will continue to accept the old notes without time limits.
Both versions remain legal tender throughout the parallel circulation period and must be accepted nationwide at face value for all payments and transfers.
