Abstract: The goal of this research is to study the problems of the welfare state formation and development in modern times which is characterized by the presence of new challenges and threats such as global financial and economic crisis, international terrorism, migration, social conflicts. This research deals with theoretical approaches to the concept of the welfare state. This research presents characteristics for the welfare state categories and types, analysis of the results of welfare states development in Europe as well as the negative factors affecting efficiency of the welfare states traditional models. The conclusion is that the European standard does not usually take into account the uniqueness of cultural elements, religions, traditions, worldviews, mentalities of Asian countries and this standard can be partly used for the construction of welfare states in the developing countries. An approximate model of welfare state in Kazakhstan as well as proposals for amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan were developed basing on the analysis of concepts, ideas and scientific approaches delivered by lawyers during the last 10 years in relation to the welfare state, statistical data, documentary sources as well as Internet resources.