Resource-rich and Central Asia's biggest state Kazakhstan is launching a major overhaul of its migration policy aimed at attracting highly qualified professionals, foreign investors, entrepreneurs and global talent. Under a new decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on April 25, the country is shifting from a traditional permit-and-quota migration model toward a more flexible, incentive-based system designed to strengthen competitiveness for international talent and capital.
The reform is part of Kazakhstan’s broader economic modernisation agenda and reflects efforts to make the country a regional hub for investment, innovation and skilled migration across Eurasia. It combines visa liberalisation, tax incentives, digitalisation and service reforms aimed at making relocation, investment and long-term residence in Kazakhstan significantly easier for foreign nationals.
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The presidential decree identifies four strategic priorities: Transitioning from a permit-and-quota-based migration system to a more incentive-driven framework; Creating a competitive long-term residency regime for foreign nationals contributing to Kazakhstan’s economy; Simplifying and digitalising immigration procedures and Positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for foreign investors, skilled professionals and global talent.
Also read | New Zealand’s new citizenship test pushes migrants to apply early
Kazakhstan will streamline and modernise visa categories by introducing clearer pathways for investors and professionals: Business Visa For investors Entrepreneurs; Members of boards of directors and Individuals recruited to work in public administration systems
There will also be Skilled Worker Visa For professionals with qualifying job offers; Scientists ; Medical professionals ; Cultural and arts figures; Graduates of leading international universities and Specialists in high-demand professions identified by the government There will be Temporary Worker Visa for foreign professionals working on specific investment projects approved by the government
A central feature of the reform is the introduction of the “Altyn Visa” (Golden Visa), designed to encourage long-term relocation and investment in Kazakhstan. Eligibility for this includes: Participants in the tax residency programme of the Astana International Financial Centre; Business visa holders after one month of residence; Skilled worker visa holders after six months of residence ; IT specialists after just one month and Temporary worker visa holders after one year of residence
Also read | Mauritius aims to attract 100 wealthy migrants a year under new golden visa programme
There are benefits for Altyn Visa Holders: This include Exemption from personal income tax; Exemption from property tax ; Exemption from land tax; Exemption from universal declaration of income and assets ; Equal access to government and financial services on par with citizens of Kazakhstan and Faster pathways to long-term residence
There is also digitalisation of Immigration Services and investment opportunities through e-Residency. The new e-Residency Invest programme will allow digital residents to: Invest remotely in projects across Kazakhstan; Access opportunities through the Astana International Financial Centre and Conduct investments through partner financial institutions
This is designed to lower barriers for foreign investors seeking exposure to Kazakhstan’s economy without immediate physical relocation.
Astana and Almaty will introduce zones with mandatory English-language services.
This will include medical institutions, schools, public service centres, police services, utilities and municipal services. These reforms are intended to improve ease of living for foreign professionals and their families.
Almaty will launch the Almaty AI Hub to support artificial intelligence development. The initiative complements Kazakhstan’s broader push to build a regional technology ecosystem and attract global digital talent.
To enhance competitiveness for international investors in Astana Financial Centre The minimum stay requirement for obtaining tax residency will be reduced from 90 days to 30 days ; Financial regulators will develop a more attractive financial regime for new residents and Special payment cards may be introduced through regulatory sandbox mechanisms.
The reform is part of Kazakhstan’s broader economic modernisation agenda and reflects efforts to make the country a regional hub for investment, innovation and skilled migration across Eurasia. It combines visa liberalisation, tax incentives, digitalisation and service reforms aimed at making relocation, investment and long-term residence in Kazakhstan significantly easier for foreign nationals.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
The presidential decree identifies four strategic priorities: Transitioning from a permit-and-quota-based migration system to a more incentive-driven framework; Creating a competitive long-term residency regime for foreign nationals contributing to Kazakhstan’s economy; Simplifying and digitalising immigration procedures and Positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for foreign investors, skilled professionals and global talent.
Also read | New Zealand’s new citizenship test pushes migrants to apply early
Kazakhstan will streamline and modernise visa categories by introducing clearer pathways for investors and professionals: Business Visa For investors Entrepreneurs; Members of boards of directors and Individuals recruited to work in public administration systems
There will also be Skilled Worker Visa For professionals with qualifying job offers; Scientists ; Medical professionals ; Cultural and arts figures; Graduates of leading international universities and Specialists in high-demand professions identified by the government There will be Temporary Worker Visa for foreign professionals working on specific investment projects approved by the government
A central feature of the reform is the introduction of the “Altyn Visa” (Golden Visa), designed to encourage long-term relocation and investment in Kazakhstan. Eligibility for this includes: Participants in the tax residency programme of the Astana International Financial Centre; Business visa holders after one month of residence; Skilled worker visa holders after six months of residence ; IT specialists after just one month and Temporary worker visa holders after one year of residence
Also read | Mauritius aims to attract 100 wealthy migrants a year under new golden visa programme
There are benefits for Altyn Visa Holders: This include Exemption from personal income tax; Exemption from property tax ; Exemption from land tax; Exemption from universal declaration of income and assets ; Equal access to government and financial services on par with citizens of Kazakhstan and Faster pathways to long-term residence
There is also digitalisation of Immigration Services and investment opportunities through e-Residency. The new e-Residency Invest programme will allow digital residents to: Invest remotely in projects across Kazakhstan; Access opportunities through the Astana International Financial Centre and Conduct investments through partner financial institutions
This is designed to lower barriers for foreign investors seeking exposure to Kazakhstan’s economy without immediate physical relocation.
Astana and Almaty will introduce zones with mandatory English-language services.
This will include medical institutions, schools, public service centres, police services, utilities and municipal services. These reforms are intended to improve ease of living for foreign professionals and their families.
Almaty will launch the Almaty AI Hub to support artificial intelligence development. The initiative complements Kazakhstan’s broader push to build a regional technology ecosystem and attract global digital talent.
To enhance competitiveness for international investors in Astana Financial Centre The minimum stay requirement for obtaining tax residency will be reduced from 90 days to 30 days ; Financial regulators will develop a more attractive financial regime for new residents and Special payment cards may be introduced through regulatory sandbox mechanisms.
