Foreign nationals interested in settling long-term in Kazakhstan should take note of important updates to the country’s residence permit regulations, which came into effect. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has revised the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and processing procedures to enhance security and streamline the application process.
Highlights of Residence Permit:
- A residence permit now grants holders up to 10 years of uninterrupted residence, along with legal employment rights and access to social services in Kazakhstan.
- Applications are subject to stricter eligibility checks but can benefit from expedited processing for certain categories.
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Eligible candidates:
The updated policy applies to the following groups:
- Foreign nationals from visa-free countries or holders of permanent residence visas
- Ethnic Kazakhs and their family members (exempt from solvency proof requirements)
- Skilled professionals listed on the government’s approved in-demand occupations list
- Family members of Kazakh citizens
- Stateless persons with proper documentation
Application Requirements:
Applicants must provide the following documents (all foreign documents must be officially translated into Kazakh or Russian and notarized):
- Completed Residence Permit Application (official form, Appendix 4)
- Valid passport with at least 180 days remaining validity
- Proof of solvency according to June 2023 regulations or exemption under Article 49
- Criminal record certificate issued within the last 180 days
- Notarized consent from children aged 14–18, if applicable
- Accommodation contract or sponsorship letter valid for at least 180 days
- Medical certificate (Form 028/y) confirming absence of infectious or prohibited diseases
- One passport-size photo (35×45 mm)
- Payment receipt for the national duty equal to 20% of the monthly calculation index (approximately KZT 1,470)
- Official petition from a relevant government body for in-demand professions
- Fingerprint registration certificate (mandatory since September)
Fees and Processing Times:
- Standard processing time: 17 calendar days
- Fast-track option: 7 working days from registration date (fee applies)
- All payments must be made via authorized banks with official receipts issued
- Stateless applicants pay a higher fee of 400% of the monthly calculation index
Grounds for Revocation:
Applicants may be denied a permit or face revocation under Articles 19-1 and 49 if they:
- Submit false or forged documents
- Have criminal convictions or involvement in extremism/terrorism
- Fail to meet solvency requirements (unless exempt)
- Have communicable diseases or violate migration laws
- Spend fewer than 183 days per year in Kazakhstan after permit issuance
- Abandon their registered profession within one year if permitted under skill shortage criteria
- Have marriage-based permits annulled by court decision
Special Exemptions:
Certain groups are exempt from some rejection grounds, including:
- Ethnic Kazakhs and their families
- Stateless women under the Convention on the Nationality of Married Women
- Persons with disabilities exempt from medical-based rejections
Permit Validity and Renewal:
- Residence permits are valid for up to 10 years, but not beyond the expiry of the holder’s national passport
- Permit renewal applications must be lodged at least one month before expiration
- In cases of loss or damage, reissuance requests must be submitted within three days
- During reissuance, the applicant retains permanent resident status without interruption
Important Notice:
Fingerprint registration is mandatory; applications lacking this will be rejected.
Official Reference:
For the most up-to-date information and application details, visit the official Kazakhstan e-government portal:
https://egov.kz/cms/en/articles/vid_na_jitelstvo
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long is a residence permit valid, and what are renewal rules?
Residence permits are valid for up to 10 years but cannot exceed the validity of the applicant’s national passport. Renewal applications must be submitted at least one month before expiry. Lost or damaged permits must be reported and reissued within three days.
Are there any exemptions to the rejection criteria?
Yes. Ethnic Kazakhs and their families, stateless women protected under the Convention on the Nationality of Married Women, and persons with disabilities (exempt from medical-related rejections) have specific exemptions.
What are the main updates to Kazakhstan’s residence permit policy?
The Ministry of Internal Affairs updated the residence permit regulations to tighten eligibility checks, update document requirements, and speed up processing times—especially for skilled professionals. Residence permits now grant up to 10 years of uninterrupted stay, legal employment, and access to social services.
