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Kazakhstan is significantly expanding the list of professions that give foreign nationals the right to apply for permanent residency. The government plans to increase the number of priority occupations from 51 to 174 as part of a shift toward a more proactive migration policy focused on attracting highly qualified specialists.
For businesses, this means wider access to international talent and simplified procedures for hiring scarce specialists. The updated list covers a broad range of sectors — from healthcare to aerospace — and includes entirely new professions that did not exist on the previous list.
For businesses, this means wider access to international talent and simplified procedures for hiring scarce specialists. The updated list covers a broad range of sectors — from healthcare to aerospace — and includes entirely new professions that did not exist on the previous list.
Which Sectors Are Being Prioritized
The expanded list of in-demand professions covers key areas of the economy and science. It includes healthcare, engineering and manufacturing, construction, and digital development. Special attention is given to aerospace industry, biotechnology and genomic medicine, as well as green and nuclear energy.
Other priority areas include pedagogical sciences, financial technologies, transport and communications, water resources and irrigation, and agriculture.
The list is not fixed and will be regularly updated based on the needs of the economy. This allows the government to respond quickly to changes in the labor market and ensure the attraction of truly sought-after specialists.
Other priority areas include pedagogical sciences, financial technologies, transport and communications, water resources and irrigation, and agriculture.
The list is not fixed and will be regularly updated based on the needs of the economy. This allows the government to respond quickly to changes in the labor market and ensure the attraction of truly sought-after specialists.
New Professions Added to the List
Among the new professions proposed for inclusion are pilots, quantum technology specialists, robotics engineers, bioinformaticians, nuclear engineers, and water resource engineers.
Other sectors are also expanding. In healthcare, the list includes neurosurgeons, hematologists, oncologists, neonatologists, endocrinologists, anesthesiologists, and obstetricians-gynecologists. Engineering and technical fields cover aviation, space technology, and the pharmaceutical industry. Information technology and innovation are represented by software developers, AI and big data specialists, information system architects, cybersecurity engineers, cloud computing engineers, and other IT professionals.
Other sectors are also expanding. In healthcare, the list includes neurosurgeons, hematologists, oncologists, neonatologists, endocrinologists, anesthesiologists, and obstetricians-gynecologists. Engineering and technical fields cover aviation, space technology, and the pharmaceutical industry. Information technology and innovation are represented by software developers, AI and big data specialists, information system architects, cybersecurity engineers, cloud computing engineers, and other IT professionals.
What Changes for Businesses
Expanding the list of in-demand professions simplifies the process for foreign specialists to obtain permanent residency permits. This gives companies access to a broader pool of talent and the ability to fill critical positions for which there is a shortage in the domestic labor market.
At the same time, employers should understand that migration legislation continues to develop, and they need to stay informed of changes and consider them when planning their hiring policies.
At the same time, employers should understand that migration legislation continues to develop, and they need to stay informed of changes and consider them when planning their hiring policies.
How to Prepare Your Business
To take advantage of new opportunities and avoid risks, companies are advised to assess current and future talent needs that could be met by attracting foreign workers. It is also recommended to track updates to the list of in-demand professions and consider them when planning recruitment. Seeking expert advice on migration legislation and permit procedures can also help navigate the new rules.
In addition to expanding the list of in-demand professions for permanent residency, Kazakhstan is also changing short-term entry rules for citizens of visa-free countries, including Russia. Starting November 2026, an electronic entry permit (ETA) will be gradually introduced through the QazETA system, and a fee will be charged for its processing. The exact amount of the fee has not yet been approved, but the system is currently operating in test mode, and obtaining the permit is still free.
In addition to expanding the list of in-demand professions for permanent residency, Kazakhstan is also changing short-term entry rules for citizens of visa-free countries, including Russia. Starting November 2026, an electronic entry permit (ETA) will be gradually introduced through the QazETA system, and a fee will be charged for its processing. The exact amount of the fee has not yet been approved, but the system is currently operating in test mode, and obtaining the permit is still free.
How Acsour Can Help Your Business
- Advise on migration legislation and attracting foreign specialists to Kazakhstan.
- Audit your HR processes for compliance with migration requirements.
- Provide full HR support in line with all legislative changes.
Learn more about Acsour's HR solutions in Kazakhstan.
Want to understand how the new migration policy rules can benefit your business?
Submit a request — our experts will help you navigate the new rules and attract the specialists you need.
Submit a request — our experts will help you navigate the new rules and attract the specialists you need.