Starting in 2026, major changes to Kazakhstan's migration policy take effect. A pilot project introduces a multi-stage procedure for obtaining a residence permit. At the same time, a Presidential Decree shifts away from the rigid quota-based model toward a more flexible, incentive-driven regime to attract skilled professionals and investors. We break down both sets of changes to help you build an effective strategy for operating in Kazakhstan.
Pilot Project for Residence Permits: What Has Changed Since February 2026
Since February 2026, a joint order of the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Digital Development has established a new procedure for obtaining permanent residence (residence permit). Applications can now be submitted through Public Service Centers only with a preliminary screening certificate.
The procedure consists of four stages:
KAZTEST — an online exam covering listening and reading. Minimum threshold: 30% in each section (A1 level).
Questionnaire and scoring — the questionnaire is automatically processed, assigning points to assess the applicant's immigration potential.
Inter-agency verification — within 20 working days, government authorities check the applicant's information.
Interview — if no grounds for refusal are found, the applicant proceeds to an interview. Upon a positive decision, a preliminary screening certificate valid for one year is issued.
This certificate must then be attached to the residence permit application submitted through a Public Service Center.
Presidential Decree: Moving Away from Quotas and Introducing the "Altyn Visa"
On April 25, 2026, the President of Kazakhstan signed Decree No. 1242, fundamentally changing the approach to labor and investment migration. The primary goal is to transition from a restrictive quota-based model to an incentive-driven regime.
Streamlined Visa Categories
Instead of the existing system, three basic visa categories have been introduced:
Business visa — for investors, entrepreneurs, board members, and individuals involved in public administration.
Qualified worker visa — for specialists with a job offer meeting certain salary and vacancy criteria, as well as researchers, medical professionals, cultural figures, graduates of leading foreign universities, and specialists in in-demand professions.
Temporary worker visa — for employment under specific government-approved investment projects.
Automatic recognition of degrees from certain foreign universities is also provided (without nostrification).
"Altyn Visa": Long-Term Residency Status
The key innovation is the "Altyn Visa" long-term residency regime. Holders of this status receive:
Exemption from individual income tax;
Exemption from property and land taxes;
Exemption from universal declaration requirements;
The right to work without a permit and outside quotas;
Access to state and financial services on par with Kazakh citizens.
Benefits also extend to family members.
Processing times for obtaining the status:
No waiting period — for participants of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC);
1 month — for IT specialists and business visa holders;
6 months — for qualified workers;
12 months — for temporary workers.
Digital Solutions and Deadlines
A unified digital platform, QazETA (one-stop-shop principle), will be created, including an e-Residency module and an e-Residency Invest program for remote investment in Kazakh financial instruments. An Almaty AI Hub will also be established.
Implementation is scheduled by December 31, 2026. The period for recognizing tax residency within the AIFC has been shortened from 90 to 30 calendar days.
Practical Implications for Businesses
Despite the liberalizing nature of the changes, businesses should consider the following:
Correct visa category selection. Misclassifying a specialist's status can lead to restrictions on stay and work permits.
Tax consequences. The benefits require careful assessment of tax residency and potential permanent establishment risks.
Adapting to digital services. The transition to the QazETA platform may require changes to internal document management procedures.
Increased scrutiny. Experience shows that easing market entry is often followed by stricter oversight (financial monitoring, compliance with migration rules).
How Acsour Can Help
Acsour experts are ready to:
advise on the optimal migration and tax strategy; help structure your presence in Kazakhstan (including through the AIFC); analyze tax implications and associated risks; establish compliance procedures in line with new requirements.
👉Contact us — we will help your employees and foreign specialists work legally and comfortably in Kazakhstan.