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, 2026, 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.

The Government of Kazakhstan has been tasked with implementing the reforms by 31 December 2026.

Shift to an Incentive-Based Migration Model

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 regimefor foreign nationals contributing to Kazakhstan’s economy. 
• Simplifying and digitalisingimmigration procedures. 
• Positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for foreign investors, skilled professionals and global talent. 

New Visa Framework

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 
  • Individuals recruited to work in public administration systems 
• Skilled Worker Visa
  • For professionals with qualifying job offers 
  • Scientists 
  • Medical professionals 
  • Cultural and arts figures 
  • Graduates of leading international universities 
  • Specialists in high-demand professions identified by the government 
• Temporary Worker Visa
  • For foreign professionals working on specific investment projects approved by the government 

“Altyn Visa” (Golden Visa) Programme

A central feature of the reform is the introduction of the “Altyn Visa”, designed to encourage long-term relocation and investment in Kazakhstan.

Eligibility includes:

• Participants in the tax residency programme of the Astana International Financial Centre 
• Business visa holdersafter one month of residence 
• Skilled worker visa holdersafter six months of residence 
• IT specialistsafter just one month 
• Temporary worker visa holdersafter one year of residence 

Benefits for Altyn Visa Holders

• 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 
• Faster pathways to long-term residence 

Digitalisation of Immigration Services

Kazakhstan is significantly expanding digital migration infrastructure through:

• Creation of the QazETAunified digital platform for foreign nationals 
• Introduction of an e-Residencymodule allowing remote applications 
• A “one-stop-shop” systemfor immigration processing 
• Reduced bureaucracy and faster onboardingfor foreign residents 
• Introduction of a digital resident IDfor accessing public and financial services 

Investment Opportunities Through e-Residency

The new e-Residency Invest programme will allow digital residents to:

• Invest remotelyin projects across Kazakhstan 
• Access opportunitiesthrough the Astana International Financial Centre 
• Conduct investmentsthrough partner financial institutions 

This is designed to lower barriers for foreign investors seeking exposure to Kazakhstan’s economy without immediate physical relocation.

Improving International Accessibility

To improve quality of life for international residents:

• 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.

Supporting Kazakhstan’s Innovation Ecosystem

• Almaty will launch the Almaty AI Hubto support artificial intelligence development. 
• The initiative complements Kazakhstan’s broader push to build a regional technology ecosystemand attract global digital talent. 

Changes to the Astana International Financial Centre

To enhance competitiveness for international investors:

• 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 regimefor new residents 
• Special payment cards may be introduced through regulatory sandbox mechanisms 

Why This Reform Matters

• Signals Kazakhstan’s transition toward a more globally competitive migration model focused on attracting human capital rather than restricting entry through quota mechanisms. 
• Supports Kazakhstan’s broader goals of technological modernisation, economic diversification and innovation-driven growth. 
• Strengthens Kazakhstan’s appeal as a destination for globally mobile investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, IT specialists and skilled professionals. 
• Reinforces Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a regional gatewaybetween Europe, Asia and the Middle East for business, finance and talent. 
• Aligns migration policy with wider national priorities in digitalisation, financial development and investment attraction. 

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-strasbourg/press/news/details/1214381?lang=kk