New Migration Reforms Make Kazakhstan a Rising Destination for Global Visitors

05/05/2026

ASTANA, May 5: Kazakhstan is transitioning to a new migration policy model focused on attracting investors, skilled professionals and global talent. The corresponding decree was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The reform introduces a shift from the traditional permit-and-quota system to a more flexible, incentive-based approach, to position Kazakhstan as a regional hub for investment and human capital. The Government has been tasked with implementing the changes by the end of 2026.

As part of the reform, the visa system will be modernised with new categories, including business visas for investors, skilled worker visas for professionals, and temporary visas for project-based employment. A key feature is the “Altyn Visa” (Golden Visa), offering fast-track access—particularly for IT specialists—and expanded access to public services comparable to that of citizens.

The reform also includes tax incentives, digitalisation of migration services through the QazETA platform and e-Residency, as well as improved conditions for international residents. Additional measures include English-language service zones in Astana and Almaty, the launch of the Almaty AI Hub, and enhanced conditions within the Astana International Financial Centre.

Overview

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 regime for foreign nationals contributing to Kazakhstan’s economy.
Simplifying and digitalising immigration 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
Skilled Worker Visa
Temporary Worker Visa

“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 holders after one month of residence
Skilled worker visa holders after six months of residence
IT specialists after just one month
Temporary worker visa holders after 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 QazETA unified digital platform for foreign nationals
Introduction of an e-Residency module allowing remote applications
A “one-stop-shop” system for immigration processing
Reduced bureaucracy and faster onboarding for foreign residents
Introduction of a digital resident ID for accessing public and financial services

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
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.

Improving International Accessibility

To improve the 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 Hub to support artificial intelligence development.
The initiative complements Kazakhstan’s broader push to build a regional technology ecosystem and 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 regime for 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 gateway between 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.

New Migration Reforms Make Kazakhstan a Rising Destination for Global Visitors

Factsheet on Kazakhstan’s New Migration Reform: Building a Regional Hub for Global Talent, Investment and Innovation