Kazakhstan is preparing to introduce new measures to attract highly qualified foreign specialists as part of a broader effort to increase the country’s openness to talent, investors, and entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has drafted amendments to the country’s migration legislation following a presidential decree aimed at modernizing migration policy and addressing labor shortages.
Kazakhstan will streamline and modernize visa categories by introducing clearer pathways for investors and professionals.
Kazakhstan is also significantly expanding digital 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.
The proposed legislation introduces a targeted recruitment system for in-demand foreign specialists based on the current needs of the domestic labor market.
A key element of the reform is the creation of a government-approved list of priority professions. The list is expected to include specialists in information technology, healthcare, education, and culture, sectors currently experiencing some of the most acute labor shortages.
The Labor Ministry is also working to significantly expand the list of in-demand professions from 51 to 174 specialisms. The expanded list would include occupations in the nuclear industry, energy, biotechnology, genomic medicine, water management, irrigation, and healthcare.
Authorities are placing particular emphasis on improving conditions for foreign specialists working and living in Kazakhstan, including through an expansion of the Altyn (Golden) Visa program.
Under this expanded scheme, foreign specialists would be eligible to apply for resident status after a specified period of employment in Kazakhstan. The status would provide access to tax incentives, financial services, healthcare and education opportunities, as well as the right to work outside the country’s foreign labor quota system.
The new e-Residency Invest program 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.
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 centers, police services, utilities, and municipal services.
Changes will also affect the Astana International Financial Centre. The minimum stay required to obtain tax residency will be reduced from 90 to 30 days.
Kazakhstan has approved its 2026 quota for foreign labor at 0.25% of the country’s total workforce.
The quota includes permits for 726 senior executives and deputies, 3402 heads of structural divisions, 5893 specialists, and 3131 skilled workers. An additional 4994 permits were allocated for seasonal labor.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.