Nationality of Kazakhstan: all obtaining pathways
Kazakhstan requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization. It is a party to the 2020 agreement with Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan that simplifies citizenship among their nationals, and descent is transmitted by ius sanguinis with limited ius soli.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Permanent residence in Kazakhstan for 5 years
- Knowledge of the Kazakh language (basic literacy level)
- Application to the Ministry of Interior's citizenship commission
- Renouncing the previous citizenship
- No serious criminal record
- Being of legal age
Documentation
- Passport or foreign identity document
- Permanent residence certificate
- Certificate of knowledge of Kazakh
- Criminal record certificate
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Photographs
- Formal application
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Kazakh citizen
- Consular registration if born abroad
- Dual citizenship is not allowed — the other one must be renounced
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' passports
- Consular registration certificate
3By birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
By birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Born in Kazakhstan to stateless parents or parents of unknown nationality
- Born in Kazakhstan and did not acquire another citizenship on coming of age
Documentation
- Birth certificate issued in Kazakhstan
- Proof that the parents are stateless or of unknown nationality
4Marriage to a Kazakh citizen (Citizenship Law, art. 16(1))
Marriage to a Kazakh citizen (Citizenship Law, art. 16(1))
Requirements
- Married to a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan for at least 3 YEARS (alternative to the 5-year residence route)
- Legal residence in Kazakhstan (lawful permanent residence is the base; marriage reduces the term to 3 years)
- Decision by the President of the Republic (on the MIA’s proposal)
- No convictions for premeditated crimes or economic/migration offences in the previous 5 years
- Dual citizenship allowed only with Russia under a bilateral agreement (renunciation otherwise)
Documentation
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Kazakhstan
How many years of residence does Kazakhstan require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Kazakhstan (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Kazakhstan allow dual nationality?
Renouncing the previous citizenship
Can the nationality of Kazakhstan be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Marriage to a Kazakh citizen pathway (3 years of marriage (alternative to 5 years’ residence)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Kazakhstan require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Passport or foreign identity document; Permanent residence certificate; Certificate of knowledge of Kazakh; Criminal record certificate; Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, By birth in the territory, Marriage to a Kazakh citizen.
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