Residence in Kazakhstan: permits and requirements
Living legally in Kazakhstan is possible through 5 permit types: temporary, permanent, investment. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Temporary Residence Registration (Vremennoye prozhivaniye)
Residence type #1 of 5
Temporary residence registration for foreigners for work, studies or family reunification
Requirements
- Registration with the Migration Directorate (Migration Police) within 5 days
- Legal basis: work contract, student enrollment, family tie
- No prohibited diseases (Ministry of Health list)
- Payment of the state registration fee
Documentation
- Valid passport with an entry stamp
- Migration registration form
- Registered work contract or admission letter of the educational institution
- Kazakh medical certificate (HIV, tuberculosis tests)
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- 3x4 photos (4 units)
- Proof of payment of the state fee
Frequently asked questions about residence in Kazakhstan
How many types of residence permits are there in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories temporary, permanent, investment. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Kazakhstan last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year, renewable annually (up to 5 consecutive years for work); 10 years (renewable for further 10-year periods); Up to 10 years (investor residence permit, US$300k; renewable); Duration of the visa/allowed stay. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Kazakhstan be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Kazakhstan (5 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Kazakhstan?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Kazakhstan lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Kazakhstan.
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Anything to correct or add about Kazakhstan?
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