Kazakhstan: a new pilot project amends the terms of permanent residence application
We inform you about changes in the procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan: a pilot project has been approved, which introduces a requirement to pass a preliminary assessment procedure for those willing to apply for a permanent residence permission under general rules.
The pilot project will last at least until the end of 2026.
Which law introduces the changes?
Joint Order No. 41 of the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan on January 30, 2026, No. 60 of the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan on January 30, 2026, and No. 47 of the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan on January 30, 2026
What are the key changes?
The key innovation is the new scoring system for assessing immigrants willing to apply for permanent residence in Kazakhstan. It consists of several mandatory steps and takes about 30 business days. The applicants must take the following steps:
1. Take an online Kazakh language test in the KAZTEST system. To pass, they must confirm the A1 (elementary) level by scoring at least 30% of the correct answers in the "Listening" and "Reading" blocks. If they do not succeed, two more attempts are allowed within a month.
2. Fill out a detailed questionnaire on the migration.enbek.kz portal, indicating information about education, work experience, relatives as well as attach scans of supporting documents. The system will automatically award points in several categories. To move to the next stage, applicants need to score at least 400 points.
3. Wait for the results of the governmental interagency check, which lasts up to 20 business days.
4. Complete the interview in person or online and receive a final notification on the result within next two days. A positive decision opens the way to filing the application for the permission to reside permanently and is valid for one year.
Passing the assessment procedure is not required for:
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foreigners who have specific demanded professions and digital nomads
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investors at the request of the authorized body
- minors and legally incapable citizens
We will elaborate on other changes and the availability of filing documents under the new rules in a separate alert.
Who is affected?
Foreign nationals interested in applying for permanent residence in Kazakhstan.