New rules for obtaining a residence permit have been in force in Kazakhstan since February 20, 2026. Instead of the usual submission of documents through the Tson (public service center), there is a five-stage digital verification with a Kazakh language proficiency test, an assessment of the “immigration potential” with the participation of AI and a personal interview. We tell you exactly what has changed, who it concerns, and how to prepare.
Briefly about the main thing:
- The new rules are a pilot project, valid until December 31, 2026
- Applies only to the initial receipt of a residence permit, the extension is going on in the old way
- 5 mandatory steps instead of the usual submission of documents
- 5.7 million tenge is required in a Kazakh bank account
- Mandatory Kazakh language test (A1 level)
What is a residence permit in Kazakhstan and why is it needed?
A residence permit (residence permit) is a document confirming the right of a foreigner to permanently reside in Kazakhstan. It does not make you a citizen, but it gives you almost all civil rights: to work officially, to use medicine, to send children to school, to open a business, and in the future – after 5 years – to apply for citizenship.
Important: Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship. But obtaining a residence permit does not oblige you to renounce your current citizenship — you retain it completely.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as of March 1, 2026, 241 thousand foreign citizens with residence permits permanently reside in the country. Of these, 97.5 thousand are Russian citizens (40.4%). Since 2024, more than 19 thousand citizens of the Russian Federation have received a residence permit in Kazakhstan.
What changed in February 2026?
By a joint order of the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 30, 2026 (entered into force on February 20), a pilot project was launched. The document was also agreed upon by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Committee and the Ministry of Science. Fundamental changes have affected the procedure for the initial issuance of a residence permit (procedure No. 3 “according to the standard”).
The main thing is that it is no longer enough to simply assemble a package of documents. You need to go through 5 stages in strict sequence through the portal migration.enbek.kz .
5 stages of obtaining a residence permit under the new rules
Stage 1. Kazakh language proficiency test KAZTEST
Online A1 level testing is conducted through the platform of the National Testing Center (app.testcenter.kz ). This is the minimum level – basic words and phrases. For comparison: in Germany, a residence permit requires a B1 level. However, this is a completely new requirement that did not exist before.
An interesting paradox: the requirements for the Kazakh language for a residence permit are de facto stricter than when obtaining citizenship, where a language test is not required.
Stage 2. Point assessment (“immigration potential”)
Digital survey with the participation of AI. The maximum is more than 900 points. The minimum entry threshold is about 400 points. Evaluated:
• Study or work experience in Kazakhstan – up to 80 points
• Study or work experience abroad (adaptability index) – up to 80 points
• Professional competencies – up to 80 points
• Language proficiency, education, and other indicators
According to lawyers, it is relatively easy to score 400 points: only knowledge of the Russian language and a diploma of higher education are already awarded a significant number of points.
Stage 3. Interagency verification
The data is automatically sent to the competent authorities, including the National Security Committee. This stage does not require any action from the applicant, but increases the total review time. The application review period is up to 45 calendar days.
Stages 4-5. Notification and interview
If the verification results are positive, you will receive a notification of admission to an interview at your place of residence. A final decision is made based on the results. In case of refusal, re-submission is possible no earlier than after 1 year.
What documents are needed in 2026
New mandatory documents have been added to the standard package:
• A certificate from a Kazakhstani bank stating that there is at least 5.7 million tenge in the account (≈ 11,500 USD / ≈ 900,000 RUB)
• A “Departure certificate” or written consent from the state of citizenship for permanent departure
• Certificate of fingerprinting (obtained only if all the listed documents are available, and only through an inspector of the migration police)
• Application for consent to the processing of personal data and their cross-border transfer
Who are not affected by the new rules
• The new order does NOT apply to:
• Those who extend the current residence permit, as the extension follows the same rules
• Minors
• Foreign investors
• Specialists in the list of required professions (if requested by the Ministry of Industry)
• Participants of the Digital Nomad Residence program (digital nomads working remotely)
3 ways to get a residence permit in Kazakhstan in 2026
In addition to the standard procedure (which the pilot project changed), there are two alternatives:
Method 1 A sought-after profession
If your profession is on the list of those in demand, you can obtain a residence permit in a simplified manner. We need a petition from the Ministry of Industry. A language test and a score are not required.
Method 2 Digital Nomad Residence
A special visa regime for IT specialists working remotely for a foreign employer. The language requirements and the five-step verification do not apply.
Method 3 Standard Procedure (pilot 2026)
For all others is a new five—step procedure via migration.enbek.kz . That’s what this article is about.
Important dates and deadlines
February 13, 2026 – new rules come into force
February 18, 2026 – acceptance of applications under the old rules was terminated (all applications submitted before this date are considered in the same order)
December 31, 2026 – the end of the pilot project
45 days is the maximum period for reviewing an application.
183 days per year is the minimum stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan to maintain a residence permit
10 years -the validity period of a residence permit
is 5 years with a residence permit -you can apply for citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to extend my residence permit according to the new rules?
No. The new rules apply only to the initial receipt. The extension of the residence permit is carried out in the same manner.
What will happen after December 31, 2026?
The pilot project can be extended, adjusted or cancelled. By the end of 2026, the government will decide on a permanent procedure. For those who plan to file in 2027, we recommend that you keep an eye on legislative updates.
Is it possible to open an account in a Kazakh bank remotely?
Most Kazakhstani banks require a personal presence to open an account. For citizens of the CIS countries, some banks allow a simplified procedure. Our company provides the service of opening an account in the Bank of Kazakhstan, arrival and personal presence are important for at least one day to fully confirm the procedure. We recommend that you check with a specific bank in advance.
Does the experience of working remotely from Kazakhstan count?
Yes, the remote format of working for a company outside of Kazakhstan is accepted. Confirmation of employment in a Kazakh company is not required.
Our company will provide the service of obtaining a residence permit for clients as soon as possible according to the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Our migration law specialists will help you complete all 5 stages: we will prepare the documents, calculate the points, and prepare for the interview.
Legal basis: Joint Order of the Minister of Labor No. 41, the Minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 60 and the Deputy Prime Minister No. 47 dated 30.01.2026 | Portal: migration.enbek.kz
The article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
