Kazakhstan has announced a major overhaul of its migration policy aimed at attracting skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs and global talent as part of a broader push to modernise its economy and position itself as a regional hub in Eurasia.
Under a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country is moving away from a rigid quota-based migration system toward a more flexible, incentive-driven framework designed to improve competitiveness for foreign talent and capital.
The reform focuses on four key priorities: replacing permit-heavy processes with a simpler system, creating a strong long-term residency pathway for contributors to the economy, digitising immigration services, and positioning Kazakhstan as a destination for global investors and high-skilled workers.
A major part of the plan is the restructuring of visa categories. New pathways will cater separately to business investors, board-level executives, government-linked professionals, skilled workers, researchers, medical professionals, artists, and graduates from leading global universities. The system also introduces temporary work visas for professionals engaged in government-approved investment projects.
At the centre of the reform is the “Altyn Visa” or Golden Visa programme, designed to encourage long-term settlement and investment. Eligibility will expand based on residency duration and professional category, including investors linked to the Astana International Financial Centre, IT specialists, skilled workers, and temporary professionals transitioning into longer stays.
The benefits are significant. Altyn Visa holders will receive exemptions from personal income tax, property tax and land tax, along with simplified financial and administrative procedures. They will also gain access to public and financial services on par with citizens and faster routes to long-term residency.
Kazakhstan is also introducing digital migration tools through an e-residency investment system, allowing foreign investors to participate in domestic projects remotely and engage with financial institutions without immediate relocation.
To improve living conditions for expatriates and professionals, cities like Astana and Almaty will introduce mandatory English-language services across key public-facing sectors, including healthcare, education, police and utilities.
Almaty will also launch an AI-focused innovation hub to attract global tech talent and support artificial intelligence development, aligning with Kazakhstan’s broader digital economy ambitions.
In parallel, reforms at the Astana International Financial Centre will reduce residency requirements for tax status, streamline financial regulations, and introduce new digital payment mechanisms to make the investment environment more attractive.
Overall, the changes signal Kazakhstan’s effort to compete globally for talent and capital by combining simplified migration, tax incentives and digital infrastructure with targeted innovation zones.
