Kazakhstan is overhauling its migration policy as part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment, highly skilled professionals and global talent, following a new decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The reforms mark a shift away from Kazakhstan’s traditional permit-and-quota migration system toward a more flexible, incentive-based model designed to support technological development, economic growth and international competitiveness.

Under the decree, the government has been instructed to complete the reforms by the end of 2026, with the aim of positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for investment and human capital.

A central element of the reform package is the introduction of a new “Golden Visa” programme aimed at foreign investors and highly in demand specialists.

For IT professionals, the visa could be processed in as little as one month. Holders of the visa will receive expanded access to government services comparable to those available to Kazakh citizens.

The new policy also introduces significant tax incentives for Golden Visa holders and their family members, including exemptions from personal income tax, property tax and land tax. They will also be exempt from universal income declaration requirements.

Kazakhstan is also restructuring its broader visa framework by streamlining existing categories and introducing clearer pathways for foreign professionals.

The updated system will include business visa for investors, entrepreneurs and corporate board members; a skilled worker visa for scientists, medical professionals, cultural figures and graduates of leading international universities; and a temporary worker visa for specialists involved in government-approved investment projects

As part of the reforms, Kazakhstan will launch a unified digital platform called QazETA, allowing foreign nationals to submit applications remotely through a “one-stop-shop” system.

The platform will include an e-Residency module, while a separate e-Residency Invest programme will allow digital residents to invest in projects across Kazakhstan and through the Astana International Financial Centre via partner banks.

Foreign residents will also receive a new digital resident ID, enabling access to public and financial services. In addition, diplomas from leading foreign universities will be automatically recognized without additional certification procedures.

To improve accessibility for international residents, Kazakhstan will establish dedicated English-language service zones in Astana and Almaty. These services will cover healthcare facilities, schools, public service centres, police and utility providers.

Almaty is also expected to launch the Almaty AI Hub, a specialised platform focused on artificial intelligence development.

The reforms will also introduce changes at the Astana International Financial Centre, where the minimum stay requirement for obtaining tax residency will be reduced from 90 days to 30 days in a move aimed at attracting globally mobile investors.

The National Bank of Kazakhstan and other government agencies have also been tasked with developing a more favourable financial environment for new residents, including special payment cards issued through a regulatory sandbox mechanism.