Kazakhstan has unveiled a new Golden Visa programme targeting foreign investors and highly skilled professionals, offering successful applicants and their families tax exemptions, easier access to government services and other residency benefits.
The government of Kazakhstan is introducing major changes to its immigration system as it seeks to attract foreign investment, skilled workers and international talent.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree introducing the new Golden Visa programme. The initiative is part of a wider immigration reform designed to replace the country’s previous permit-and-quota system with a more flexible, incentive-based approach.
Under the new arrangement, eligible foreigners will enjoy tax benefits and expanded access to public services. The government has been directed to complete the reforms by the end of 2026.
Foreigners eligible for Kazakhstan’s Golden Visa
The programme targets investors and professionals whose skills and contributions are considered important to Kazakhstan’s economic development.
The immigration reforms identify several categories of foreigners who can benefit from the new visa arrangements.
1. Foreign investors
Investors are among the main targets of the Golden Visa initiative. Kazakhstan wants to attract foreign capital and encourage international businesspeople to establish economic interests in the country.
The reformed business visa system will also accommodate investors and members of company boards.
2. IT professionals
Information technology specialists are another major category targeted by the programme.
Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a destination for technology investment and digital innovation. The government expects the processing period for IT specialists under the Golden Visa arrangement to be approximately one month.
3. Scientists and researchers
Foreign scientists and researchers are included in the country’s skilled-worker immigration reforms.
The government hopes to attract international expertise that can contribute to research, innovation and the development of key economic sectors.
4. Medical doctors
Qualified foreign medical doctors are also covered under the skilled-worker visa category.
Their inclusion reflects Kazakhstan’s interest in attracting professionals who can strengthen its healthcare sector and contribute specialised expertise.
5. Cultural figures and graduates of leading foreign universities
Foreign cultural professionals and graduates of leading international universities are also included in the skilled-worker category.
The reforms will make it easier for eligible graduates to use their academic qualifications in Kazakhstan. The government plans to recognise diplomas from leading foreign universities automatically, without requiring a separate local accreditation process.
Tax exemptions and other benefits for Golden Visa holders
One of the major attractions of Kazakhstan’s Golden Visa programme is its proposed tax incentives.
Successful applicants and their family members will be exempt from personal income tax, property tax and land tax under the new arrangements.
They will also be exempt from the general income declaration requirement that applies to ordinary residents.
Additionally, Golden Visa holders will receive expanded access to government services comparable to those available to Kazakhstani citizens.
The country is also introducing a digital resident identifier that will serve as an identity document when accessing government and financial services.
These measures are intended to make living, working and conducting business in Kazakhstan easier for international residents. <Cite refs={[“turn401897view0″,”turn499063view0”]}/>
Kazakhstan plans online visa application platform
Another important part of the immigration reform is the introduction of a unified digital platform called QazETA.
The platform will allow foreign nationals to submit applications remotely through a single-window system. It will also include an electronic residency module.
Through a separate e-Residency Invest programme, electronic residents will be able to channel funds into investment projects in Kazakhstan and the Astana International Financial Centre through partner banks.
Kazakhstan also plans to reduce the minimum stay required for tax residency at the Astana International Financial Centre from 90 days to 30 days.
The reforms form part of the country’s broader strategy to attract international investors, skilled professionals and businesses.
However, the government has until the end of 2026 to complete the implementation of the new immigration arrangements.
CrispNG will continue to monitor the implementation of Kazakhstan’s Golden Visa programme and its implications for foreign nationals considering the country as a destination for work, investment and residence.