«Altyn Visa» and Tax Benefits: How Kazakhstan's Migration Policy is Changing

Kazakhstan is transitioning to a new model of migration policy focused on attracting investors, skilled professionals, and talent. The corresponding decree was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The document provides for a large-scale digital reform and a shift away from the previous permit-and-quota system toward an incentive-based approach. The primary goal is to establish the country as a regional hub for investment and human capital. The Government has been instructed to complete the implementation of all changes by the end of 2026.

As part of the reform, the visa system will be overhauled. Categories will be unified and supplemented with new formats. A business visa for investors and board members, a skilled worker visa for scientists, doctors, cultural figures, and graduates of leading universities, as well as a temporary worker visa for participants in specific investment projects, are being introduced. The «Altyn Visa» («Golden Visa»), designed for investors and high-demand specialists, will be a key element. For IT personnel, the processing time may be approximately one month. Holders of this visa will receive expanded access to public services, virtually comparable to the rights of citizens.

Significant tax incentives are provided for «Altyn Visa» holders and their family members. This includes exemption from individual income tax, as well as property and land taxes. Reporting is also simplified – such residents are exempt from the universal declaration of income. Simultaneously, a digital Resident ID is being introduced, which will serve as an identity document for accessing government and financial services. The reform also provides for the automatic recognition of diplomas from leading foreign universities without the nostrification procedure.

A separate focus of the reform is digitalization. A unified platform, QazETA, with an e-Residency module, will be created for foreign citizens, allowing for remote applications via a «one-stop-shop» principle. Additionally, the e-Residency Invest program is being launched, enabling electronic residents to invest in projects in Kazakhstan and at the AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) through partner banks.

In parallel, zones with mandatory English-language service will be established in Astana and Almaty. This will apply to medical facilities, schools, public service centers, the police, and utility services. In Almaty, the launch of the Almaty AI Hub – a specialized platform for developing artificial intelligence projects – is also planned.

Changes will also affect the Astana International Financial Centre. The minimum stay required to obtain tax residency will be reduced from 90 to 30 days, which is expected to increase the jurisdiction's attractiveness for mobile investors. The National Bank and relevant agencies have been instructed to create a favorable financial regime for new residents, including the issuance of special payment cards within a regulatory «sandbox».

The decree enters into force on the day of its signing.