How to obtain residence permit in Kazakhstan

Step 1. Complete the Eligibility Assessment

Before applying for the government service, the applicant must undergo the immigrant eligibility assessment prescribed by the Rules and obtain a notification confirming eligibility to proceed with the permanent residence authorization process.

The assessment procedure is determined by the current Rules of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Step 2. Prepare the Documents

The following documents and information are required to apply for permanent residence authorization under the general procedure:

1. An application form in the prescribed format.

2. A notification confirming completion of the immigrant eligibility assessment.

3. A foreign passport or stateless person's identity document valid for more than 180 calendar days on the date of application.

4. Proof of financial solvency or a document confirming exemption from this requirement.

5. A criminal record certificate confirming the presence or absence of convictions, issued by the country of citizenship and/or permanent residence, subject to applicable exceptions.

6. Notarized consent to permanent residence from a child aged 14 to 18, if the application concerns such a child.

7. A document confirming the provision of housing for residence and registration, or information about privately owned housing in cases specified by the Rules.

8. A medical certificate in the prescribed format confirming the absence of medical conditions that constitute grounds for refusal.

9. A photograph of the prescribed size.

10. Proof of payment of the state duty or exemption from payment.

11. A petition from the relevant sectoral government authority for certain applicants applying on the basis of an in-demand profession.

12. A certificate confirming completion of fingerprint registration.

13. Written consent from the country of citizenship, a departure certificate, or another document confirming authorization to leave for permanent residence abroad, if required by legislation.

14. Consent to the processing and cross-border transfer of personal data in cases specified by the Rules.

Additional Requirements

Proof of financial solvency is governed by the Rules approved by Order No. 531 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated June 30, 2023. Unless exempt from this requirement, the applicant must demonstrate possession of the required amount of funds.

Special document lists and exemptions apply to certain categories, including minors, refugees, and persons who previously held citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Documents issued in a foreign language must be translated into Kazakh or Russian, with the translation notarized.

Documents issued by foreign government authorities must be apostilled or legalized unless otherwise provided for by legislation or an international treaty.

Step 3. Submit the Documents

Applications for permanent residence authorization are accepted through branches of the State Corporation "Government for Citizens" at the applicant's place of residence.

Electronic procedures are available through the eGov.kz portal for certain categories, including foreign IT specialists. The availability of online applications should be verified in the description of the specific government service.

Step 4. Wait for the Result

The processing time for the government service of issuing permanent residence authorization is 45 calendar days.

The outcome is either the issuance of permanent residence authorization or a reasoned refusal.

Step 5. Register at Your Place of Residence

After receiving a positive decision, you must register at your place of permanent residence and obtain the relevant document: a foreign national's residence card or a stateless person's identity certificate.

Important! The availability of electronic information systems and digital application processing does not mean that all categories of applicants can complete the entire permanent residence authorization procedure remotely.