Kazakhstan is considering a major expansion of its permanent residence pathway for foreign specialists.
The government has proposed increasing the list of eligible professions from 51 to 174. If approved, more foreign workers could qualify for a simplified route to permanent residence.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population published the draft order on September 21. Public consultation is open until October 6.
Kazakhstan Targets More Skilled Professions
The proposal would amend Order No. 49, which was introduced in 2023. That order established the current list of professions considered important to Kazakhstan’s economy.
The ministry says the proposed expansion reflects labor needs in priority sectors. The additional professions reportedly include medicine, engineering, construction, technology, energy, transportation, agriculture and education.
However, the full proposed list has not been published on the regulatory portal.
Kazakhstan already includes several technology and medical occupations on its existing list. Software developers, cloud specialists, neurosurgeons and engineers are among the professions covered.
How the Permanent Residence Route Works
Kazakhstan introduced the professions-based pathway after Order No. 49 came into force.
A 2024 change to migration rules created a visa for foreign nationals working in in-demand professions. Eligible workers can then apply for permanent residence.
One major benefit is the financial requirement. Foreign specialists employed in listed professions do not have to prove financial solvency when applying for permanent residence.
The Interior Ministry describes the process as a simplified procedure. Applicants must obtain a petition from the government authority responsible for their professional sector.
That petition confirms details such as the applicant’s occupation, qualifications, diploma and professional experience.
However, the benefit comes with an employment condition. Kazakhstan can cancel a permanent residence permit obtained through this pathway if the holder does not work in the listed profession for 183 days during a 12-month period.
Limited Data on Potential Beneficiaries
The ministry has not provided an estimate of how many additional foreign specialists could qualify if the list expands.
There is also no publicly available consolidated figure showing how many permanent residence permits have been granted through the professions-based route since 2023.
According to figures reported by Tengrinews, about 241,000 foreign nationals held permanent residence in Kazakhstan as of March 1, 2026. That figure does not identify which immigration pathway each person used.
Meanwhile, foreign IT professionals have another option through the Digital Nomad Residency pilot.
Astana Hub reviews applications from overseas technology professionals. Successful applicants can then seek preliminary approval for a permanent residence permit.
By August 2026, 250 IT specialists had obtained permanent residence through the pilot, according to The Astana Times.
Kazakhstan Also Seeks International Tech Talent
The proposed expansion comes as Kazakhstan continues efforts to attract international technology professionals.
Network School opened a community in Astana on September 2. The membership-based project is designed for technology entrepreneurs and remote workers.
The project was founded in 2024 by Balaji Srinivasan, a former Coinbase chief technology officer. It previously operated in Johor, Malaysia.
In July, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development signed a five-year memorandum with Srinivasan concerning the establishment of a campus.
Kazakhstan has also introduced broader immigration changes aimed at attracting skilled workers and investment.
Altyn Visa Adds Another Immigration Route
A presidential decree issued in April 2026 provides another part of the government’s immigration framework.
The decree includes a qualified worker visa for specialists in professions considered in demand. It also establishes the Altyn Visa for eligible participants in the investment tax residency program of the Astana International Financial Centre.
The residence timelines vary by visa category. Qualified worker visa holders would generally qualify after six months, while certain IT specialists could qualify after one month.
The Altyn Visa also includes tax benefits for eligible holders and, in some cases, their family members.
Importantly, the Altyn Visa is separate from Kazakhstan’s existing investor visa. The two programs have different legal frameworks and eligibility requirements.
What Happens Next?
The proposed expansion has not yet taken effect. Therefore, the existing list of 51 professions remains in place for now.
If the government approves the draft, the list would grow to 174 professions. As a result, more foreign specialists could gain access to Kazakhstan’s simplified permanent residence pathway.
The public consultation remains open until October 6. The final list will depend on the version adopted after the consultation process.
