Emigration to Kazakhstan: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

Kazakhstan attracts foreigners with its developing economy and cultural diversity. Learn about the emigration procedure, visa types and requirements for obtaining a residence permit in this country

Legal advice on migration issues

GET

There are currently no official statistics on the number of emigrants to Kazakhstan for 2024, as data is usually published with a delay. However, according to the available data for previous years, Kazakhstan is a country that receives a significant number of immigrants from different countries. Kazakhstan officially accepts refugees, including Ukrainian citizens who were forced to flee their homes due to the war. Official information on migration to Kazakhstan is published on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MIA) and on the e-government portale Gov.kz in the sections on migration policy and services. Useful information can also be found on the websites of embassies and consulates of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Ukraine.

Visa to Kazakhstan: types and requirements

Citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa to Kazakhstan for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Kazakhstan offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of the visit. The main types include:

Tourist visa (category B12): For short-term visits for tourism purposes. Proof of tourist travel is usually required (voucher from a tour operator, hotel reservation).

Business visa (category B3): For business trips, participation in conferences, negotiations. An invitation from a Kazakh company is required.

Private visa (category B10): For visits to relatives or friends who are citizens of Kazakhstan or have a residence permit. An official invitation is required.

Employment visa (category M1): For employment in the territory of Kazakhstan. Requires a work permit.

Student visa (category C9): For studying in accredited educational institutions of Kazakhstan. An invitation from the educational institution is required.

Other visa categories:There are also other types of visas for specific purposes, such as medical treatment, transit, etc.

General requirements for a visa application

- A completed visa application form.

- Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after the expiry of the visa).

- Colour passport-size photograph.

- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip (invitation, voucher, certificate from an educational institution, etc.)

- Confirmation of sufficient funds to stay in the country.

- Return tickets (in some cases).

- Consular fee.

The exact list of documents and requirements may vary depending on the type of visa. It is recommended to check the latest information at the embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan in your country.

Visas for emigration to Kazakhstan

Employment visa to Kazakhstan

In order to obtain a work visa to Kazakhstan, a foreign national must have a work permit issued by the employer. The employer must obtain a quota for attracting foreign labour (if required by law) and submit a package of documents to the migration service. After obtaining a work permit, the employee can apply for a work visa. As a rule, a work visa is issued for the duration of the employment contract, but not for more than one year with the possibility of extension.

Student visa to Kazakhstan

A student visa is intended for foreign nationals who plan to study at accredited educational institutions in Kazakhstan. To obtain it, you must provide an official invitation from a Kazakh educational institution. The invitation is the main document confirming the purpose of the visit. You may also need documents confirming your enrolment, financial solvency and other documents required by the consulate. A student visa is usually issued for the period of study with the possibility of extension.

How to go to Kazakhstan: preparation stages

The process of preparing to travel to Kazakhstan includes several important steps:

First step: choose the type of visa

Determine the purpose of your trip (work, study, tourism, visiting relatives, etc.) and choose the appropriate type of visa. Check out the requirements for this type of visa on the website of the Kazakh embassy/consulate or the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

To choose the type that suits you, you should contact a qualified visa specialist. He or she will consider the situation in detail, recommend the best options and help you prepare a package of documents to ensure that the process is quick and successful.

Second step: submitting documents

Gather the necessary package of documents in accordance with the requirements of the chosen type of visa. Fill in the visa application form and submit it along with other documents to the Kazakh embassy or consulate in your country. Please note that you need to provide originals and copies of your documents.

Third step: passing biometric data

In some cases, in order to obtain a visa, you may be required to undergo a biometric data (fingerprint) procedure. Information about the need for this procedure will be provided to you at the embassy or consulate.

Step four: obtaining a visa

After your application is processed and approved, you will receive a visa in your passport. Make sure that all the information on the visa is correct.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How do I get a residence permit in Kazakhstan?

In order to obtain a residence permit in Kazakhstan, a foreign national must have legal grounds for staying in the country, for example:

- A work visa and a valid employment contract.

- Studying at an accredited educational institution.

- Marriage to a citizen of Kazakhstan.

- Having close relatives who are citizens of Kazakhstan.

- Other grounds stipulated by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit involves submitting an application and the required package of documents to the migration service at the place of your stay in Kazakhstan. The package of documents includes:

1. An application in the prescribed form.

2. A copy and an original passport with a visa (if required).

3. Documents confirming the grounds for obtaining a residence permit (employment contract, certificate from an educational institution, marriage certificate, documents confirming family ties, etc.)

4. Certificate of no criminal record (from the country of previous residence).

5. A medical certificate confirming that you do not have any diseases that pose a danger to others.

6. A document confirming the availability of housing in Kazakhstan.

7. Passport size photographs.

8. Receipt of payment of the state fee.

The exact list of documents may vary depending on your situation. It is recommended that you contact the migration service for up-to-date information.

Visit Ukraine specialists can help you at each stage of migration - get a consultation and make sure that your emigration to Kazakhstan will be successful!

In what cases can you be refused a residence permit in Kazakhstan?

You may be denied a residence permit in Kazakhstan in the following cases:

1. Submission of an incomplete package of documents or provision of false information.

2. Violation of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan during your previous stay in the country.

3. Having a criminal record for a serious or especially serious crime.

4. The presence of diseases that pose a danger to others (the list of diseases is determined by law).

5. Threat to the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

6. Lack of legal grounds for staying in the country at the time of application.

7. Other grounds provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In case of refusal to issue a residence permit, you have the right to appeal this decision in accordance with the procedure established by law.

Just to remind you. Earlier we told you how to get to Ukraine from Kazakhstan as quickly and comfortably as possible.

When travelling to Kazakhstan, you must take out health insurance, as your safety and health are the key to all successful projects around the world.

Photo: Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.