Kazakhstan reforms migration policy for investors sector

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Kazakhstan is transitioning to a new model of migration policy aimed at attracting investors, qualified professionals and talent, according to a presidential decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazinform reports.

The document outlines a large-scale digital transformation of the migration system and a shift away from the previous quota- and permit-based approach toward a more incentive-driven framework. The main objective of the reform is to position 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 revised with a unified structure and new categories introduced. These include a business visa for investors and board members, a skilled worker visa for professionals in science, medicine and culture as well as graduates of leading universities, and a temporary worker visa for participants in investment projects.

Special attention is given to the “Altyn Visa,” designed for investors and in-demand specialists. For IT professionals, the processing time for this visa may be reduced to around one month.

Holders of the Altyn Visa will receive expanded access to public services at a level comparable to citizens. The package also includes tax incentives such as exemptions from personal income tax, property tax and land tax.

Residents will be exempt from universal income declaration requirements and will receive a digital resident ID for access to state and financial services. The reform also introduces automatic recognition of diplomas from leading foreign universities without the need for nostrification.

Digitalization is a key component of the reform. A unified platform called QazETA will be created for foreign nationals, featuring an e-Residency module and enabling remote applications under a one-stop-shop principle.

An e-Residency Invest program will also be launched, allowing electronic residents to invest in projects in Kazakhstan and through the Astana International Financial Centre with the participation of partner banks.

The reform additionally provides for the creation of English-language service zones in Astana and Almaty covering government and social services, including healthcare, education, police and utilities. In Almaty, an Almaty AI Hub is planned to support the development of artificial intelligence projects.

The Astana International Financial Centre is also affected by the changes, with the minimum stay requirement for tax residency reduced from 90 to 30 days. This is expected to increase the jurisdiction’s attractiveness for foreign investors.

The National Bank and relevant agencies have been tasked with creating a favorable financial regime for new residents, including special payment solutions within a regulatory sandbox framework.

The decree comes into force on the day of signing. It is also noted that investment in fixed capital in Kazakhstan increased in the first quarter of 2026.