Kazakhstan Launches Bold Visa Reforms to Lure Global Talent and Investors

Kazakhstan is rolling out new measures to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals. A recent roundtable at the Human Resources Development Center focused on recruiting highly qualified specialists. The government’s plans include a special visa programme and streamlined administrative processes to boost economic and demographic stability. The Ministry of Labor has proposed a new visa system dividing foreign nationals into four groups: business migrants, highly skilled professionals, mid-level specialists, and labour immigrants. Each category will have tailored entry requirements to meet the country’s economic needs.

A key part of the plan is the 'Altyn Visa', designed to attract strategic investors and in-demand professionals. Holders of this visa can later transition to long-term residency, effectively gaining rights similar to Kazakhstani citizenship after a period of employment or investment.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has backed Kazakhstan’s approach, highlighting its strong foundational advantages. The country already offers visa-free entry to citizens of 87 nations and recorded over 16 million foreign visitors last year.

To simplify procedures, the ministry will launch a unified digital platform called QazETA and introduce a 'one-stop shop' principle for government services. These changes align with the Head of State’s decree to modernise migration policy, aiming to balance demographic challenges by leveraging migration as a tool for growth. The reforms seek to position Kazakhstan as a bridge between regions facing ageing populations and those with high youth unemployment. By attracting skilled workers and investors, the government hopes to strengthen economic stability and demographic resilience. The new visa and digital systems are expected to make the process smoother for incoming professionals and businesses.