Kazakhstan: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Kazakh citizenship comes after 5 years of permanent residence (with a residence permit) or after 3 years of marriage to a citizen; kandas (ethnic Kazakhs) qualify through a simplified procedure with no waiting period. You need elementary Kazakh, knowledge of the Constitution and history, and you must give up your previous citizenship — dual citizenship is not allowed. Permanent residence itself is granted to foreigners mainly through the in-demand professions list or by marriage; since February 2026 (a pilot until the end of the year) it is preceded by a Kazakh language test, scoring and proof of funds. The permit is cancelled if you live in the country fewer than 183 days a year. We could not find the processing time for a citizenship application — it is an estimate.
- • 5 years of permanent residence
- • 3 years of marriage to a citizen
- • kandas — simplified procedure, no waiting period
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.5–1.5. Some points are not yet confirmed by sources — see the note above.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Almaty | KZT 458,000≈ €903 | KZT 1,140,000≈ €2,250 |
| Astana | KZT 519,000≈ €1,020 | KZT 1,210,000≈ €2,390 |
| Shymkent | KZT 382,000≈ €752 | KZT 835,000≈ €1,650 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety71
- Earning potential70
- Healthcare73
- Path to citizenship0
- Schools and education46
- Environment42
- Warm, sunny climate55
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Kazakhstan, and how long does it take?
5 years of permanent residence; 3 years of marriage to a citizen; kandas — simplified procedure, no waiting period. Processing takes 0.5–1.5 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Kazakhstan?
The main routes we cover: Temporary residence for work; Permanent residence through marriage to a citizen; Kandas status. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
Can I keep my citizenship in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan does not allow dual citizenship — a certificate that your previous citizenship has ended is required.
How much does it cost to live in Kazakhstan per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Almaty ≈ KZT 458,000 / KZT 1,140,000; Astana ≈ KZT 519,000 / KZT 1,210,000; Shymkent ≈ KZT 382,000 / KZT 835,000. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Kazakhstan?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Almaty KZT 220,000–KZT 330,000; Astana KZT 275,000–KZT 385,000; Shymkent KZT 155,000–KZT 198,000.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.