Kazakhstan plans to simplify the process of attracting highly qualified foreign specialists

Kazakhstan is planning a large-scale update of its migration legislation aimed at attracting highly qualified foreign specialists, investors, and entrepreneurs. These measures are being implemented within the framework of a decree by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and initiatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population.

The draft law provides for the introduction of new labor migration mechanisms, taking into account the real needs of the labor market. A key innovation will be the creation of a list of priority professions, approved by the Government, that are in demand in Kazakhstan’s economy. It is expected to include specialists in information technology, healthcare, education, culture, energy, the nuclear industry, biotechnology, genomic medicine, water resources, and other sectors exeriencing workforce shortages.

The draft law is also aimed at creating more transparent and clear conditions for attracting foreign specialists upon employer invitation. In particular, it envisages the further development of the “Altyn Visa” program. Foreign specialists will be able to apply for long-term resident status (Resident ID) after a set period of employment in Kazakhstan.

It is expected that long-term resident status will provide foreign specialists with a range of benefits, including access to tax incentives, financial services, healthcare and education systems, as well as the ability to work without quota restrictions.

According to the drafters, these measures are intended not only to address labor shortages but also to promote knowledge and skills transfer to Kazakhstani professionals, increase labor productivity, and accelerate the country’s technological development. In the long term, Kazakhstan aims to strengthen its position as a regional hub for attracting skilled professionals and high-tech projects. At present, the draft law is undergoing interagency coordination.

Practical implications for employers

• The proposed changes may significantly affect companies’ approaches to hiring foreign labor and international recruitment. In particular:
• procedures for hiring foreign specialists in priority professions are expected to be simplified;
• companies in the IT, energy, healthcare, education, and technology sectors may gain additional opportunities for international recruitment;
• the importance of properly structuring migration and employment relationships with foreign specialists will increase;
• the expansion of the “Altyn Visa” program may enhance Kazakhstan’s attractiveness for the relocation of foreign employees and senior executives;
• potential exemption of certain categories of specialists from quota restrictions could reduce the administrative burden on employers.

Recommendations

In light of the expected changes, employers are advised to:

• assess the company’s need for hiring foreign specialists in shortage occupations;
• monitor updates to the list of priority professions;
• proactively establish internal migration and HR compliance procedures;
• review existing employment and migration processes for compliance with Kazakhstani legislation;
• take into account the potential benefits of long-term resident status when planning employee relocation.

How our team can help

We can:

• support the hiring of foreign specialists and assist with obtaining all necessary work and migration permits;
• advise on migration status, quota regulations, and labor law requirements;
• assist with the relocation of foreign employees and executives to Kazakhstan;
• conduct audits of HR and migration compliance processes;
• provide legal advice on structuring international recruitment and corporate presence in Kazakhstan;
• support interactions with government authorities on migration and employment matters.