ASTANA - Kazakhstan plans to tighten requirements for foreign citizens applying for a residence permit: applicants will now need a minimum B1 level of proficiency in the state language, and applications will be assessed through an automated "digital scoring" system, Avesta.tj reports.
As a result of the new requirements, applicants must demonstrate:
- Language test: the minimum level has been raised from A1 to B1 (understanding basic texts, communicating on familiar topics)
- Digital scoring: starting February 13, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan will automatically assess the solvency and reliability of all applicants.
- Regional restrictions: Applications are accepted only in government-approved regions (parts of Akmola, Abay, East Kazakhstan, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, and Ulytau regions). Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent are not included in the list.
- Interview: A mandatory interview with local government authorities has been added.
The assessment criteria (second stage) remain the same: family composition, education, work experience, professional skills, health, and the presence of relatives in Kazakhstan. Priority remains given to in-demand specialists.
Official confirmation of changes to the residence permit rules has not yet been published. The first messages appeared in relocation chats: citizens of Russia and Ukraine complained of being rejected due to failing the language test. Details of the updated migration policy are expected on official government resources soon.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 20, 2026