New rules for obtaining temporary residence permits and permanent residence permits in Kazakhstan

On April 13, 2026, changes to the procedure for obtaining temporary residence permits (TRPs) took effect in Kazakhstan. The main change is the complete transition of the procedure to a digital format.

Applications for and renewals of temporary residence permits are now processed exclusively online via:

• portal eGov.kz
• platform migration.enbek.kz

To use this service, it is necessary to::

1. log in to your personal account (for legal entities—the company account);
2. submit an application for the issuance or renewal of a temporary residence permit;
3. upload the required documents (partially automatically).

Some data is now automatically retrieved from government systems.

When reviewing an application, government agencies verify:

• the completeness of the document package;
• border crossing data (the “Berkut” system);
• the presence of criminal records, warrants, and violations;
• whether the foreign national and family members have an IIN;
• the number of valid temporary residence permits held by the employer;
• the presence of applications for permanent residence;
• completion of fingerprinting.

Changes to Residence Permits: Digital Scoring and New Requirements

At the same time, Kazakhstan is introducing a new system for obtaining residence permits based on digital scoring.

Key changes:

• Automated assessment of financial solvency and reliability has been introduced;
• The requirement for knowledge of the Kazakh language has been raised to level B1 (previously A1);
• Education, work experience, health, family composition, and ties to Kazakhstan are taken into account.

During the pilot phase, applications for residence permits are only accepted in certain regions:

• Akmola
• Abai
• East Kazakhstan
• Kostanay
• Pavlodar
• North Kazakhstan
• Ulytau

Major cities (Almaty, Astana, Shymkent) are effectively excluded from the program.

The new procedure for obtaining a residence permit consists of 5 stages and takes about 30 days:

• Kazakh language proficiency test;
• completion of an application form;
• automated scoring (minimum 400 points);
• verification by government agencies;
• interview.

To apply for a residence permit, applicants must prove they have sufficient funds (at least 5.7 million tenge) and provide documents confirming their intention to leave their country of citizenship.

The reform aims to fully digitize migration processes, reduce processing times, and strengthen oversight. However, the new requirements, particularly for residence permits, make the procedure more complex and selective.