Kazakhstan Launches 'Altyn Visa' to Lure Investors and Skilled Workers
Kazakhstan is overhauling its migration policy to attract investors and skilled workers. The Ministry of Labor has announced a series of reforms, including a new 'Altyn Visa' and a unified digital platform for government services. These changes aim to streamline procedures and boost economic growth through targeted immigration.
The move follows a presidential decree to modernise migration rules and align them with the country’s labour market needs. A key feature of the reform is the introduction of the 'Altyn Visa', designed for strategic investors and in-demand professionals. Holders of this visa can later transition to long-term residency, gaining benefits similar to Kazakhstani citizenship after meeting employment or investment requirements.
Foreign nationals will now be classified into four groups: business migrants, highly skilled professionals, mid-level specialists, and domestic workers hired by individuals. Each category will have its own visa rules, based on qualifications, purpose of entry, and length of stay.
The Ministry of Labor also plans to simplify paperwork by launching a digital platform called QazETA. This system will adopt a 'one-stop shop' approach, reducing bureaucracy for migrants and employers. First Deputy Minister Yerbol Tuyakayev confirmed that these measures are part of broader efforts to update migration policies under the Head of State’s directive.
At a recent roundtable hosted by the Human Resources Development Center, officials focused on recruiting highly qualified specialists. Anna Alshanskaya, Head of Economic Policy Analysis at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, noted that migration is increasingly vital for the country’s economic and demographic stability. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has also backed Kazakhstan’s push to attract investors and skilled talent.
Last year, Kazakhstan welcomed over 16 million foreign visitors, with citizens from 87 countries enjoying visa-free entry. The new reforms aim to build on this openness while ensuring migration supports long-term development. The updated migration policy will introduce clearer visa categories and faster administrative processes. The 'Altyn Visa' and digital platform QazETA are expected to make Kazakhstan more attractive to investors and professionals. These changes reflect the government’s focus on linking migration to economic growth and labour market demands.
