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Kazakhstan Citizenship: How to Get It and What to Know First
We check which procedure you can apply under, explain what happens to your current passport and prepare the documents for the migration service.
There are three routes to Kazakhstan citizenship. The general procedure is for foreigners who have lived in the country legally and permanently for at least five years, or have been married to a Kazakh citizen for at least three years. The simplified procedure is for kandas (ethnic Kazakhs returning to the country) and certain categories, including citizens of Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan covered by an international agreement. Restoration is for former citizens of Kazakhstan. Your route determines the timing, the document set and whether you first need to live in the country for several years.
The most important thing to know before you apply: Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship. When you become a Kazakh citizen, you must give up your previous citizenship. We explain in advance how this will affect your passport, property and family, and only then start on the file. Under the general procedure the decision is made by the President of Kazakhstan; under the simplified procedure citizenship is processed by the internal affairs authorities. The decision rests with the state.
Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship: you must give up your current citizenship when you become a Kazakh citizen.
Who it is for
- Foreigners who have lived in Kazakhstan on a permanent residence permit for at least five years
- Kandas, ethnic Kazakhs returning to Kazakhstan
- Citizens of Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan who may qualify for the simplified procedure
- Former Kazakh citizens who want to restore their citizenship
- Families in which one spouse is already a Kazakh citizen
Requirements
- A basis: the general procedure after the required period on a residence permit, the simplified procedure, or restoration
- Readiness to give up your current citizenship: Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship
- For the general procedure: at least five years of legal permanent residence or three years of marriage to a Kazakh citizen
- For the general procedure: basic knowledge of the Kazakh language, the fundamentals of the Constitution and the history of Kazakhstan; this does not apply to applicants under the simplified procedure based on an international agreement
- Criminal record certificate and family documents
- Apostilles and translations for documents issued abroad, where required
What we do
- Look at how long and on what basis you have lived in Kazakhstan and choose the procedure: general or simplified
- Explain the consequences of giving up your current citizenship
- Draw up a document list for your case
- Prepare the application, certificates, apostilles and translations
- File the package with the migration service and prepare answers to its requests
- Help with your Kazakh citizen documents after the decision
Key documents
- Application for citizenship
- Passport and the document confirming your right to reside in Kazakhstan
- Criminal record certificate
- Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates
- Documents confirming your basis for the simplified procedure or your former Kazakh citizenship
- Photo
How it works
- Assessmentwe check your status, the periods and the right procedure
- Consequenceswhat happens to your current passport and what to do in your country of citizenship
- Documentsapplication, certificates, translations, family and residence documents
- Filingwe submit the package to the migration service and answer its requests
- Decision and passportafter the decision, you receive your Kazakh citizen documents
Timeline
By law, an application is reviewed within six months, or within three months under the simplified procedure; the actual time depends on how complete the file is.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- A Kazakh citizen who holds a second citizenship may lose Kazakh citizenship and face liability
- For the general procedure, a continuous period on the residence permit matters: breaks and violations can push back your filing date
- The simplified procedure under the agreement with Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan does not cover all citizens of those countries
- Mistakes in the file prolong the review, and certificates may have to be collected all over again
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is on request. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
How do I get Kazakhstan citizenship?
Under the general procedure, after five years of legal permanent residence or three years of marriage to a Kazakh citizen. Kandas and certain categories apply under the simplified procedure, and former citizens apply for restoration. The migration service accepts the documents. Under the general procedure the President decides; the simplified procedure is processed by the internal affairs authorities.
Can I keep my current citizenship?
No. Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship. When you are admitted to Kazakh citizenship, you must give up your previous citizenship in the established manner, and a Kazakh citizen holding a second passport may lose Kazakh citizenship. We explain the steps in Kazakhstan and in your country of citizenship in advance, before you apply.
Who qualifies for the simplified procedure?
Kandas and certain categories. Under a 1999 agreement between Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, citizens of those countries moving to Kazakhstan permanently qualify if they were citizens of the Kazakh SSR and the USSR and were born or lived here before December 21, 1991, or if a close relative with Kazakh citizenship lives here permanently. Length of residence does not matter. Otherwise, the general procedure applies.
How long does the review of a citizenship application take?
By law, no more than six months, and no more than three months under the simplified procedure, from the date of filing. The actual time depends on how complete the documents are, so we aim to get the package right the first time. Nobody can promise a specific decision date.
Who decides on Kazakhstan citizenship?
Under the general procedure and for restoration, the President of Kazakhstan, by decree. Under the simplified procedure, citizenship is processed by the internal affairs authorities. The migration service accepts and checks the documents and may request more information. We are responsible for a correct file and for following the procedure; the outcome is the state's decision.
Can I restore Kazakh citizenship?
Yes, there is a separate restoration procedure for former citizens of Kazakhstan. You need to confirm your former citizenship, explain how and when it ended, and put together a package that meets the migration service's requirements. We will check the document set against your history.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Related programs
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
