Obtaining Permanent Residence (PRP) in Kazakhstan Through In-Demand Occupations

In 2026, significant changes were introduced to the procedure for obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in Kazakhstan. The process is no longer a single unified procedure. There are now several different pathways, namely:

1. Standard PRP application. This requires knowledge of the Kazakh language, passing the criteria-based assessment system, submitting the application only in regions with a labor shortage, residing in the respective region for at least one year before obtaining PRP and for no less than five years after obtaining PRP, proof of financial solvency for five years, and other requirements.
2. Digital Nomad Residency for IT professionals. This project is implemented through the Astana Hub platform.
3. PRP through in-demand occupations.

In this article, we will discuss the third option—obtaining a PRP through an in-demand occupation.

Key Features of PRP Through In-Demand Occupations:

• A petition from the relevant sectoral ministry confirming that the occupation is included in the list of in-demand occupations and confirming the applicant’s qualifications is required.
• A valid employment contract with a legal entity registered in the Republic of Kazakhstan is required.
• The foreign national must work in the occupation previously confirmed by the relevant sectoral ministry.
• The PRP may be revoked if, within a period of 12 months, the applicant does not work in the specified occupation for a total of 183 calendar days.
• Proof of financial solvency is not required.
• Passing the KAZTEST is not required.
• Passing the criteria-based assessment system is not required.
• There are no regional restrictions; the application may be submitted in any region of Kazakhstan.
• A departure registration document issued by the country of citizenship is required.
• A B9 or B9-1 visa must be obtained.

Processing time: the procedure takes approximately 3–4 months on average.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Stage 1. Qualification Assessment. Assessment of the foreign national’s qualifications in accordance with the Qualification Handbook. Diplomas, certificates, and employment history will be required.

Stage 2. Application to the Authorized Government Authority. Application to the authorized government authority to obtain the required petition. At this stage, a qualification assessment commission may be established. The procedure may take 1–1.5 months.

Stage 3. Document Collection. Once the qualification confirmation has been obtained, the foreign national may begin collecting the documents required for submission to the migration authorities.

Stage 4. Migration Authorities. Submission of documents to the migration service (personal attendance required). Application processing period: up to 45 calendar days. The initial verification is carried out by the migration authorities. After that, the application is submitted to the Public Service Center (PSC). Once registration at the PSC is completed, the applicant must return to the migration authorities to obtain the registration slip. At this stage, the procedure is more complex. Many questions may arise regarding the petition issued by the government authority, qualification confirmation, place of employment, and other matters.

Stage 5. Public Service Center (PSC) / Government for Citizens (Personal Attendance Required)

• Receiving the migration service conclusion.
• Issuance of the ID card.
• At this stage, the following will be required:
  – presence of the property owner;
  – repeated fingerprinting;
  – photograph;
  – payment of the state fee (and expedited processing fee, if applicable).

List of Required Documents

1. Copies of educational documents (diplomas, certificates, training certificates).
2. Resume (CV).
3. Letters of recommendation and employment contracts.
4. Copy of the passport information page.
5. Applicant’s Electronic Digital Signature (EDS) keys.
6. Individual Identification Number (IIN).
7. Criminal record certificate with an apostille.
8. Medical certificate No. 028.
9. Residential lease agreement or notarized consent from the property owner.
10. Application form with photograph.
11. Payment of the state fee.
12. Departure registration document or certificate of registration.
13. Fingerprinting certificate.
14. Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or B8 visa.
15. Original passport.
16. Ministry conclusion.
17. Power of attorney from the property owner.
18. Migration authority conclusion.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

– Can family members obtain PRP as accompanying family members?

No. Family members cannot obtain PRP as accompanying family members. However, they may obtain a C2 visa or a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for family reunification.

– What is the validity period of a C2 visa / TRP?

If the PRP is issued for 10 years, or for the validity period of the passport if it is shorter, the C2 visa/TRP is issued for 12 months. It may be renewed annually without limitation.

– What are the main challenges when obtaining PRP through an in-demand occupation?

One of the main issues is compliance with the list of in-demand occupations. As of 2026, the list includes 51 occupations. The list is expected to expand to 150 occupations. The second key requirement is mandatory employment in the approved occupation. Otherwise, the PRP will be revoked. In our practice, there have been cases where, after PRP issuance, government officials conducted inspections to verify whether foreign nationals were actually employed in the approved occupation.

– What are the advantages of obtaining PRP?

1. You are exempt from most immigration procedures (notifications, visa applications, TRP, etc.).
2. You may establish a company in your own name.
3. You may purchase vehicles and real estate in your own name.
4. You may apply for a mortgage for the duration of your PRP.
5. You have the right to work for any organization in the Republic of Kazakhstan without obtaining additional work permits.
6. Your family members may obtain a TRP or a visa under the family reunification program.

– What obligations do foreign nationals have?

1. If you change your residential address, you must notify the Migration Service Department and then update your registration address through the Public Service Center (PSC). Lack of registration or residing at an address other than the registered one may serve as grounds for revocation of the PRP.
2. You must stay in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan for at least 183 days during each calendar year. Otherwise, the PRP may be revoked (except in certain cases предусмотренных законодательством).
3. You are also required to work in your approved occupation for the same period.
4. Within 60 calendar days, you must replace your driver’s license with a Kazakhstani driver’s license. According to paragraph 19 of Article 73 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Road Traffic,” after obtaining PRP, the use of a foreign or international driver’s license is not permitted. The replacement is carried out at the Public Service Center (NJSC “Government for Citizens”).

Additional Important Information

• Renewal of the PRP must be initiated no later than 30 calendar days before the expiration date of the permit.
• When replacing your passport, the PRP itself does not need to be replaced. However, your passport details, including your Individual Identification Number (IIN), must be updated in accordance with the established procedure.