In Kazakhstan, a B1 level of Kazakh language proficiency is required for a residence permit.

The procedure for granting residence permits in Kazakhstan is being changed. Applicants will now be required to know the Kazakh language at least at a B1 level.

 

According to DW, starting from April 13, some foreign citizens who have moved to the country, including citizens of Russia and Ukraine, as well as ethnic Kazakhs living abroad, have begun receiving rejections when applying for residence permits.

 

Reports have spread among relocants about the introduction of a mandatory language test and that many are unable to pass it. It is said that while previously an A1 level was required, the requirements have been tightened in practice.

 

Officially, these changes have not yet been fully announced. The Almaty migration service did not comment on the situation but stated that relevant consultations are currently underway in Astana.

 

According to sources, as part of the innovations in migration policy, the authority to issue residence permits has been transferred to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population.

 

Furthermore, starting from February 13, a "digital assessment" system has been introduced to evaluate applicants' solvency and reliability. This system is mandatory for all foreigners, and at the first stage, passing a Kazakh language test at the B1 level is required.

 

In addition, candidates' family composition, education level, work experience, professional skills, health, and whether they have relatives in Kazakhstan are examined. As before, priority will be given to specialists important for the country's economy.

 

According to the new procedure, applications will only be accepted in seven priority regions designated by the government. These include some districts of the Akmola region, Abay, East Kazakhstan, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan regions, and Ulytau. The million-plus cities — Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent — are not included in this list and are effectively closed for those obtaining residence permits.

 

Furthermore, applicants must undergo an interview with local executive bodies. Only those who successfully pass all stages of the assessment system will receive a notification granting the right to submit documents to the migration service.

 

Experts emphasize that the new rules apply equally to all foreign citizens — including representatives of Central Asian countries and Chinese citizens. The details of the new procedure are expected to be announced in official sources in the coming days.