Kazakhstan has announced an “Altyn Visa” (Golden Visa) as part of a wider immigration reform intended to attract investors, skilled professionals and international talent. The government says the new framework includes tax incentives and digital services, with full implementation of the reforms planned by the end of 2026.
Key Highlights
- President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree establishing a new migration policy framework.
- The announced Altyn Visa is aimed at attracting investors and skilled professionals.
- The framework provides for exemptions from individual income, property and land taxes for eligible beneficiaries and their families.
- A unified QazETA platform is planned to enable remote immigration applications.
- The government says it will complete implementation of the reforms by the end of 2026.
- AIFC tax-residency rules are set to reduce the minimum stay requirement from 90 days to 30 days.
Kazakhstan Announces Altyn Golden Visa
The visa is part of a broad migration policy shift designed to draw investment and skilled talent to Kazakhstan. The government’s announcement says visa categories will include business visas for investors and company board members, skilled-worker visas for groups such as scientists and medical professionals, and temporary worker visas for people on specific investment projects.
Information technology specialists are among the groups targeted by the reforms, with the government announcement describing a faster processing route of about one month. The details and eligibility requirements will depend on the implementing rules.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the decree, which the government says entered into force on the date of signing. Officials have been instructed to complete implementation of the changes by the end of 2026, according to the Kazakhstan government’s announcement of the Altyn Visa and migration reforms.
Announced Tax Benefits for Eligible Holders
The policy framework provides for eligible Altyn Visa beneficiaries and their family members to receive exemptions from individual income tax, property tax and land tax. The announced changes also include an exemption from the general income declaration requirement that applies to ordinary residents.
The measures are part of a reform programme still being implemented. The government’s stated target is to complete the rollout by the end of 2026, so the announcement should not be read as confirmation that every benefit is already available to all foreign residents.
QazETA and Digital Resident Services
Kazakhstan plans to introduce QazETA, a unified digital platform through which foreign nationals will be able to submit immigration applications remotely. The platform is expected to include an electronic residency module, while a separate e-Residency Invest initiative is intended to connect digital residents with investment opportunities through partner banks.
Electronic residency is a digital-services pathway and is distinct from a visa or tax-resident status. The planned digital services are intended to make it easier for eligible foreign nationals to access business and government services.
Tax Residency Requirement at AIFC
The reforms also provide for the minimum stay requirement to obtain tax residency at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to be reduced from 90 days to 30 days. The change is intended to make the financial centre more accessible to mobile investors and business professionals.
English-language service zones are also planned in Astana and Almaty, covering essential services such as hospitals, schools, police stations, public service centres and utilities. Almaty is also planning an artificial intelligence hub to support AI projects and technology businesses.
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Kazakhstan Seeks Global Investment
With the Altyn Visa, tax incentives and planned digital immigration services, Kazakhstan is seeking to position itself as a regional destination for international capital, skilled workers and technology companies. The impact of the reforms will depend on the rules and services put in place as implementation proceeds.
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