Kazakhstan citizenship

Are expats eligible?

Kazakhstan citizenship

Foreigners do have the right to become citizens of Kazakhstan, and there no great barriers to doing so. Family ties and spending a significant amount of time as a resident are the two major routes available.

Becoming a citizen through family

If an ancestor of yours permanently lived in Kazakhstan before 1 March, 1992 and had not renounced their citizenship by March 5 1995, you can apply for citizenship through this line.

You can also obtain citizenship if you have a close relative who is a citizen of Kazakhstan, even if you or they are not currently a resident of the country. A close relative is defined as a father, mother, sibling, spouse, child or grandparent.  

Children

Children born to Kazakh parents are recognised as citizens regardless of their place of birth. If only one parent is Kazakh, the child is granted citizenship if they were born in Kazakhstan or one his parents permanently lives in the country. In the latter case, written consent by the parents is required to determine the child’s citizenship.

Children who live in Kazakhstan but whose parents are unknown is deemed a citizen.  

Marriage and residence

If you have lived in Kazakhstan for at least 3 years and marry a Kazakh citizen you are eligible for citizenship.

Expats living in the country for 5 years or more as a permanent resident are also eligible.

Grounds for rejection

Even if you meet the one of the above criteria, your application for citizenship may be denied for any of the following reasons:

  • You are a citizen of another country, as Kazakhstan does not allow dual citizenship, except for cases involving countries belonging to the former Soviet Union.
  • You have been convicted of terrorist activities, committed a crime against humanity, or harmed national security through illegal activities.

How to apply

You must apply to your nearest embassy, and your application must include a letter of motivation addressed to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Other documentation to be included is:

  • Application form (available at nearest embassy)
  • 4 passport sized photos
  • Criminal record check
  • Passport or birth certificate (both is ideal)
  • Document certifying that you renounce your pre-existing citizenship
  • Proof of relation to Kazakhstan citizen (unless applying on grounds of permanent residency) or notarised copy of marriage certificate to Kazakh citizen
  • Acceptance of Article 1 of ‘The law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan’

Further reading

Does this article help?

Do you have any comments, updates or questions on this topic? Ask them here: