Kazakhstan Golden Visa, an investor visa introduced in May 2025, grants a 10-year residency permit to foreign nationals investing at least $300,000 USD in the charter capital of Kazakh companies or publicly traded securities.
Designed for high-net-worth investors, the program offers long-term settlement without the need for sponsorship or employment ties.
It is part of Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to establish itself as a trusted business hub with legal safeguards and streamlined investment procedures.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Who qualifies for the golden visa?
- What are the visa requirements for Kazakhstan?
- What is the benefit of visa in Kazakhstan?
- What are the disadvantages of Golden Visa?
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What Is the Golden Visa Program in Kazakhstan?
The Kazakhstan Golden Visa, formally designated as the A6 visa, is a residency-by-investment program that grants permanent residency to foreign nationals who make a substantial financial contribution to the country.
With a minimum threshold of $300,000, it targets high-net-worth individuals looking for long-term residence rights in a stable, resource-rich Central Asian economy.
The program was introduced as part of Kazakhstan’s broader effort to diversify its economy and attract global capital beyond the oil and gas sector.
In recent years, the government has implemented reforms to improve its investment climate, modernize its legal framework, and position Kazakhstan as a regional hub for finance, logistics, and innovation.
The Kazakhstan Golden Visa complements these efforts by providing a residency pathway to individuals whose economic presence is considered beneficial to national development.
Who’s Eligible for a Golden Visa?
Eligible applicants include:
- High-net-worth individuals who can invest with the minimum requirement in approved Kazakhstani businesses or securities.
- Foreign investors looking to establish or expand operations in sectors such as energy, agriculture, renewable energy, and information technology.
- Startup founders and entrepreneurs whose ventures show high growth potential or technological value. Some may qualify under alternative innovation-based criteria if endorsed by a government-recognized incubator or accelerator.
In all cases, applicants must have a clean criminal record, prove the lawful origin of their funds, and maintain the qualifying investment for a set minimum period to retain their residency rights.
Spouses and dependent children can typically be included in the application.
Kazakhstan Golden Visa Investment Requirements
The investment must be directed into a Kazakh-registered company’s charter capital or local securities, such as those listed on the Astana International Exchange.
Acceptable Investment Types:
- Business equity: Direct contribution to the charter capital of a Kazakh-registered company (equity investment).
- Public securities: Investment in publicly traded Kazakhstani securities, such as stocks or bonds listed on local exchanges like the Astana International Exchange.
- Strategic national projects: Investments in sectors prioritized by the government—such as green energy, infrastructure, agriculture, or technology—especially when these are channeled through eligible business or financial instruments.
- Holding Period and Compliance: Investment must be maintained for the entire validity of the visa, which is up to 10 years for the standard investor visa
- For the AIFC programme, investments must remain in place for the full 5-year tax residency period; early exit or non‑compliance leads to cancellation of residency and visa status
What Does a Golden Visa Get You?
The Kazakhstan Golden Visa provides a stable foundation for long-term settlement, business activity, and eventual citizenship for qualifying investors and their families.
Path to Permanent Residency or Eventual Citizenship:
While the Kazakhstan Golden Visa provides immediate or fast-tracked permanent residency, it can also lead to citizenship after several years of lawful residence, subject to language, integration, and residency requirements.
Unlike other visa categories, Kazakhstan Golden Visa holders may benefit from faster or more streamlined naturalization pathways.
Family Reunification or Dependent Visa Inclusion:
The program typically allows applicants to include spouses and dependent children under the same investment application.
Family members are granted similar residency rights, including access to education and healthcare.
Business Operation and Tax Incentives (if applicable):
Investors may also enjoy preferential tax treatment depending on the investment type and the location of their business (e.g., within special economic zones).
What Are the Disadvantages of a Golden Visa?
- Currency and Political Risk in Kazakhstan:
The Kazakhstani tenge has experienced significant volatility in recent years, which can erode the real value of investments. Additionally, while Kazakhstan is politically stable compared to some regional neighbors, it remains a centralized system where sudden policy shifts or regulatory changes are possible. - Lack of EU or Schengen Access:
Unlike Golden Visas in EU countries such as Portugal or Greece, the Kazakhstan program does not provide visa-free travel or residence rights in Europe. Residency is limited to Kazakhstan, and investors looking for global mobility benefits will need to explore additional citizenship or visa options. - Monitoring or Policy Changes That Could Affect Visa Status:
As with any government-led residency program, there is a risk that policy revisions could alter investment requirements, tighten eligibility, or impact renewal terms. Investors must stay informed and comply with any new rules to avoid jeopardizing their residency status.
What Is the Difference Between Golden Visa and Regular Visa?
- Golden Visa vs. Tourist or Work Visa:
- Tourist Visas are intended for short visits and are strictly limited in duration. They do not allow holders to live, work, or engage in income-generating activities within Kazakhstan.
- Work Visas are tied to employment contracts and require sponsorship from a locally registered employer. Residence is conditional upon continued employment, and renewals are subject to labor quotas and sector-specific regulations.
- The Golden Visa is distinct in that it provides a long-stay residence option without employment or local sponsorship. While initially granted as a renewable long-term visa, it may lead to permanent residency following sustained investment and compliance.
- Golden Visa vs. Investor Visa:
- Investor Visa (A5)
Issued to individuals serving as heads, deputy heads, or senior executives in legal entities operating investment activities in Kazakhstan, including those participating in the AIFC tax residency program. It offers:- A single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days.
- A multiple-entry version valid for up to 5 years, which is extendable for an additional 3 years if the business remains compliant and active.
- Investor Visa (A5)
- Residency Benefits and Long-Term Settlement:
Golden Visa holders enjoy more secure residency status, eligibility for eventual citizenship, and the ability to sponsor family members.
What Is the Minimum Amount for Investor Visa?
There is no officially mandated minimum investment amount for Kazakhstan’s standard A5 investor visa.
Eligibility is determined based on the applicant’s role (e.g., head or deputy head of an entity engaged in investment activity), the viability of the business, and its contribution to the local economy; not a fixed financial threshold.
Investment Proof Requirements:
For both A5 and A6 visas, applicants must provide clear documentation showing:
- The source and legality of their funds
- Ownership or partnership in a Kazakh-registered company
- Business plans, financial forecasts, or property titles (depending on the investment type)
Authorities may also require bank statements, tax clearance, and documentation of active business operations, especially for renewals or visa upgrades.
What Is the Investment Policy of Kazakhstan?
- Government Stance on FDI and Foreign Ownership:
The Kazakh government actively promotes foreign direct investment (FDI) as a key driver of national development. Foreign investors are allowed full ownership in most sectors, with no requirement for local partners in non-restricted industries. Several policy incentives, such as tax exemptions and simplified customs procedures, are designed to attract strategic investment, especially in underdeveloped regions. - Strategic Sectors for Foreign Investment:
Kazakhstan’s investment priorities are closely tied to its natural resources and industrial modernization agenda. Key sectors include:- Energy and renewables
- Mining and metallurgy
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Infrastructure and logistics
- Legal Protections for Foreign Investors:
Kazakhstan offers legal guarantees to foreign investors, including protection from unlawful expropriation, the right to repatriate profits, and access to international arbitration for dispute resolution. The country is a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and has bilateral investment treaties with dozens of countries, reinforcing its commitment to investor protection and rule of law.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan Golden Visa program offers a promising residency pathway for high-net-worth individuals seeking a strategic foothold in Central Asia.
With a relatively low investment threshold compared to other global programs, it provides permanent residency, access to local business opportunities, and potential long-term tax and lifestyle advantages.
For those who prioritize frontier market exposure, regional influence, and diversification, Kazakhstan presents a compelling, if unconventional, option.
But due diligence, professional guidance, and an understanding of local conditions remain essential for success.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
