More than 90,000 foreigners have obtained Kazakhstani citizenship over the past four years. The process involves both state authorities and private companies that help applicants submit their documents more efficiently. Demand for these services has risen significantly since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Who has obtained Kazakhstani citizenship since the war began?
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, 93,306 people became citizens of Kazakhstan between 2021 and 2024:
- 2021 (pre-war): 24,120.
- 2022: 22,114 (including 1,499 Russians and 33 Ukrainians).
- 2023: 26,828 (including 3,577 Russians and 39 Ukrainians).
- 2024: 20,244 (including 2,148 Russians and 29 Ukrainians).
How to obtain Kazakhstani citizenship?
One key requirement that distinguishes Kazakhstan from some other countries is that applicants must renounce their previous citizenship to become citizens of Kazakhstan. There are two paths to citizenship: standard and facilitated.
The facilitated citizenship option is available to:
- Ethnic Kazakhs returning to Kazakhstan after living abroad (kandas).
- Foreigners married to Kazakhstani citizens.
- Citizens of the former USSR countries with relatives in Kazakhstan.
- Citizens of Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.
- Ethnic Kazakhs from abroad studying at Kazakh universities.
- Victims of political repression and their descendants.
- Children of Kazakhstani citizens.
All other applicants must follow the standard procedure, which requires submitting:
- A completed application form.
- An autobiography.
- Four passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
- A signed commitment to comply with Article 1 of the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- A copy of an identity card or passport confirming citizenship of another country (or a certificate of stateless status or a child’s birth certificate).
- Proof of payment of the state fee (approximately $7) or proof of exemption.
- A certificate from the applicant’s previous country confirming the absence or termination of prior citizenship (issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, consulate or embassy).
There are several reasons why an application for Kazakhstani citizenship may be denied, including:
- Holding citizenship of another country.
- Committing a crime against humanity.
- Advocating for the violation of Kazakhstan’s territorial integrity.
- Threatening national security or public health.
- Inciting hatred or obstructing the use of the Kazakh language.
- Being affiliated with extremist organizations or having a terrorism conviction.
- Being on an international wanted list or currently serving a court-ordered sentence.
- Providing false information during the application process.
- Failing to submit required documents on time without a valid reason.
- Having an unexpunged conviction for a deliberate crime.
- Committing an economic offense within five years before applying for citizenship.
- Repeatedly violating Kazakhstan’s migration laws within five years before applying.
- Other disqualifying factors listed on the official Gov.kz website.
Individuals can submit their documents directly to the migration service or seek assistance from private companies that guide clients through the citizenship process.
How much does it cost?
Kursiv.media contacted several companies that provide citizenship application support in Kazakhstan. One firm reported receiving a high volume of applications from both Russian and Ukrainian citizens. Their services include:
- Consultation: Approximately $30 (available online, but applications must be submitted in person).
- Document processing and legal support: Starts at approximately $480 per person.
The company’s representatives noted that many individuals who have obtained Kazakhstani citizenship later seek assistance for their relatives. However, the company does not provide any guarantees, as the final decision rests with Kazakhstan’s migration authorities, not with private firms.
Another company offers the same package of services but charges $3,000 per person. While it also does not guarantee citizenship approval, it promises a 100% refund if the services are not provided in full.
Is this legal?
With the growing demand for Kazakhstani citizenship, some companies have started taking advantage of foreigners’ trust. There are several warning signs to identify potential scams. For example, if a company guarantees a positive decision from the local migration office, it is likely a scam. Similarly, if a company claims you don’t need to renounce your current citizenship or submit all required documents, that’s another red flag.
Lawyer Maksim Mostovich explained that assisting with citizenship applications is a common and legal service, not only in Kazakhstan but also in many other countries.
«There’s nothing illegal about it, but some websites can be misleading. They might create the impression that you’re paying for and automatically receiving a passport,» he said.
In May 2024, media reports highlighted that Kazakhstan may soon introduce new requirements for citizenship applicants, including basic knowledge of the Kazakh language, history and the country’s constitution. The Ministry of Internal Affairs believes these requirements will help foreigners integrate more easily into local society. However, no official tests have been implemented yet.
