Since the beginning of 2026, 13,989 so-called temporary residence permits (TRPs) have been issued to Russians in Kazakhstan. This is a small number, even considering that it is only the beginning of the year. In 2022, the first year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 138,259 TRPs were issued. In 2025, 69,894 TRPs were issued, indicating that over the past four years, the number of TRPs has almost halved.
This trend could indicate several things. First, Russian residents may be physically leaving Kazakhstan. Second, they may be moving to the «next level» by obtaining a permanent residence permit (PRP). The difference between these two types of documents is that a TRP is issued for only one year and is tied to the duration of an employment contract. A PRP is issued for five years and is not linked to official employment. Third, Russians may be facing TRP denials.
Obtaining PRP is becoming harder
Given the tightening of the PRP issuance process, as many Russians have reported on social media, it can be assumed that the Kazakh authorities believe there are too many applicants. As a barrier, the country changed the required level of Kazakh proficiency for PRP issuance without prior notice. In February, the required level was A1, and in April, it was raised to B2. Soon after, it became known that administrative fines, including traffic violations, could also be grounds for PRP denial.
On social media, Russians say that authorities send the same standard letter when denying PRP applications, which does not clearly explain the reason for rejection. However, some applicants have been told about quotas: reportedly, the limit in Astana and Almaty has been exceeded, so they are required to apply in other cities.
