A Gateway to Central Asia: New Kazakhstan Golden Visa Program for 2025

Central Asia just raised the stakes in the golden visa game.

In May 2025, Kazakhstan officially launched a 10-year Golden Visa program in an ambitious move to position the country as a serious contender in the global investor migration space.

At a time when other international regions are rolling back their citizenship and residency options, Kazakhstan will now allow foreign nationals to secure long-term residency by investing US$300,000 in either the authorised capital of a Kazakh company or in approved local securities.

The upshot of Kazakhstan’s move is that the nation isn’t only offering a visa – it’s hoping to promote the golden visa as a gateway to strategic positioning in the region’s largest and most dynamic economy.

The program, announced on the government’s official site just days before its launch, is designed to attract international capital and fuel Kazakhstan’s transition beyond oil, with a strong push toward manufacturing and food production.

It marks the first time Kazakhstan has offered a decade-long residency option and expands on its existing five-year investor visa, signalling a shift in how the country courts international wealth.

The launch also puts Kazakhstan ahead of much of the region, following Uzbekistan’s similar – but shorter – US$250,000 Golden Visa, set to begin in June 2025.

With a stable political environment, a relatively reliable currency, and targeted growth sectors, Kazakhstan is betting that global investors will seize this opportunity to plant a long-term flag in Central Asia.

Golden visa holders will gain legal residency, the right to live and operate in the country for 10 years, and access to a frontier economy rapidly modernising its infrastructure and investment climate.

While citizenship isn’t on the table yet, this visa gives global entrepreneurs, asset protection planners and jurisdictional diversifiers a foothold in one of the region’s most investor-friendly jurisdictions.

Pros and Cons of Living in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s blend of modern infrastructure and traditional culture has both significant advantages and potential drawbacks.

The Pros:

• Considered a safe place to live, with low levels of violent crime, particularly in the capital, Astana.
• The economy is experiencing growth with opportunities in various sectors.
• Kazakhs are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it easier for expats to integrate.
• Major cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan offer modern infrastructure, supermarkets, international schools and cultural events.
• The cost of living is generally lower than in Western countries.

The Cons: 

• English is not widely spoken outside urban areas – learning Russian or Kazakh is best for navigating daily life.
• Navigating bureaucracy can be challenging and time-consuming.
• Kazakhstan faces criticism for restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
• While healthcare is improving, it may not be as advanced as in Western countries. 
• Finding employment can be challenging for some expats, particularly those without specialised skills. 

Why Invest in Kazakhstan’s Emerging Economy? 

While Kazakhstan isn’t on most people’s investment radar, overlooking it could be a costly mistake. 

Strategically positioned between Russia and China, and at the gateway between Asia and Europe, Kazakhstan is quietly reforming its economy while opening its doors to international capital.

Rich in natural resources, the country is a global heavyweight in mining and energy. The world’s largest uranium producer, it holds vast reserves of iron ore and manganese and is a major exporter of copper, lead, zinc and gold. 

Its substantial oil and gas reserves continue to anchor the economy, but there’s no denying Kazakhstan’s shift toward diversification.

Investing there is not just about natural resources. Kazakhstan is becoming one of the more compelling, and overlooked, frontier market opportunities, supported by:

• Government privatisation programs in transport and hydrocarbons 
• Special economic zones with tax incentives aimed at foreign investors
• Maturing capital markets and new banking regulatory frameworks
• The establishment of the Astana International Financial Centre
• Infrastructure benefits from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

For Western businesses looking to hedge against both Russia and China, Kazakhstan offers a neutral, increasingly transparent jurisdiction with growing openness to global business.

It may not be for the faint-hearted, but for those willing to enter this frontier market early, the upside could be significant.

The fact that it’s not a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) may also be a positive, as creeping global regulation threatens to dampen competition. 

A Guide to Expat Life in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty, set against the backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains, is the former capital and biggest city in Kazakhstan, with a population of over two million. 

The city was founded by the Russians in 1854 and is, therefore, relatively young compared to other Central Asian cities. 

For most of its history, Kazakh territories were inhabited by nomadic tribes.

In the mid-19th century, the Kazakh Khanate became part of the Russian Empire. 

Kazakhstan finally declared its independence on December 16, 1991. 

Kazakhstan’s growing economy is reflected in the city streets of Almaty, which are teeming with expensive European cars and lined with swanky international shops. Many major international companies have offices in Almaty. 

While the government suppresses political opposition, the nation is ethnically diverse and peaceful. 

Although Almaty suffers from occasional smog, its location in a valley, its countless green parks, and its extravagant fountains make it one of the most enchanting Soviet creations in Central Asia.

Most buildings in the city aren’t more than 100 years old due to destructive earthquakes that struck in 1887 and 1910. 

Numerous new residential complexes have also proven popular with expats. The city’s landmarks include the Otrar Hotel, the Arasan Baths, and the Cathedral in Panfilov Park. 

Day and night, the city offers a variety of entertainment options, from its excellent museums, theatres, shops and markets to some of Central Asia’s finest selections of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. 

With a fast-growing middle class, Almaty’s suburbs have expanded with affordable, high-quality real estate, 24-hour shops, Western-style cafes and restaurants and a thriving nightlife. 

Outside Almaty, the countryside offers various alternative activities and trips. Kazakhstan’s mountain ranges provide the ideal environment for trekking and horseback riding. 

Kazakhs are very hospitable, and with tourism still in its early stages, locals will often go out of their way to assist foreigners.

The Kazakhstan Golden Visa: FAQs

Kazakhstan Enters the Golden Visa Game

While it’s brand new, the Kazakhstan Golden Visa is definitely a very niche program for a specific type of investor.

That said, residency there brings certain advantages worth considering. 

Residents can benefit from relatively low income tax, no tax on foreign income, and, if you establish a company in one of its free zones, reduced or zero corporate tax. 

Its Central Asian location also stands out in the world of investor migration. Kazakhstan isn’t a typical golden visa destination, but it may be one of the more interesting plays for those seeking exposure to frontier markets.

At US$300,000, the price tag is higher than that of many Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs – where applicants receive a passport rather than just a residence permit. But in Kazakhstan’s case, the value lies in the potential of actively investing in a rising economy.

 Should citizenship become available in the future, Kazakhstan’s passport, though it doesn’t offer access to the US, EU, or Australia, will provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, and much of Latin America.

For now, the program offers only a 10-year residence permit and there may be better options out there. Still, while it may not be the strongest option on the market, for the right investor it’s a unique proposition with long-term potential.

Either way, if you’re exploring new residency or citizenship options, the time to act is now.

The Nomad Capitalist team has helped more than 1,500 successful entrepreneurs and investors diversify their assets, optimise their tax structures, and secure second citizenships—all through bespoke, legally compliant strategies.

Our experts in tax, offshore structuring, investment, and immigration work together to build a plan as individual as your ambitions. To find out how we can help, get in touch.