Kazakhstan Citizenship: A Full Guide to Obtaining in 2026

General Provisions on Kazakhstan Citizenship

Kazakhstan citizenship is regulated by the Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan.” Citizenship can be acquired through several main avenues, including birth, naturalization, and simplified procedures. It is important to note that Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship, except in cases provided for by international treaties. When applying for citizenship, it is generally required to provide a notarized statement of renunciation of previous citizenship. For those interested in other global opportunities, explore UK Residency: How to Get It.

Grounds for Obtaining Kazakhstan Citizenship

According to the law, Kazakhstan citizenship can be acquired on the following grounds:

• By birth;
• As a result of naturalization into the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• On grounds or in the manner provided for by interstate treaties of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• On other grounds provided for by law.

Naturalization in the General Procedure

Foreigners who do not qualify for the simplified procedure can apply for naturalization under the general procedure. This requires continuous residence in the Republic of Kazakhstan for at least five years. This period must be uninterrupted at the time of application. The application for Kazakhstan citizenship is submitted to the territorial units of the migration service at the place of permanent residence, addressed to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stating the reasons for seeking citizenship.

Obtaining Citizenship by Marriage

For individuals married to a citizen of Kazakhstan, a simplified procedure is available. It requires living in marriage for at least 3 years in Kazakhstan. Foreign women married to a citizen of Kazakhstan and permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan on legal grounds can also use the simplified procedure, regardless of their period of residence, to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship by marriage.

Kazakhstan Citizenship by Birth

A person born on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan acquires citizenship by birth if, at the time of their birth, at least one parent was a citizen of Kazakhstan. Citizenship by birth can also be granted if the child is born on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and their parents are stateless persons or their citizenship is not established.

Simplified Procedure for Obtaining Kazakhstan Citizenship

The simplified (registration) procedure for obtaining Kazakhstan citizenship is available for certain categories of persons and is carried out in accordance with concluded international agreements. This path significantly reduces the processing time for applications, usually not exceeding three months.

Kazakhstan Citizenship for Russians and Citizens of Other EAEU Countries

For citizens of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, and the Kyrgyz Republic, a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship is in effect, based on the Agreement of February 26, 1999. This procedure applies to citizens of these states who permanently reside in Kazakhstan, regardless of their period of residence. Conditions for such simplified acquisition of citizenship:

• If the applicant was a citizen of the Byelorussian SSR, Kazakh SSR, Kyrgyz SSR, or RSFSR and simultaneously a citizen of the former USSR, born or resided on the territory of the acquiring Party before December 21, 1991. This condition is known as “Kazakhstan citizenship by birth in the USSR.”
• If the applicant has a close relative permanently residing in Kazakhstan and being its citizen: spouse, one of the parents (adoptive parents), child (including adopted), sister, brother, grandfather or grandmother, grandson or granddaughter. This allows for obtaining “Kazakhstan citizenship by roots.”

To obtain Kazakhstan citizenship under the simplified procedure, citizens of these states apply to the migration service units at their place of permanent residence. The application must be accompanied by a notarized written statement of renunciation of their previous citizenship.

Other Categories of Persons for the Simplified Procedure

The simplified procedure may also be used by:

• Kandas (ethnic Kazakhs returning to their historical homeland), permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan on legal grounds, regardless of their period of residence.
• Rehabilitated victims of mass political repressions and their descendants, deprived of or lost citizenship without their free will, permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan on legal grounds.
• Ethnic Kazakhs studying in higher educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• Widows of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan on legal grounds, regardless of their period of residence.

Required Documents for Obtaining Citizenship

The package of documents for obtaining Kazakhstan citizenship may vary depending on the chosen path, but usually includes:

• Application form of the established format.
• Autobiography.
• Four photographs measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
• Commitment to comply with the conditions provided for by the Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
• Copy of a document proving identity and belonging to the citizenship of another state, or a stateless person’s certificate, birth certificate of a child.
• Document on payment of state duty (1 MCI) or exemption from it.
• Notarized statement of renunciation of previous citizenship.
• If necessary: notarized copies of birth certificate, marriage certificate, documents confirming family ties with citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, or documents confirming birth on the territory of the Kazakh SSR before December 21, 1991.

All documents drafted in a foreign language must be translated into Kazakh or Russian and notarized. Documents issued by foreign authorities require legalization, unless otherwise provided by international treaties.

Application Review Process

After submitting the application and the complete package of documents to the district (city) internal affairs bodies, the materials are forwarded to the Police Departments of the regions, cities of Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent. Then they are sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which, with its conclusion, sends them to the State Legal Department of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The processing time for a citizenship application under the simplified procedure should not exceed three months from the date of submission.

Renunciation of Previous Citizenship

As mentioned earlier, Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship. Therefore, one of the key requirements for obtaining Kazakhstan nationality is a notarized statement of renunciation of previous citizenship. This is a mandatory condition for most applicants, except in cases where dual citizenship is provided for by international agreements, which is currently not relevant for most countries. It is important to consider this aspect when planning to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Kazakhstan Citizenship

How to get Kazakhstan citizenship if I am a Russian citizen?

Russian citizens can obtain Kazakhstan citizenship under a simplified procedure if they were born or resided in the Kazakh SSR before December 21, 1991, or have close relatives who are citizens of Kazakhstan. Obtaining Kazakhstan citizenship is also possible under the general procedure after 5 years of permanent residence.

Can I get Kazakhstan citizenship by birth in the USSR?

Yes, if you were a citizen of one of the union republics (for example, the Kazakh SSR or RSFSR) and simultaneously a citizen of the USSR, and were also born or resided in Kazakhstan before December 21, 1991, you can use the simplified procedure to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship by birth in the USSR.

What is the processing time for a Kazakhstan citizenship application?

Under the simplified procedure, the processing time for a citizenship application should not exceed three months from the date of submission. Under the general procedure, the terms may be longer.

Does Kazakhstan recognize dual citizenship?

Generally, Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship. When obtaining Kazakhstan nationality, a notarized statement of renunciation of previous citizenship is usually required. This is a key condition for most applicants.

What documents are needed to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship by marriage?

To obtain Kazakhstan citizenship by marriage, in addition to the standard package of documents (application, autobiography, photos, renunciation of previous citizenship), you must provide a notarized copy of the marriage certificate with a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Confirmation of living in marriage for at least 3 years in Kazakhstan will also be required.

How to get Kazakhstan citizenship by roots?

Kazakhstan citizenship by roots can be obtained under a simplified procedure if you have close relatives (spouse, parents, children, sisters, brothers, grandparents, grandchildren) who are citizens of Kazakhstan and permanently reside in its territory.

Is it possible to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship under a simplified procedure for other categories of persons?

Yes, in addition to Russians and citizens of EAEU countries, the simplified procedure for obtaining Kazakhstan citizenship is available for Kandas (ethnic Kazakhs), rehabilitated victims of political repression and their descendants, ethnic Kazakhs studying in universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as for widows of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

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