How to Get Kazakhstan Citizenship: A Complete Guide 2026

Introduction: General Provisions on Kazakhstan Citizenship

The question of how to get Kazakhstan citizenship is relevant for many foreigners seeking to connect their lives with this dynamically developing country. Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan is regulated by the Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan” and grants a range of rights and obligations. In 2026, the main provisions remain unchanged, but it is important to consider all current requirements and procedures for obtaining Kazakhstan citizenship.

Kazakhstan citizenship can be acquired in several ways:

• By birth (Kazakhstan citizenship by birth);
• As a result of admission to RK citizenship;
• Based on or in the manner provided for by interstate treaties of the RK;
• On other grounds provided for by law.

Below, we will detail each of these paths, as well as the conditions necessary for successfully acquiring citizen status.

General Procedure for Obtaining Kazakhstan Citizenship

For most foreign citizens who do not qualify for the simplified procedure, the general procedure for obtaining citizenship applies. It involves a longer process and strict residency requirements in the country. This path suits those who want to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship and do not have special grounds.

Conditions for Obtaining Citizenship under the General Procedure

Foreigners and stateless persons permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan may be admitted to citizenship based on their applications. Key conditions include:

• Permanent residence in the RK for at least five years. It is important that this period is continuous at the time of application.
• Being married to an RK citizen (with a minimum of 3 years of residence).
• Having close relatives who are citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan (child, spouse, one of the parents, sister, brother, grandfather or grandmother) for citizens of former Soviet republics who arrived for permanent residence. In this case, the period of residence is not relevant.

Application Process under the General Procedure

To get Kazakhstan citizenship under the general procedure, the applicant must submit an application to the territorial departments of the migration service at their place of permanent residence. The application is addressed to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and it must clearly state the motives for acquiring citizenship.

The package of documents includes:

• Application form as per the established format;
• Autobiography;
• Four photographs sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm;
• Undertaking to comply with the conditions stipulated in Article 1 of the Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan”;
• Copy of an identity document confirming citizenship of another state (or stateless person’s certificate, child’s birth certificate);
• Document confirming payment of the state fee of 1 MCI (Monthly Calculation Index) or a document confirming exemption from its payment.

The review period for applications under the general procedure is up to 6 months from the date of submission.

Simplified Procedure for Obtaining Kazakhstan Citizenship

How to get Kazakhstan citizenship through a simplified procedure? This path is available for certain categories of citizens and significantly reduces the application processing time.

Who is eligible for the simplified procedure?

The simplified (registration) procedure is provided for:

• Kandas (ethnic Kazakhs who have returned to their historical homeland), permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan on legal grounds, regardless of the period of residence. This answers the question of how to get Kazakhstan citizenship for ethnic Kazakhs.
• Rehabilitated victims of mass political repression and their descendants, deprived of or having lost citizenship without their free will, permanently residing in the RK on legal grounds, regardless of the period of residence.
• Ethnic Kazakhs studying in higher educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• Widows of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, permanently residing in the RK on legal grounds, regardless of the period of residence.

In addition, the simplified procedure applies to citizens of certain countries under international agreements. This is especially relevant for those seeking Kazakhstan citizenship for Russians.

Simplified Procedure for Citizens of Russia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan

In accordance with the Agreement between the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Russian Federation “On the Simplified Procedure for Acquiring Citizenship” dated 26.02.1999, citizens of these countries can obtain Kazakhstan citizenship through a simplified procedure if one of the following conditions is met:

• The applicant was a citizen of the Byelorussian SSR, Kazakh SSR, Kirghiz SSR, or RSFSR and simultaneously a citizen of the former USSR, born or resided in the territory of the acquiring citizenship Party before December 21, 1991. This applies to those interested in Kazakhstan citizenship by birth in the former Kazakh SSR.
• If the applicant has one of the close relatives permanently residing in the territory of the acquiring citizenship Party and being its citizens: spouse, one of the parents (adoptive parents), child (including adopted), sister, brother, grandfather or grandmother, grandson or granddaughter.
• A foreign woman permanently residing in the RK on legal grounds and married to a citizen of Kazakhstan (this point is also regulated by the Convention on the Nationality of Married Women of January 29, 1957).

This procedure extends to citizens of these states permanently residing in the territory of another state, regardless of the period of residence in the territory of the state of acquiring citizenship. To do this, it is necessary to apply to the migration service departments at the place of residence and provide a notarized written refusal of foreign citizenship.

The review period for applications under the simplified procedure does not exceed three months.

Documents for the Simplified Procedure (for Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan)

The list of documents to get Kazakhstan citizenship for Russians includes:

• Approved application form;
• Notarized statement of renunciation of previous citizenship;
• Four photographs sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm;
• Autobiography;
• Undertaking to comply with the conditions stipulated in Article 1 of the Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan”;
• Copy of an identity document confirming citizenship of one of the participating countries of the Agreement;
• Notarized copy of birth and marriage certificates;
• Document confirming payment of the state fee or exemption from its payment.

If necessary, additional documents may be required to confirm the conditions for the simplified procedure, for example, a birth certificate in the territory of the Kazakh SSR or documents confirming kinship with an RK citizen.

Citizenship by Birth and for Ethnic Kazakhs

Citizenship by Birthright

How to get Kazakhstan citizenship if born in Kazakhstan? A child whose parents were both citizens of the RK at the time of birth is a citizen of the RK, regardless of the place of birth. This is a basic rule based on the right of blood, and it is the primary way to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship by birth.

Citizenship for Ethnic Kazakhs (Kandas)

For ethnic Kazakhs, a special approach is provided, allowing them to get Kazakhstan citizenship for ethnic Kazakhs through a simplified procedure. Kandas, permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan on legal grounds, can obtain citizenship regardless of the period of residence. This is part of the state program to support the return of ethnic Kazakhs to their historical homeland.

Renunciation of Previous Citizenship

An important aspect to consider when deciding to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship is the principle of single citizenship. The legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship Kazakhstan, except in cases provided for by international treaties. Therefore, when applying for RK citizenship, both under the general and simplified procedures, it is necessary to provide a notarized written refusal of citizenship of another state. This differs from other countries, where you might be able to get Paraguay citizenship without renouncing your current one.

This requirement is mandatory for most applicants. Renunciation of previous citizenship must be formalized in accordance with the legislation of the country of which you are a citizen and submitted to the migration authorities of Kazakhstan.

Timelines and Cost of Obtaining Citizenship

Document processing times vary depending on the procedure:

• Simplified (registration) procedure: up to 3 months.
• General procedure: up to 6 months.

The state fee for admission to citizenship is 1 MCI. In 2026, the amount of the MCI will be determined by relevant legislation. Information on the current MCI amount can always be found on official government portals.

Conclusion

The process of obtaining Kazakhstan citizenship may seem complex, but with careful study of the requirements and timely preparation of all necessary documents, it becomes quite feasible. Whether you are looking for how to get Kazakhstan citizenship for Russians, or you are an ethnic Kazakh, it is important to follow the established procedure and provide complete and accurate information. In case of questions, it is recommended to contact the migration services of the Republic of Kazakhstan for up-to-date and accurate advice on Kazakhstan citizenship for Russians and other categories of citizens.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Kazakhstan Citizenship

1. Can I have dual citizenship in Kazakhstan?

No, the Republic of Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship Kazakhstan, except in cases provided for by international treaties. When obtaining RK citizenship, renunciation of previous citizenship is generally required. This is one of the key conditions for those who want to get Kazakhstan citizenship.

2. What is the minimum residency period required for general citizenship?

To obtain citizenship under the general procedure, it is necessary to reside permanently in the Republic of Kazakhstan for at least five years. This period must be continuous at the time of application.

3. Does the simplified procedure apply to citizens of all countries?

No, the simplified procedure applies to specific categories of persons, such as Kandas (ethnic Kazakhs), ethnic Kazakhs studying in RK universities, widows of RK citizens, as well as citizens of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, and the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with interstate agreements. If you want to obtain Kazakhstan citizenship through a simplified procedure, make sure you meet these criteria.

4. What is MCI and how much is the state fee?

MCI (Monthly Calculation Index) is a unit used to calculate benefits, fines, and other payments in Kazakhstan. The state fee for admission to citizenship is 1 MCI. The current MCI amount for 2026 should be clarified on official government resources.

5. Do I need to renounce Russian citizenship to get Kazakhstan citizenship?

Yes, generally, citizens of the Russian Federation wishing to get Kazakhstan citizenship must provide a notarized written renunciation of Russian citizenship, as Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship. This is an important step for Kazakhstan citizenship for Russians.

6. How to get Kazakhstan citizenship by birth?

A child whose parents were both citizens of the RK at the time of birth is a citizen of the RK, regardless of the place of birth. This is the main principle of obtaining Kazakhstan citizenship by birth.

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