Housing
Kazakhstan’s rental market remains highly competitive, with rising prices and a limited supply of quality properties. Almaty faces a significant housing shortage due to high demand and immigration inflows, while Astana struggles with a lack of modern rental options. The most popular locations are Medeuskiy and Bostandykskiy districts in Almaty, and Esilskiy district, Expo area, and the Botanicheskiy sad (Botanical garden) area in Astana.
Average monthly rates in Astana
Studio
$500–$1,450
$1,540–$3,500
$2,000–$5,500
$3,850–$20,000
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$800–$1,750
Three-bedroom apartment
House
Average monthly rates in Almaty
Studio
$1,000–$1,600
$2,000–$2,800
$2,200–$5,500
$5,500–$15,000
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$1,600–$2,000
Three-bedroom apartment
House
Key Trends:
- Rental supply in Almaty has dropped sharply due to increased immigration and demand.
- Astana faces a shortage of modern apartments, and inflation is driving up costs.
- Most landlords do not allow pets (~95% of listings).
- A recent earthquake has increased demand for low-rise and earthquake-resistant buildings in Almaty, creating a shortage of suitable properties.
Challenges:
- Prices continue to rise, while the supply of quality rentals remains insufficient.
- Lower-priced properties are often of poor quality.
- Landlords prevail in the current market; early termination may result in a penalty equal to the deposit.
- Cash payments are increasingly requested due to tax regulation changes.
Immigration
Foreign nationals need a Work Permit and Work Visa (up to 1 year) for employment in Kazakhstan, except for certain categories such as EAEU nationals and select high-level executives. EAEU citizens can start working upon signing a labor contract and must obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (up to 1 year) each time they enter after their visa-free period expires.
In 2024, Kazakhstan introduced new visa types. The A6 investor visa (up to 10 years) is available to foreign investors with a minimum of $300,000 in local investments. The C5 business immigrant visa is required for foreign nationals (excluding EAEU, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) looking to establish or join a legal entity. The B9 visa simplifies the process for foreign specialists in in-demand professions seeking residence permits. The B9-1 Digital Nomad Visa is designated for IT professionals applying for permanent residency, while the B12-1 Neo Nomad Visa allows remote workers with foreign income to stay in Kazakhstan as tourists.
Citizens of 48 countries can obtain select single-entry visas (A3 service, B1/B3 business, B10 private, and B12 tourist) without an invitation letter by applying directly at a Kazakhstan consulate in their country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Since January 1, 2024, foreigners aged 16 and older must undergo mandatory fingerprinting when applying for visas, Temporary Residence Permits, Residence Permits, refugee documents, or when subject to deportation or readmission procedures.
In 2024, Kazakhstan introduced new visa types. The A6 investor visa (up to 10 years) is available to foreign investors with a minimum of $300,000 in local investments. The C5 business immigrant visa is required for foreign nationals (excluding EAEU, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) looking to establish or join a legal entity. The B9 visa simplifies the process for foreign specialists in in-demand professions seeking residence permits. The B9-1 Digital Nomad Visa is designated for IT professionals applying for permanent residency, while the B12-1 Neo Nomad Visa allows remote workers with foreign income to stay in Kazakhstan as tourists.
Citizens of 48 countries can obtain select single-entry visas (A3 service, B1/B3 business, B10 private, and B12 tourist) without an invitation letter by applying directly at a Kazakhstan consulate in their country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Since January 1, 2024, foreigners aged 16 and older must undergo mandatory fingerprinting when applying for visas, Temporary Residence Permits, Residence Permits, refugee documents, or when subject to deportation or readmission procedures.
Moving
Transportation: Kazakhstan relies on road transport for household goods, with major ports in Poti (Georgia) or Riga (Latvia) playing a role in sea shipments. Almaty (ALA) and Astana (NQZ) are key air freight hubs, facilitating air shipment.
Customs Duties: customs duties for household goods are typically 2-4 €/kg, depending on the gross weight. Diplomatic shipments are exempt from customs duties, easing the import process for those with the right credentials.
Customs clearance usually takes 2-3 days.
Customs Duties: customs duties for household goods are typically 2-4 €/kg, depending on the gross weight. Diplomatic shipments are exempt from customs duties, easing the import process for those with the right credentials.
Customs clearance usually takes 2-3 days.
