Published: 03.09.2026
A student residence permit is issued for the period of study, up to a maximum of 12 months, and may be extended. For employment, a residence permit can cover the duration of the employment contract, up to three years; EAEU citizens may apply while lawfully staying visa-free in Kazakhstan.
The rules provide two practical routes for legalizing a longer stay: education and employment. Students must renew their status annually, while workers may receive a permit for a longer period, but it remains tied to the employment contract and capped at three years. For EAEU citizens, being able to start the process during a lawful visa-free stay simplifies the initial move, but does not remove the need to legalize a long-term residence. According to the source, this is worth considering for anyone planning to relocate through work or study, particularly when planning document timelines.