Moving to Kazakhstan

Moving Guide

Moving to Kazakhstan: Your Practical Relocation Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Kazakhstan depends significantly on your nationality and the purpose of your move. Citizens from certain countries, particularly within the EU and CIS, may enjoy visa-free entry for varying periods, but this typically does not grant long-term residency or the right to work. For most non-CIS and non-EU citizens, a visa will be required prior to arrival.

Typical routes for obtaining long-term residency include:

• Work Visa/Permit: If you have secured employment with a Kazakhstani company, your employer will usually sponsor your work visa and subsequent work permit. This is a common pathway and often involves a multi-stage application process.
• Family Reunification Visa: If you are joining a spouse or close family member who is a Kazakhstani citizen or holds a valid residence permit, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa.
• Study Visa: For those enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Kazakhstan, a study visa will be necessary.
• Investor Visa: For individuals making significant investments in the Kazakhstani economy.
• Permanent Residence Permit: This is a more involved process, often requiring a period of temporary residence and demonstrating a stable income and housing.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements and procedures with the official Embassy or Consulate of Kazakhstan in your current country of residence, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. Laws and regulations can change, so always consult official sources.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Kazakhstan, especially in major cities like Almaty or Astana, is generally straightforward, though the process might differ from what you're accustomed to. Most expatriates opt for rental apartments, with houses being less common in urban centers.

How to Find Housing:

• Real Estate Agents: This is the most common and recommended method, especially for those new to the country. Agents can help navigate the local market, language barriers, and legalities. They typically charge a commission, often equivalent to one month's rent, paid by the tenant.
• Online Portals: Websites specializing in property rentals (both local and international) can provide a good overview of available properties. However, be cautious and verify listings, as some may not be current or accurate.
• Networking: Word-of-mouth through expat communities or your employer can also lead to suitable housing options.

Typical Rental Process:

• Viewing Properties: Arrange viewings with your agent. Be prepared for properties to be offered furnished or unfurnished.
• Lease Agreement: Once you find a suitable property, a lease agreement (contract) will be drawn up. It's advisable to have this reviewed by a local legal professional if you are unsure about any clauses, especially if it's not in English.
• Deposit: A security deposit is standard, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent. This is held by the landlord to cover potential damages and is returned at the end of the lease, provided the property is left in good condition.
• Rent Payment: Rent is typically paid monthly, in advance, often in the local currency (Tenge).

Temporary vs. Long-Term: For your initial arrival, consider booking a serviced apartment or hotel for a week or two. This allows you time to recover from travel, handle initial administrative tasks, and conduct in-person property viewings without pressure. Most rental agreements are for a minimum of six months to a year.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Kazakhstan is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume and Weight of Your Belongings: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This is often the largest component of an international move.
• Distance and Origin Country: Shipping from North America or Western Europe will generally be more expensive than from a neighboring country due to greater transit distances and logistical complexities.
• Mode of Transport: Sea freight is the most economical option for large shipments but takes longer. Air freight is significantly faster but also considerably more expensive, typically reserved for essential items or smaller shipments.
• Season of the Move: Peak moving seasons (often summer months) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices.
• Accessibility at Origin and Destination: If your current or new home has difficult access (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator, long walk from parking), additional labor and specialized equipment may be required, increasing costs.
• Additional Services: Opting for services like professional packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, storage solutions, or specialized handling for fragile or valuable items will add to the overall cost.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: Depending on the type and value of your goods, and your status as a relocating individual, you may be subject to customs duties and taxes in Kazakhstan.

For an exact and personalized estimate, it is always best to request a free quote based on your specific moving needs and circumstances.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth international relocation. Here’s a general checklist, starting 4-8 weeks out:

4-8 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Declutter and Downsize: Go through all your possessions. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This is the best way to reduce shipping costs.
• Research & Confirm Visa/Residence: Double-check all requirements and begin the application process if you haven't already.
• Obtain Moving Quotes: Contact reputable relocation services for quotes.
• Gather Important Documents: Collect passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, financial statements, and driver's licenses. Keep originals in a secure, easily accessible bag you'll carry with you. Make digital copies and store them securely online.
• Notify Schools/Employers: Inform relevant institutions of your departure.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Book Your Move: Confirm your chosen relocation service and moving date.
• Start Packing (Non-Essentials): Begin packing items you won't need immediately. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Arrange Pet Transport: If moving with pets, research and arrange for their international transport, including veterinary checks and necessary paperwork.
• Utilities & Subscriptions: Notify current utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (magazines, gym memberships).
• Medical & Dental Check-ups: Schedule final appointments for the family. Obtain prescriptions and medical records.

1 Week Before Moving Day:

• Confirm Travel Arrangements: Finalize flights and initial accommodation in Kazakhstan.
• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications).
• Defrost Freezer: If taking appliances, defrost and clean your freezer.
• Drain Fuel from Equipment: Empty fuel from lawnmowers or other power tools.

Moving Day:

• Supervise Movers: Be present to answer questions and ensure everything is loaded correctly.
• Final Walk-Through: Check all rooms, closets, and cabinets to ensure nothing is left behind.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com to start planning your move to Kazakhstan today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Kazakhstan: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be exciting, and understanding the customs regulations for bringing your personal belongings is a crucial step. This guide provides a clear overview of what to expect when importing your household goods and special items into Kazakhstan.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When moving your household goods and personal effects to Kazakhstan, be prepared for import customs duties, fees, and VAT. These charges are calculated based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of your shipment, as declared in your shipping documents. It's important that the declared customs value is realistic, even if lower than for insurance purposes, to be accepted by customs officials.

What you'll need

• Passport copy
• Valid local visa copy (must be valid on shipment arrival)
• Copy of document with Individual Identification Number (IIN)
• Three original employment confirmation letters on employer letterhead
• Three original notarized Power of Attorney documents for your local agent to handle customs
• Two original notarized Power of Attorney documents for rail terminal handling (if applicable)
• Two original customs brokerage agreements
• Detailed packing list in English, describing each item, quantity, and weight (general descriptions are not accepted)
• Rated Waybill or carrier's invoice/confirmation letter showing shipping costs

Good to know

• Electronic appliances require prior permission from the National Security Committee (NSC).
• Customs clearance typically takes 4-5 working days for non-diplomatic shipments, assuming all documents are in order.
• Customs fees include approximately KZT 20,000 per declaration, customs duty ranging from 0-20% of CIF value (depending on origin and commodity), and VAT at 12% of (CIF value + customs duty + customs fee).
• Additional charges may include airport/terminal storage.
• Avoid including insurance documents with high values in your shipment, as customs charges are based on declared values in shipping documents.
• All documents must be readable, accurate, and consistent to prevent delays.

If you're a returning resident

Kazakhstani residents importing household goods will also need to follow specific procedures and provide documentation for customs clearance.

What you'll need

• ID card copy
• Three original notarized Power of Attorney documents for your local agent to handle customs
• Two original notarized Power of Attorney documents for rail terminal handling (if applicable)
• Three original employment confirmation letters on employer letterhead
• Two original customs brokerage agreements
• Detailed packing list in English, describing each item, quantity, and weight
• Rated Waybill or carrier's invoice/confirmation letter showing shipping costs

Good to know

• Similar to non-residents, import duties, fees, and VAT apply.
• You may be required to provide a confirmation of use for imported products subject to mandatory conformity assessment within the Eurasian Economic Union.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments generally have a smoother customs process, with clearance typically taking 3-4 working days, provided all necessary documents are in order. A valid diplomatic card copy is required.

What you'll need

• Passport copy
• Valid diplomatic card copy
• Local visa copy (must be valid on shipment arrival)
• Copy of document with Individual Identification Number (IIN)
• Three original employment confirmation letters on employer letterhead
• Three original notarized Power of Attorney documents for your local agent to handle customs
• Two original notarized Power of Attorney documents for rail terminal handling (if applicable)
• Two original customs brokerage agreements
• Detailed packing list in English, describing each item, quantity, and weight
• Rated Waybill or carrier's invoice/confirmation letter showing shipping costs

Good to know

• Diplomats are permitted to import up to 3 liters of alcohol.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Information regarding vehicle import is not provided in the source. Please consult with your local agent for specific guidance.

Pets

Importing pets to Kazakhstan is restricted and requires careful planning. Some pets, especially birds, may be prohibited from certain countries or require extensive quarantine.

• Vaccination certificate.
• Copy of original International passport for the pet.
• Import Health Certificate Form 15 (if a veterinary passport is unavailable).
• Invoice for the pet, including owner's data, pet's name, color, quantity, country of origin, and purchasing value.
• Owner's ticket (for accompanied pets only).
• Power of Attorney (if the pet is unaccompanied, must be issued in Kazakhstan).
• Passport copy, IIN, and visa copy of the pet owner.

Good to know

• Pets should be vaccinated 30-60 days before departure.
• For more than two unaccompanied pets, an official permission from Kazakhstani veterinary authorities is required prior to shipping. This permission should be obtained directly by the consignee and can take 7-10 working days.
• Customs charges for cats and dogs include a customs duty of 10% of CIF value, a customs fee of approximately Euro 50, and VAT at 12% of (CIF value + customs duty + customs fee).
• Charges for other animals are available upon request from your agent.

Restricted & prohibited items

Be aware of items that are either restricted (requiring special permission) or completely prohibited from import.

• Electronics: Many electronic devices require National Security Committee (NSC) permission, which can take 12-14 working days. This includes computers, laptops, printers, scanners, DVD players, home theaters, stereos, telephones, cameras, mobile phones, tablets, Wi-Fi routers, drones, and other wireless/Bluetooth equipment.
• Satellite antennas or GPS navigators: These items, including radio-electronic equipment and high-frequency devices for civilian use, require import permission from the Radio Frequency Control Department, taking approximately 12-14 working days.
• Carpets, paintings, musical instruments, objects of art, antique items, large souvenirs, and other artifacts: For future export, you will need proof of their import. Prepare a detailed list including author, artifact name, dimensions, material, description, value, production year, and photos. Musical instruments should have their original passport.

Prohibited items:

• New items (household goods shipments should only contain used items)
• Cash
• Food items (including dry, canned fish and meat, spices)
• Jewelry, precious stones, high-value items, sets, and collections
• Articles made of precious metals (gold, silver), including silverware
• Beverages, including alcohol (except for diplomats, limited to 3 liters)
• Weapons, ammunition
• Toxic/radioactive materials
• Flammables
• Pornography
• Religious information or items deemed inappropriate
• Rare animal and bird species, skins, horns, stuffed animals and birds
• Books older than 50 years
• Used tires
• Plants, soil
• Any equipment containing Freon
• Printing/audio/video materials containing extremism, terrorism, pornography, propaganda about elections/referendums, violation of Customs Union laws, Nazi symbols, or any information harmful to Kazakhstan's political/economic interests, state security, health, or morals.

Alcohol & tobacco

Import of alcohol is generally not permitted for non-diplomatic shipments. Diplomats are allowed to import up to 3 liters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical customs clearance time?
Customs clearance usually takes 4-5 working days for non-diplomatic shipments and 3-4 working days for diplomatic shipments, assuming all documentation is complete and accurate.

Are there duties and taxes on my household goods?
Yes, import of used household goods and personal effects is subject to import customs duty, a customs fee, and VAT, calculated based on the CIF value of your shipment.

What kind of detail is needed on my packing list?
Your packing list must be highly detailed, specifying each item's description, quantity, and weight. General descriptions like "kitchenware" are not acceptable. For electronics, include manufacturer's name, model, and serial number.

Can I import new items with my used household goods?
No, household goods shipments should be declared as "used household goods" and generally should not contain new items.

Do I need special permission for my electronics?
Yes, many electronic items require an import permission from the National Security Committee (NSC), which can take 12-14 working days to obtain.

What happens if there are discrepancies in my documents?
Any discrepancies or unclear entries in your documents will cause delays and may result in your cargo being held by customs authorities.

For personalized assistance with your move to Kazakhstan, please contact relocation123.com. Our experts are ready to help you navigate the customs process smoothly.

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