From the vast and barren steppe to the bustling energy of the major cities, Kazakhstan is a country of contrasts. Almaty is the country’s largest city and situated in the fertile, mountainous south, with a skyline that’s a blend of the old Soviet and pre-Soviet era. Across the windswept central steppe in the north is the country’s capital of Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), characterised by new, modern buildings and rapid growth.

Kazakhstan is one of the world’s top oil producers and has the biggest economy in Central Asia, bolstered recently by foreign companies and international banks setting up shop in Kazakhstan. The country’s entry into the world economic stage has consequently opened up lucrative employment opportunities for expats teaching English.

Relocating to Kazakhstan isn’t for everyone. The vast, empty steppe and lack of historical sites and attractions put some visitors off, while others are drawn to the starkness of the exceptionally beautiful landscape. As the largest landlocked country in the world, its sheer size could come as a shock to expats from smaller areas such as Western Europe. As a result, although buses and trains connect cities, travelling times can be long.

Expat families will find adequate resources for their needs. There are a few options when it comes to public and private schooling. The country has a good education system with free compulsory education until the end of high school – but the catch is that Kazakh or Russian are usually the language of instruction. A good alternative is private international schools offering foreign curricula in English. There are a handful of these scattered around Nur-Sultan and Almaty. 

While expats in Kazakhstan will have to contend with many cultural differences, the Kazakhstani people are known for their hospitality and warmth, which can go a long way towards easing the adjust.

Ultimately, while expat life in Kazakhstan is not for the faint of heart, those who approach this unique destination with an open mind are bound to have a rich and rewarding expat experience.

Fast facts

Population: 18.7 million

Capital city: Astana 

Other major cities: Almaty

Neighbouring countries: Kazakhstan is bordered by Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan to the south, Russia to the north and west, and China to the east.

Geography: Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world. Its terrain is comprised of mountainous areas, grasslands, steppes, wide plains and numerous rivers, streams and lakes, including the Caspian Sea. 

Political system: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Major religions: Islam and Christianity

Main languages: Kazakh and Russian

Money: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Kazakhstan. Service costs are typically already included in prices.

Time: GMT+5 and GMT+6

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. European round two-pin plugs are standard.

Internet domain: .kz

International dialling code: +7

Emergency contacts: 101 (fire), 102 (police), 103 (ambulance) 

Transport and driving: Drive on the right-hand side. Major cities have bus networks, trams, private taxis and shared taxis for transportation. There are also rail networks across the country and a metro system in Almaty. 

COST OF LIVING IN KAZAKHSTAN

Expats are likely to find that the cost of living in Kazakhstan can vary greatly from city to city, not to mention the ever-fluctuating value of the tenge, which makes it extremely difficult to generalise about common costs.

Mercer’s 2019 Cost of Living Survey ranked Almaty as 191st out of 209 cities, indicating that it’s a fairly cheap city to live in compared to other popular expat destinations worldwide. The situation remains unpredictable, though, so it’s important for expats to make sure they’re up to date with Kazakhstan’s current financial situation before making any commitments.

Cost of accommodation in Kazakhstan

Some expats are lucky enough to have accommodation provided as part of their employment contract, in which case they need not worry about the expenses involved. While this used to be the norm, it is unfortunately becoming more and more rare, so most expats will need to bear this expense themselves.

Generally, accommodation costs more the closer it is to the city centre. There are a few modern apartment complexes, but old, Soviet-style apartments are more common – naturally, these are cheaper, but might not be up to the standard of living that many expats are used to.

Cost of transport in Kazakhstan

Most public transport is inexpensive. It’s comparatively pricier to travel by taxi, though fares are still cheaper than many other countries around the world. It’s costly to purchase a car, even second-hand, although petrol prices are usually reasonable.

Cost of food in Kazakhstan

The cost and quality of food in Kazakhstan vary according to season. In summer, local fruit and vegetables are inexpensive and of good quality. In winter, however, fruit and vegetables are expensive and tend to be poor quality goods. To keep costs down, expats should do the bulk of their shopping in local bazaars and markets.

Cost of living in Kazakhstan chart 

Prices may vary across Kazakhstan, depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Almaty in May 2020.

Accommodation (monthly rent)
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre	KZT 250,000 – 300,000
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre	KZT 145,000 – 180,000
One-bedroom apartment in city centre	KZT 120,000 – 140,000
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre	KZT 80,000 – 110,000
Groceries
Milk (1 litre)	KZT 330
Eggs (dozen)	KZT 410
Loaf of white bread	KZT 110
Rice (1kg)	KZT 380
1 packet of cigarettes (Marlboro)	KZT 450
Transportation
City centre bus/train fare	KZT 100
Taxi rate per kilometre	KZT 150
Eating out
Big Mac Meal	KZT 1,800
Coca-Cola (330ml)	KZT 185
Cappuccino	KZT 800
Bottle of domestic beer	KZT 500
Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two	KZT 10,000
Utilities
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute)	KZT 15
Uncapped ADSL internet (per month)	KZT 4,000
Utilities (average per month for standard household)	KZT 22,000

BANKING, MONEY AND TAXES IN KAZAKHSTAN

Despite some uncertainty following the global recession, Kazakhstan’s banking sector is viewed as one of the most robust of the former Soviet states and expats will find that managing their money and banking in Kazakhstan is relatively easy and straightforward. 

Money in Kazakhstan

The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT), which is divided into 100 tıyn.

• Notes: 200 KZT, 500 KZT, 1,000 KZT, 2,000 KZT, 5,000 KZT, 10,000 KZT and 20,000 KZT

• Coins: 1 KZT, 2 KZT, 5 KZT, 10 KZT, 20 KZT, 50 KZT, 100 KZT and 200 KZT

Banking in Kazakhstan

Expats have a wide variety of banks to choose from, with many offering services specifically tailored for expats. Banks are usually open every weekday from 9am to 6pm, with an hour lunch break, and are closed on weekends.

Opening a bank account

There are no restrictions on non-residents opening a bank account in Kazakhstan and expats are able to open a local account, in either the local or a foreign currency (usually US dollars, British pounds or euros).

Expats will need their passport and an RNN number (Kazakh tax number), and in some cases a letter from their employer, to open a bank account in Kazakhstan. A minimum deposit will also be required.

Employers in Kazakhstan sometimes specify which bank they want their expat employees to use, so expats should seek the assistance of their company before opening an account.

ATMs and credit cards

ATMs are widely available in Kazakhstan’s main cities, but can be scarce in smaller locations. Most ATMs will accept foreign bank cards. Most machines only dispense cash in tenge, but some in the larger cities also stock US dollars. All major credit cards are accepted in Kazakhstan.

Taxes in Kazakhstan

Although Kazakhstan’s tax system is relatively uncomplicated, it’s best for expats to employ the services of a qualified tax consultant to assist them in managing their taxes while in Kazakhstan.

Employment income is taxed at a flat rate of 10 percent in Kazakhstan. Tax residents are subject to personal tax on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on their income generated in Kazakhstan.

TRANSPORT AND DRIVING IN KAZAKHSTAN

As the world’s largest landlocked country and one of its most sparsely populated, getting around in Kazakhstan is not always an easy task. Because of the country’s vastness, an expat’s experience of driving and transport in Kazakhstan will vary greatly from place to place.

While there are various public transport options and well-developed roads in large cities such as Almaty and Nur-Sultan (previously Astana), the country’s more rural areas are likely to have considerably less to offer in this regard.

 

Public transport in Kazakhstan

Metro

Almaty is home to the country’s only metro system, although a light metro system is currently being planned in Nur-Sultan. The metro in Almaty is clean and a cheap and fast way to get around, but with just one line of 14 miles (23 km), it has limited usefulness.

Train

Trains can be a good way to travel locally and regionally in Kazakhstan, and can even be taken to neighbouring countries such as Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, provided that time is not an issue. Travelling by rail may be cheap, but it is also rather slow.

Tram

There are tram systems in the cities of Pavlodar and Temirtau. There used to be a tram service in Almaty too, but the service has been suspended indefinitely since October 2015.

Buses

Travelling by bus in Kazakhstan is a little faster than travelling by train, but slower than travelling by taxi or car. Buses tend not to stick to any particular schedule, and most bus drivers will only speak Russian, making this an inconvenient way to travel for most expats. On the upside, fares are cheap.

Marshrutkas

A marshrutka is a kind of minibus or van that is larger than a regular car but smaller than a bus. They run on fixed routes around town and tend to be rather dilapidated.

HEALTHCARE IN KAZAKHSTAN

Expats should note that the quality of healthcare in Kazakhstan is highly variable, especially in the public sector. Although the government has been making attempts to improve the level of service, the quality of public healthcare has fallen dramatically since the end of the Soviet era. The public healthcare sector is chronically underfunded, and bribery and corruption have become rife among underpaid medical professionals.

For this reason, most expats avoid public healthcare services, and instead invest in comprehensive private health insurance in order to make use of Kazakhstan’s private hospitals and doctors.

Expats may notice that the bedside manner of Kazakhstani doctors is quite different from that of Western doctors. While they may come off as unsympathetic or impatient, especially when facing time constraints and a language barrier, this is quite common and shouldn’t be taken as a personal slight.

Public healthcare in Kazakhstan

Public hospitals are easy to find in Kazakhstan, as around 70 percent of the country’s hospitals are government-owned.

Although expats legally resident in Kazakhstan are entitled to use the public healthcare system, it’s difficult to predict the quality of treatment. While some expats report receiving adequate to good care, others have noted that the standard of treatment is low with a constant shortage of medication and equipment.

English-speaking medical professionals are relatively rare in the public healthcare sector, and expats making use of public healthcare should either be proficient in a local language or should come armed with a fluent speaker that can act as a translator.

Private healthcare in Kazakhstan

Although private hospitals offer better treatment than public hospitals, expats may still face some challenges. While English-speaking doctors are more prevalent in the private healthcare sector, they can still be somewhat hard to find, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Insurance companies should be able to recommend English-speaking doctors if there are any available in the area.

Private healthcare in Kazakhstan will still most likely not measure up to the standards that many expats may be used to, but they are a definite step up from the country’s public services. For major operations or serious medical emergencies, expats are usually advised to utilise medical evacuation services to be airlifted to a nearby country for improved standards of medical treatment.

Health insurance in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is in the process of rolling out a law requiring mandatory monthly public health insurance contributions from both employer and employee. This is expected to improve the standard of public healthcare. Regardless, expats may wish to purchase additional coverage to access the private sector and its various associated benefits.

Pharmacies in Kazakhstan

Pharmacies are prevalent in Kazakhstan’s larger cities, but expats should be aware that options may be limited. Over-the-counter medications common in other countries may not be readily available in Kazakhstan, so it’s best for expats to bring their own from home.

Kazakhstani pharmacists may not be able to answer questions in English about medication or other health matters, so it is best to get full details from one’s doctor on how to take the prescribed medication.

Health hazards in Kazakhstan

While Kazakhstan’s main health concerns are non-communicable illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses, cases of HIV and tuberculosis are prevalent, so expats should take appropriate precautions to avoid becoming infected.

Pre-travel vaccinations in Kazakhstan

Expats should ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Kazakhstan. Expats should also get vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A as there is a slight risk of contraction through contaminated food or water.

Emergency services in Kazakhstan

In a medical emergency, expats can dial 103 for an ambulance. Operators are not likely to speak English, though, and ambulance arrival times can be slow. For this reason, it may be preferable to drive to the hospital or take a taxi instead.

ACCOMMODATION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Expats in need of accommodation in Kazakhstan will find that, as is often the case, their budget will largely determine the quality of housing available to them. While the constantly expanding cities of Almaty and Nur-Sultan (previously known as Astana) always seem to have new apartment blocks springing up, some expats may discover that they can only afford to live in older Soviet-style apartments.

Although accommodation allowances are no longer a given when it comes to expat relocation packages, it’s worthwhile trying to negotiate the inclusion of such an allowance. Accommodation in Kazakhstan can be expensive, especially if expats are looking to maintain a high standard of living.

Types of accommodation in Kazakhstan

Most of the accommodation found in Kazakhstan is in the form of apartments. These are usually one of two types: newly built apartments with modern finishings and amenities, and old Soviet apartments, most of which lack elevators despite being several storeys high. Soviet-style apartments are significantly cheaper than newer builds.

If expats prefer to live in a free-standing house or cottage, they may be able to find something suitable in the suburbs, though this comes at the cost of a long commute into the city centre for work and notably higher rent.

Finding accommodation in Kazakhstan

By far the easiest way to find somewhere to live in Kazakhstan is by hiring a real estate agent to do the necessary legwork. Though this will incur a fee, hiring a reputable agent is also the surest way to avoid getting scammed by fraudulent apartment listings online. A bilingual real estate agent will also be able to help navigate the more technical side of renting an apartment.

For those planning to go it alone, online property websites and local newspapers should yield plenty of results, but it pays to be cautious about any deal that seems too good to be true. It is also imperative that expats go and see potential accommodation in person before handing over any money. Many expats arrange short-term accommodation in advance to have a place to stay while they search for something more long term.

Renting accommodation in Kazakhstan

Language

To overcome any language barriers with a potential landlord, it is best to hire a translator or bring along a trusted bilingual friend when looking for apartments and signing leases. As mentioned, a bilingual real estate agent can also help with this.

Applications and deposits

In most cases, only a passport and possibly a deposit will be needed to rent an apartment – and some landlords don’t even charge a deposit.

Utilities

Utilities are not usually included in the rental price, although some rentals aimed at the expat market do include utilties in the monthly rent. Either way, expats will find that despite freezing cold conditions in winter, water and central heating are exceedingly reasonably priced in Kazakhstan.

VISAS FOR KAZAKHSTAN

Depending on a person’s reasons for wishing to enter, the process of obtaining a visa for Kazakhstan can either be a breeze or a complex procedure requiring extensive documentation. In some cases, it is possible to enter Kazakhstan with no visa at all.

There is an extensive list of countries whose citizens may enter Kazakhstan without a visa for a designated period of time – usually up to 30 or 90 days. A number of countries have this beneficial arrangement with Kazakhstan, including but not limited to Brazil, Hong Kong and Russia.

Travellers planning to visit Kazakhstan are advised to confirm with their local Kazakhstani embassy whether they will need to obtain a visa or not, and if so, which one. Those that do require a visa to enter Kazakhstan will be faced with a daunting list of the various visa categories available, so it’s always best to do a bit of research to make sure one is applying for the correct visa.  

Those wishing to take up employment in Kazakhstan will need to obtain a work permit.

Visitor visas for Kazakhstan

Nationals of more than 100 countries may apply for an electronic visa, known as an e-visa. E-visas are valid for 30 days and holders must arrive via either the airport in Nur-Sultan (previously known as Astana) or Almaty.

To apply for a visitor visa, a letter of invitation is required.

B12 Tourist Visa

If visiting the country to explore and see the sights, the B12 Tourist Visa is the appropriate visa.

There are single-entry and multiple-entry B12 visas, both of which are valid for 90 days. Holders of B12 single-entry visas may enter the country once for up to 30 days within the 90-day validity period. Holders of multiple-entry visas can enter and exit the country as many times as they like during the 90-day period, with a maximum stay of 30 days each time they enter.

B10 Private Visit Visa

Travellers wishing to visit family members in Kazakhstan can apply for a B10 Private Visit Visa. This requires a letter of invitation from a friend or family member residing in Kazakhstan.

B10 visas can either be single- or multiple-entry. Single-entry B10 visas are valid for 90 days and allow one entry.

Multiple-entry B10 visas are valid for 180 days and allow any number of entries and exits. When entering the country, multiple-entry B10 holders may stay for up to 90 days. If they wish to stay a further 90 days after the initial 90-day period, they can simply leave and re-enter the country and a new 90-day period will begin.

Family reunion visas for Kazakhstan

M1 Work Visa

This visa is for those travelling to Kazakhstan to take up employment. Both the individual and their accompanying family members are covered under this visa.

To obtain an M1 Work Visa, expats must hold a valid work permit. The M1 Work Visa simply allows entry for the purpose of working.

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

WORK PERMITS FOR KAZAKHSTAN

Foreigners wishing to take up employment in Kazakhstan will need a valid work visa and a valid work permit. The Kazakhstani government has been making an effort to streamline the process of applying for visas but the bureaucratic remnants of Soviet rule still linger, making application a cumbersome prospect.

Nevertheless, as long as prospective expats are careful to ensure that all their documentation is in order, they should eventually be granted their valid work visa for Kazakhstan.

Applying for work permits for Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, there are two important documents that a foreign worker must obtain to take up employment in the country.

The first is a work permit, which the employer applies for on behalf of the foreign worker or workers he or she plans to employ. The second is an work visa, which allows the foreign worker to enter Kazakhstan for the purposes of taking up employment.

First, the employer must arrange and apply for a work permit on the expat worker’s behalf. The government has annual quotas for the number of foreigners allowed in each profession. Work permits will only be granted in cases where the quota has not yet been met.

Once the relevant authorities have authorised the work permit, the expat must then apply for their work visa. Length of validity varies, but work permits are extendable by one year as long as employees can present their current work permit and a contract confirming the continuation of the job.

*Visa regulations and requirements for work permits are subject to change at short notice and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

PROS AND CONS OF MOVING TO KAZAKHSTAN

Before moving abroad, expats will need to weigh up the pros and cons of living in Kazakhstan to ensure that relocation to this vast Eurasian country is the right decision for them.

Nur-Sultan (previously Astana), the capital of Kazakhstan, is unknown to many expats. For years it was in the shadow of its predecessor, Almaty, but it has matured and ever more corporate headquarters, embassies and consular services are moving north to Nur-Sultan.

A quick internet search will reveal that it’s the world’s second-coldest capital city, but what is life really like for expats in Kazakhstan? Below is an overview of the pros and cons of living in Kazakhstan.

EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS IN KAZAKHSTAN

The quality of public schools and education in Kazakhstan varies. The country has a literacy rate of close to 100 percent, but due to a history of underfunding, local schools may have a shortage of facilities and teachers. In addition, teaching is done in local languages.

For these reasons, most expats prefer to make use of Kazakhstan’s international schools, most of which are based in Almaty and Nur-Sultan (previously known as Astana).

Public schools in Kazakhstan

Education in Kazakhstan is divided into three stages: primary school, lower secondary school and higher secondary school. Tuition for state schools is free of charge for citizens and residents. Classes are taught in either Russian or Kazakh. For this reason, unless expat families are planning on staying in the country for the long term, most opt for international schooling instead.

Those who do decide to make use of the country’s public school system should be aware that school is typically run in two sessions a day, with one session held in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Each child attends only one of the sessions per day, although some schools have homework programmes so that learners can stay at school while their parents are at work.

International schools in Kazakhstan

Expats who are concerned that sending their child to an international school in Kazakhstan will cut them off from the local culture need not worry too much, as many of Kazakhstan’s international schools are favoured by well-off local families as well as other expats. Popular curricula on offer include the International Baccalaureate as well as the British and American curricula.

There is often a high demand for spaces in international schools, so expats should apply as far in advance as possible. Schools should be contacted directly for information about application requirements and processes.

International schools typically have high fees, so expats should ensure they’re able to fit this into their budget.

2022 © The above information mentioned is as per the research done by “Universal Ally” the accuracy of the information may change according to the change in the market, we do not accept any responsibilities for loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.