Kazakhstan Rolls Out New Work Permit Rules for Foreign Workers

Starting September 1, 2025, Employers in Kazakhstan now face a stricter process when hiring foreign nationals. The government has introduced new regulations aimed at protecting local employment opportunities, which include a labour market test and the implementation of updated digital processes for work permit applications.

1. Labour Market Test Now Mandatory

Employers can no longer apply directly for a work permit. They must first post the job opening on the Electronic Labour Exchange for 15 calendar days in the region where the position is based.

If no suitable local candidate is found within that period, the employer must include the vacancy registration code in the work permit application and notify the local employment office.

What this means: The entire process will now take at least 15 extra days, as applications can only proceed once the labour market test period ends.

2. New Online Platform for Work Permits

A new government website, migration.enbek.kz, has been launched to handle these updated procedures. Employers can now apply for work permits and renewals through this centralised platform, which integrates the new labour market test requirement.

While older portals like egov.kz and elicense.kz still exists; they haven’t been updated with the new rules. So, employers are advised to use the new portal for all fresh and renewal applications.

3. Local Hiring Quotas Expanded to Small Businesses

Small enterprises, those qualifying under Kazakhstan’s financial criteria, must now comply with local workforce quotas once they employ more than 20 people.

Previously, small firms were exempt from this rule regardless of their size. Under the new regulation:

• At least 70% of senior management roles (including heads and deputies) must be Kazakh nationals.
• At least 90% of experts and qualified workers must also be local employees.

This makes it more complex for smaller employers to bring in foreign talent without adjusting their staffing ratios.

Why Kazakhstan Made These Changes

The updated policy reflects the government’s effort to protect local jobs and control the growing influx of foreign workers. The labour market test, in particular, mirrors systems used in other countries where employers must prove a genuine need for hiring foreigners.

These reforms mark one of the most significant updates to Kazakhstan’s immigration and labour framework in recent years.

Final Takeaway

Foreign hiring in Kazakhstan is no longer as straightforward. Employers will need to plan ahead, factor in the 15-day labour market test, and ensure compliance with the new quotas and online procedures to avoid delays or rejections.