Is Kazakhstan an Appealing Work Destination for EU Citizens?
- Jon Purizhansky
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
As Europe’s labor market becomes increasingly fluid and international, professionals are exploring work destinations beyond traditional Western hubs. One emerging contender is Kazakhstan — a country undergoing rapid economic transition, modern infrastructure growth, and deliberate policy reforms to attract foreign talent. For EU citizens, Kazakhstan offers a unique combination of geographic significance, expanding sectors, and a welcoming environment for international workers.
Kazakhstan’s Economic Landscape: Shifting from Oil to Innovation.
Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world, is well known for its oil and gas resources. But over the past decade, the government has actively pursued a national strategy to reduce its reliance on extractive industries and stimulate growth in other sectors. Programs like “Digital Kazakhstan” and investments in logistics and manufacturing hubs are reshaping the country’s economic profile.
Recent data from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy shows that non-oil sectors now account for over 60% of GDP, with strong growth in IT services, education, and renewable energy. Meanwhile, the World Bank’s 2024 report listed Kazakhstan among the top five economies in Central Asia in terms of ease of doing business, citing ongoing reforms in employment regulations, digital infrastructure, and taxation.
Jon Purizhansky, CEO of Joblio, observes:“Kazakhstan is repositioning itself as a diversified economy. Its openness to innovation and cross-border cooperation creates real opportunities for European professionals who want to build long-term careers in emerging markets.”
Labor Market Needs: A Call for Skilled Workers.
Like many post-industrial economies, Kazakhstan faces a demographic challenge: an aging population and a mismatch between available jobs and local skills. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, there were over 67,000 unfilled vacancies across the country at the start of 2025, with particular shortages in:
Information technology and software development,
Health care and medical specialists,
Renewable energy engineers,
Teachers and academic researchers,
Logistics and supply chain experts.
To bridge these gaps, the government continues to implement quota-based immigration policies, ensuring both flexibility and labor market balance. For 2024, Kazakhstan set a limit of 22,000 foreign worker permits, representing roughly 0.23% of the domestic labor force. EU citizens have increasingly taken advantage of these opportunities, particularly in sectors that align with EU-based training and certifications.
Jon Purizhansky comments:“What makes Kazakhstan interesting isn’t only the demand. It’s how proactively they’re targeting international professionals. The quota system allows for real strategic workforce planning, rather than opening the gates without preparation.”
Work Permits, Visas, and Legal Framework.
Kazakhstan offers a streamlined system for foreign professionals. Most skilled workers from the EU can receive employment-based visas within 15 to 30 days, and work permits can now cover multiple regions rather than tying the worker to one city or province. This change helps both international workers and employers meet project-based needs across Kazakhstan’s large territory.
In addition, Kazakhstan has removed short-term visa requirements for all EU and OECD nationals, allowing up to 30 days of visa-free travel, which supports smoother hiring and onboarding.
The government is also finalizing a new digital platform for work permit applications, reducing bureaucratic burdens and making it easier to track processing in real time.
Cultural Integration and Urban Living
Kazakhstan’s two largest cities, Almaty and Astana, are developing into modern urban centers with rising standards in healthcare, housing, and entertainment. These cities offer English-speaking work environments in many sectors, supported by co-working spaces, international schools, and growing expat communities.
While rural areas still face challenges in infrastructure and services, the country is working to improve regional equity through the “Auyl — El Besigi” (Village is the Cradle of the Nation) program, which includes targeted recruitment of foreign specialists in education and healthcare to underserved areas.
Jon Purizhansky adds: “The success of any foreign worker program depends on how well people are integrated socially. Kazakhstan is making that effort — with better language support, city-level relocation offices, and real investments in living standards. That’s what professionals from Europe are looking for.”
Who’s moving to Kazakhstan?
Data from the Migration Service Committee shows that among the foreign professionals entering Kazakhstan:
14% are from EU countries, including Germany, Poland, Italy, and the Netherlands
23% work in information technology or engineering
19% are employed in education or health services
Over 70% of EU applicants are between the ages of 30 and 45
This reflects a younger, highly educated cohort seeking opportunities in fast-developing regions, often viewing Kazakhstan as a stepping stone to regional leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures.
A Destination worth Watching
Kazakhstan may not yet rival the employment popularity of Canada or Germany among EU citizens, but it’s becoming increasingly competitive. Its growing economy, regional influence, and forward-thinking immigration strategies present real possibilities for career growth, especially for professionals with technical or scientific expertise.
The country’s practical immigration framework, investments in digital infrastructure, and expanding sectors provide an environment where EU professionals can contribute meaningfully — and live well.
Jon Purizhansky concludes: “Kazakhstan is no longer a wildcard. It’s steadily building the systems that make it a smart, realistic choice for skilled migrants. For European workers, this is an opportunity to take part in building something dynamic — not to follow, but to lead.”
Comments