Immigration to Europe from Kazakhstan: an overview of opportunities for life and work

Over the past 20 years, Kazakhstan has experienced several waves of migration and even became a leader in emigration within the Eurasian Economic Union. In the last 10 years, more than 300,000 residents have left the country, with the vast majority of Kazakhs holding higher and specialized education deciding to move to Europe.

What opportunities they have gained, and what you can now gain — in our article.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the number of emigrants in Kazakhstan increases annually by 8-16%. The trend started in the 1990s when all former USSR countries experienced a crisis. The 2008 economic crisis added fuel to the fire, followed six years later by government reorganization and currency devaluation. That was when many began to consider how to move to another country from Kazakhstan. Then came the coronavirus pandemic. And in 2022, the situation changed even more.

Previously, Kazakh residents mainly emigrated to Russia seeking a better life, but the country’s economy has now significantly shrunk. Moreover, Russians themselves are moving to Kazakhstan. For instance, at least 98,000 Russians entered Kazakhstan since September 21, 2022. Analysts believe that Kazakhstan will face a slowdown in GDP growth soon. It is quite natural that with each passing month, more residents consider immigrating to Europe to protect their and their children’s futures. Today, we will explain how to move to Europe from Kazakhstan and which country is best to choose for immigration.

How to Choose a Country for Immigration?

There are several criteria people consider when choosing a country for immigration.

1. Cost of Living
There is a myth that living in Europe is always expensive. However, looking at the Cost of Living Index in Europe, many developed countries have costs similar to or even lower than Russia and Kazakhstan.

Moreover, the report includes another important indicator — the purchasing power index. It shows how many goods one can buy for a certain sum of money. The higher the prices, the lower the purchasing power of the currency, and vice versa.

For example, Russia’s purchasing power index is 42.2, Portugal’s is 47.89, Malta’s is 44.80, and Spain’s is over 77. This means that with local salaries, you can live better than you could in the CIS. One more point for Europe!

2. Quality of Life
The authors of the World Happiness Report annually measure which countries’ residents are the happiest. The report is based on three indicators — the intensity of positive emotions, negative emotions, and an overall life quality score on a 10-point scale.

Kazakhstan ranks 40th (score 6.234). For comparison, Spain is 29th (6.476), Malta 33rd (6.447), and Portugal 56th (6.016), which is also considered very high.

3. Safety Level
Measured by the Global Peace Index. Portugal is among the TOP-5 safest countries in the world. 95% of people there do not lock their apartment doors when leaving.

Spain and Malta are also considered safe countries. Kazakhstan ranks 67th and is assigned a yellow level of danger.

4. Friendliness to Foreign Workers
There is even an index for this. Portugal tops the list of the most welcoming countries.

European residents highlighted the TOP-5 reasons why they chose to move here:

1. Economic stability and stability of national currencies.
2. Benefits that apply to EU countries (including visa-free travel to dozens of countries).
3. Capital preservation and favorable tax conditions.
4. High quality of life and education. Diplomas recognized worldwide.
5. Decent salary levels and social security that motivate people from all over the world to move to the EU.

So, it is now clear that Europe is an ideal place for immigration. But how to move there?

Permanent Residence and Residence Permits in Europe: What’s the Difference?

Many confuse the concepts “residence permit” and “permanent residence.” Let’s clarify the differences.

Residence Permit

A document that allows you to live in a country for 1 to 5 years. You may leave the country and return as many times as you want, and in Europe, you can travel visa-free within the Schengen area. If you plan to work, you will need a separate work permit, but this is usually not difficult.

There are many ways to obtain a residence permit: register a company in the country, marry a citizen, sign a work contract, come for medical treatment, enroll in a university, volunteer, buy real estate. A residence permit can even be granted for special merits to the state or for family reunification (if a close relative already has a residence permit). We will discuss these methods further.

Besides the ability to travel visa-free within the Schengen area, a residence permit gives many benefits: access to healthcare on par with citizens, a European-format driver’s license, and the right to buy a car. You also have the opportunity to educate your children in institutions (including competing for subsidized places), and after 6-12 years, you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship. Citizenship can be obtained after 5 years.

With rights come duties.

For example, you cannot be absent from the country for too long and must spend at least 6 months a year (183 days) on the territory, obtain health insurance, and register your residence address. You also must pay necessary taxes and renew the residence permit every 1-2 years.

Usually, to obtain a residence permit, you must take exams on history and language, prove no criminal record, and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. You can only apply for one family member at a time.

However, there is an exception!

It is possible to obtain a residence permit and relocate without exams and for the entire family at once. To maintain the residence permit, you need to be in the country not 183 days a year, but 5 days. We will discuss this strategy a little later.

Permanent Residence

This is a type of residence permit but looks different and gives residents more benefits for living and working in Europe.

First, you renew permanent residence once every 5 years, and sometimes it is renewed automatically without your participation. It grants you essentially the same rights as citizens of the European country, except for three cases:

• You cannot vote in elections;
• You cannot run for office;
• You are prohibited from working in public service.

Otherwise, there are no restrictions. In addition to all the rights of the classic residence permit, you gain the right to work and run a business. No additional permits are needed for this. You can easily open a local bank account and enjoy all the benefits banks offer to citizens.

To obtain permanent residence in Europe, you need to live in your chosen country 6 months a year for 6 years. In some countries, like Switzerland, this period is 10-12 years.

However, after obtaining permanent residence, the requirement to live 183 days a year is lifted. You can leave and return whenever you wish. Still, some obligations remain: you must keep residency registration, health insurance, and pay taxes. With permanent residence, it is very important to show your integration into local society.

However, even with permanent residence, there are strategies where you do not need to move permanently or live full 6 months in the country. We will discuss these later: analyzing strategies for obtaining residence permits and permanent residence in Europe.

Residence Permit (Temporary and Permanent) Programs in Europe

To obtain permanent residence (PR), you first need to get a residence permit. There are several ways to do this.

1. Special Merits

This is the most complex category, but in some cases, people do receive residence permits. Prove that you can be useful. For example, you might gain a reputation as an excellent volunteer or uncover the identity of a cybercriminal sought by the government. There are many possibilities; they are not explicitly defined by law.

2. Scientific Work

If you are a scientist and plan to move to the EU under an employment contract, you have the right to apply for a residence permit based on scientific work.

3. Medical Treatment

If you need to move abroad for long-term treatment, EU countries usually issue residence permits for 1-2 years. The main disadvantage is that such permits are rarely extended.

4. Diplomatic Activity

Delegation members, diplomats, and permanent representatives of international organizations easily obtain residence permits in Europe and can freely leave and return to the country.

5. Education

Students enrolled in European universities receive residence permits for the duration of their studies, which are generally renewed each year. After graduation, relocation can be postponed by finding a job and staying under a work residence permit.

6. Family Reunification

If a close family member has an EU residence permit and you plan to move to join them, you can apply for a residence permit for family reunification. It may be valid until the relative’s residence permit expires. Additionally, residence permits are granted to those marrying an EU citizen.

7. Work Contract

In this case, a residence permit may be temporary (valid until a certain date) or permanent (indefinite). Work residence permits usually cannot exceed 3 years but can be extended.

8. Investment in Economy or Business

Each country sets its own investment amount for residence permits: Malta — €150,000; Portugal — €280,000; Greece — €250,000; Spain — €500,000. If you decide to start a business, remember that job creation is mandatory.

9. Investment in Real Estate

If you buy real estate in an EU country above a specified amount, you receive a residence permit. Moreover, you do not need to pass exams or live in Europe 183 days a year. You can leave and return whenever you want. The residence permit application can include not only the property owner but the entire family. You are allowed to move all together without applying separately for family reunification.

This is the most popular residence permit strategy, obtained via a simplified procedure. From day one, you can rent out the property. Moreover, after 5 years, when you obtain citizenship, owning property is no longer required. You can sell it and recoup your investment. Some investment projects even offer a Buyback option — repurchasing the property after 5-7 years.

Note: the money returns, but the residence permit remains!

We have discussed residence permit acquisition methods. To get permanent residence or citizenship, you essentially need to maintain your residence permit for 5 years and submit an application. Now let’s talk about requirements of different countries regarding real estate investments for residence permits.

Residence Permits by Real Estate Investment: Malta, Portugal, Spain, Greece

Portugal

There are three investment amounts for residence permits depending on whether you purchase residential or commercial real estate. For buildings older than 30 years in low-population areas, the amount is €280,000. If older than 30 years but in densely populated areas, it is €350,000. If younger than 30 years, it is €500,000.

Malta

If you choose South Malta or Gozo, the investment amount is €300,000. For popular coastal resorts, the amount increases to €350,000. If you do not want to move into a new home or lack sufficient funds, you can obtain a residence permit by renting property costing over €10,000 per month, including commercial real estate.

Spain

The investment amounts mirror those of Malta: €300,000 for southern areas and €350,000 for popular coastal resorts. Renting property over €10,000 per month, including commercial, also qualifies.

Greece

Greece has the lowest investment requirements—€250,000. Its favorable social conditions and warm climate are appealing.

Unlike Portugal, in Greece the investment amount does not depend on location or building age. You can purchase property anywhere in the country.

Now you just need to decide where to move: Portugal, Malta, Greece, or Spain?

FAQ