How long does it take to get fully set up in Kazakhstan?

Most expats are fully operational (IIN, bank account, apartment, local SIM) within 5–10 days of arrival. The Neo Nomad Visa can be processed in 5 business days, so you could be fully legal and settled within 2 weeks.

Should I fly into Almaty or Astana?

Almaty has more international connections and a warmer welcome for first-time visitors — it's the recommended first stop. Astana is better if you're specifically interested in AIFC or government-related work. Many expats visit both before deciding where to base themselves.

Can I bring my pet to Kazakhstan?

Yes — pets require a veterinary certificate (issued within 5 days of travel), proof of rabies vaccination (30+ days before travel), and a microchip. Airlines like Air Astana allow pets in the cabin (under 8kg) or cargo hold. Veterinary care in Almaty and Astana is affordable and adequate.

What should I NOT bring to Kazakhstan?

Don't over-pack: furnished apartments and affordable local shopping mean you need less than you think. Skip heavy winter gear from home — Kazakh markets sell excellent, locally-appropriate cold weather clothing for $50–$150. Don't bring large electronics — voltage is the same (220V) but shipping is expensive.

Is there a relocation agent or service for expats?

Several companies offer relocation packages for Kazakhstan, including apartment hunting, IIN registration, and bank account setup — typically $300–$800 for a full package. For most digital nomads, the DIY approach works fine with the help of expat Telegram groups.

Expat Topics

D7, digital nomad, golden visa & more

💰

Cost of Living

Monthly budgets from €1,200 to €4,000+

🏥

Healthcare

Public, private & expat health insurance

🏠

Housing

Rent prices, best areas & lease tips

💼

Work & Business

Permits, remote work & freelancing rules

✈️

Moving Guide

Step-by-step relocation checklist

📚

Education

International schools & universities

🌆

Daily Life

Transport, food & expat communities

🌅

Lifestyle

Climate, culture & quality of living

📈

Investing

Property, stocks, tax & wealth building

View all resources →

Rankings Compare Blog

✈️

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

Moving Guide

1–2 weeks

Setup Time

IIN, bank, apartment

$2,000–$5,000

Shipping Container

From Europe/US

$6–$10

Airport Transfer

To city center

$1,500–$2,500

First Month Budget

Including deposits

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏔️Almaty 🏙️Astana

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Moving to Kazakhstan requires less bureaucratic preparation than most European destinations. The visa-free 30-day entry for 77 nationalities means you can arrive, explore, and set up before committing. Key first steps: get an IIN at a PSC, set up Kaspi, find an apartment, and register your address — all achievable within the first week.

Key Takeaways

Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay
Day 1: Arrive, check into temporary accommodation, buy a local SIM card (Kcell or Beeline)
Sea freight from Europe: $2,000–$4,000 for a 20ft container; 6–8 weeks transit
☐ Passport valid 6+ months — renew before departure if needed

Before You Arrive

Preparation for Kazakhstan is minimal compared to European destinations, but a few key tasks before departure will save significant time and frustration upon arrival. Most importantly: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and you should have accommodation booked for at least the first week.

Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay
Health insurance: arrange international coverage before departure — required for DN visas
Accommodation: book first week via Airbnb or Booking.com — $25–$50/night in central areas
Cash: bring $300–$500 in USD or EUR for initial exchange — ATMs are available but cash helps
Phone: unlock your phone before departure; buy local SIM upon arrival
Documents: apostilled criminal record check (if applying for DN visa), degree certificates if relevant
Flights: Almaty (ALA) has the most connections; Air Astana and FlyArystan are the main carriers

Your First Week in Kazakhstan

The first week is about getting the essentials in place: local phone number, IIN, bank account, and a longer-term apartment. The process is surprisingly fast — most expats are fully set up within 5–7 days. Here's the optimal sequence.

Day 1: Arrive, check into temporary accommodation, buy a local SIM card (Kcell or Beeline)
Day 2: Visit a Public Service Center (PSC / ЦОН) to obtain your IIN — bring passport, takes 30 min
Day 3: Download Kaspi app, register with IIN and local phone number, order Kaspi card
Day 4–5: Start apartment hunting — browse Krisha.kz, contact agents, visit properties
Day 6–7: Sign lease, move in, register your address (landlord handles registration)
Exchange money at city-center обменник (exchange offices) — better rates than airport
Join expat Telegram groups immediately for current advice and recommendations

Shipping Your Belongings

Most expats moving to Kazakhstan travel light and buy locally — furniture and household items are affordable, and furnished apartments are the norm. For those shipping significant belongings, international freight is available but can be slow (4–8 weeks by sea, 1–2 weeks by air).

Sea freight from Europe: $2,000–$4,000 for a 20ft container; 6–8 weeks transit
Sea freight from US East Coast: $3,000–$5,000; 8–10 weeks transit
Air freight: $4–$8 per kg; 5–10 days transit — practical for essentials only
Customs: personal belongings generally duty-free if used; new electronics may incur 12% VAT
Customs broker: highly recommended ($100–$200) — handles paperwork in Russian
Buy locally: IKEA-equivalent stores (Hoff, JYSK) and local markets offer affordable furnishings
Electronics: available locally but 10–20% more expensive — bring laptops and phones from home

Essential Moving Checklist

Here's your comprehensive checklist for relocating to Kazakhstan. Complete these tasks in roughly this order for the smoothest transition.

☐ Passport valid 6+ months — renew before departure if needed
☐ International health insurance arranged — required for DN visa, recommended for all
☐ Apostilled criminal record check — required for Neo Nomad and Digital Nomad visas
☐ First week accommodation booked — Airbnb or hotel near city center
☐ $300–$500 cash (USD or EUR) for initial expenses
☐ Unlocked smartphone — for local SIM and Kaspi setup
☐ Printed copies of all important documents (passport, insurance, income proof)
☐ Download offline maps (Google Maps, 2GIS) and Yandex Translate before departure