Relocation help in Almaty for people moving from another country or city
While you settle in, I handle everything to do with housing: I find a rental for the first months, show you apartments to buy, check the documents and run the deal. This is a paid service, and we fix the scope and the price before any work starts.
Everything in this section
Why I tell people moving to Almaty to rent first and buy later
Why renting for 2–3 months before buying in Almaty pays off: air, traffic and seismic risk by district, the cost of a wrong purchase, and a rent-then-buy plan.
Renting an apartment in Almaty before you arrive: daily or long-term
I find a short- or long-term rental in Almaty before you land: 2026 prices by district, owner check, lease, deposit and how foreigner registration works.
Apartment viewings in Almaty in person and online: how I inspect a home for you
Live video and in-person apartment viewings in Almaty: what I check as a former builder, how a 1–2 day district tour works, and how to skip 30 useless viewings.
Checking the owner and documents of an Almaty apartment before you pay anything
I check the seller and papers of an Almaty apartment before any deposit: title, liens and arrests, spouse's consent, heirs, power of attorney, DDU at Kazreestr.
Support with an apartment purchase in Almaty, from the deposit to the keys
I run your Almaty apartment purchase: deposit or advance, price talks, the notary, safe payment, title registration and handing over keys. 2026 fees and timing.
Getting an IIN as a foreigner in 2026: how to do it in Almaty on the first try
How a foreigner gets an IIN in Kazakhstan in 2026: only in person at a TsON, the documents, 1–3 day timing, the 2026 outages, and why you need it for property.
A Kazakh bank account for a foreigner: how to open one and send money for an apartment
How a foreigner opens a bank account in Kazakhstan: IIN, local number, source of funds, currency control from $10,000, sending money for an apartment, refusals.
Help with an LLP and settling in Kazakhstan: when you really need a company
Do you need an LLP to buy an apartment or move to Kazakhstan? I help you decide and open one via partner lawyers. In person since 01.04.2026, 3% simplified tax.
Who this service is for
Most people who contact me are moving to Almaty for work, opening a business here, or looking for a family apartment. Some are Kazakhstanis from Astana, Atyrau or Shymkent who don't have time to fly in for dozens of viewings.
What they have in common is an unfamiliar city, prices that are hard to read, and no wish to get the first apartment wrong. I moved to Almaty from Shymkent myself, so I remember how this feels from the inside.
What relocation help in Almaty includes
What I do depends on your situation. Usually there are several stages, and you can take any one of them on its own. Each stage has its own detailed page: a rental for your arrival, viewings, checking the owner, deal support, the IIN, a bank account and an LLP.
Why rent first and buy later
Almaty changes a lot from one district to the next: the air in the lower city versus the foothills, traffic, schools, noise. Until you have lived here for at least a couple of months, it is easy to buy an apartment that looks great in photos and is awkward to live in.
So I usually suggest starting with a rental in the district that seems right. During that time we look at homes to buy without rushing, and you learn the city from your own experience.
The kind of service you get
For several years I worked at Kaspi Bank on the development team. In Kazakhstan Kaspi is seen as the benchmark for service, and I brought that standard into my own work: fast replies, clear steps and one person responsible for the result.
You always know what has been done, what comes next and what it costs. If I see a risk in an apartment or a contract, I tell you right away, before you pay.
Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Almaty
By law, housing can be registered to a foreign individual if they hold a residence permit. Without one there are legal routes: buying through a Kazakh LLP or buying commercial property. Before the search starts, I check with a notary and a lawyer which option suits you.
The guide on buying without a residence permit covers this in detail. If you plan to move for a long time, also read the guide on grounds for a residence permit.
How much relocation help costs
The price depends on the scope: a rental only, the full purchase cycle, or a purchase together with help moving. We discuss the task, I name the price and what it covers, and we put it in writing before we start.
The commission on a purchase starts at 1% and is agreed separately. There are no hidden fees.
Questions and answers
Does a foreigner need a real estate agent in Almaty?
Formally, no. But without knowing the market, the language of the documents and local practice, it is easy to overpay or sign a bad contract. An agent checks the owner and the documents before you pay and saves you weeks of searching.
Can I find an apartment before I arrive in Kazakhstan?
Yes. I run video viewings, send you a rundown of the options and help you book a rental for your arrival. A purchase is better finished once you have seen the district in person.
Do you help with renting, not only buying?
Yes, finding a rental for the first months is part of the service. I check the owner, the condition of the apartment and the lease so there are no problems with the deposit or eviction.
How does a foreigner get an IIN in Kazakhstan?
Since 2026 a foreigner gets an IIN only by applying in person at a TsON (a Public Service Center); embassies no longer issue it. I'll tell you which documents to bring and help you book an appointment through partners.
How much does help buying an apartment in Almaty cost?
The price depends on the scope of work and is fixed in writing before we start. The commission on the deal itself starts at 1%.
Do you help open an LLP and a bank account?
Yes, through partner lawyers. Keep in mind that since April 2026 the founder has to be present in person to register an LLP.
What languages do you work in?
English, Russian and Kazakh. I explain contracts and documents in the language you understand.