Renting and buying an apartment in Almaty for South Korean citizens

Can a Korean citizen buy an apartment in Almaty?

Only with a Kazakh residence permit. Koreans who come visa-free or on a work visa count as temporarily staying, and a notary won't register housing to them.

That's why employees of Korean companies in Almaty almost always rent. Buying becomes relevant when someone stays long term and gets a residence permit, or when the company decides to buy housing for managers through its LLP (limited liability partnership, locally TOO).

Why Korean citizens come to Almaty

Korean business has long been present in Kazakhstan: Almaty is home to the Rakhat confectionery factory, part of Korea's Lotte group, as well as trading, construction and service companies. Project managers, engineers and specialists with families come here.

Kazakhstan has a large Korean diaspora, the Koryo-saram, and for many newcomers this helps with everyday life: there are Korean restaurants, shops, churches and acquaintances. Some Korean clients have family ties to Kazakhstan and are thinking about buying for the long term.

A specialist's contract usually runs two to three years. Over that time, renting in a good complex is cheaper and simpler than buying and then selling. If the family plans to stay, I work out in advance which makes more sense: keep renting or buy an apartment after getting a residence permit.

How to rent an apartment in Almaty for a Korean specialist and family

Korean clients usually know exactly what they need: a new apartment, a modern kitchen, underfloor heating or good heating, a secure courtyard, and proximity to an international school and the office. I shortlist options against this list, check the owner, documents and the condition of appliances, and write the deposit and minor repairs into the lease.

If the company pays for the housing, we sign the lease in the company's name. I agree registration with the landlord in advance: visa-free foreigners register through the Migration Portal no later than 30 days after entry.

An apartment for a manager and an office: buying through an LLP

I choose an office or showroom by location: access for clients and staff, parking, and the premises' designated use in the documents. I refined this approach at Kaspi Bank, where I found premises for branches and Magnum stores. MRP is the monthly calculation index Kazakhstan uses to set fees.

• The Korean company's founding documents are apostilled and translated into Kazakh and Russian
• The director and founder need an IIN (individual identification number), obtained in person at a TsON public service centre
• Since April 2026 the founder of a commercial LLP attends registration in person
• The LLP's account takes 2–4 weeks to open, and the bank checks the ownership structure
• For a deal with a legal entity the notary fee is 17 MRP, about 73,500 ₸

How to transfer money from Korea to buy property in Kazakhstan

Korea has foreign exchange rules for overseas investment and buying property abroad, often involving notifying your bank. Check the procedure and thresholds with your Korean bank before the deal, so there are no questions later when you sell and bring the money back.

In Kazakhstan it's best to credit the money to your own account or the LLP's account and pay the seller by bank transfer. Currency control starts with transactions of $10,000 or more for individuals and $50,000 for legal entities. The bank will ask about the source of funds, so prepare statements and contracts in advance.

Which districts suit Korean families and specialists

Families with children often choose Esentai and the nearby blocks on Al-Farabi Avenue: new buildings, with business centres and shopping malls close by. For those who want a simpler apartment closer to parks, the Botanical Garden area fits.

For staff on a smaller budget, the southern belt around Taugul and Baikadamov Street works well: established neighbourhoods with schools and shops. In any district I check the building's earthquake resistance, since the whole city lies in a 9–10 point seismic zone.

How I work with clients from Korea

I don't speak Korean. We communicate in English or Russian, and we bring in an interpreter for signing the contract and important meetings. I prepare apartment descriptions and reports in English, which are easy to forward to HR or head office.

Accompaniment includes finding a rental or purchase, viewings and videos, document checks, the deal and liaising with partner lawyers on the IIN, bank and LLP. My commission on a purchase starts at 1%.