Help relocating to Almaty for foreigners and Kazakhstanis

I help people move to Almaty and settle in: find housing, open a company (an LLP, locally TOO), sort out employment and a residence permit. My partner lawyers handle the legal side, and I coordinate the whole process so you don't have to find each specialist yourself.

Where to start when moving to Almaty

I came to Almaty from Shymkent in 2010 and started out living in a construction workers' trailer. So I know how many questions a person has in a new city: where to live, how to get registered, which school to send the kids to.

First we go over your situation: where you're coming from, whether you're moving alone or with family, whether you'll be employed or starting your own business. That decides the order of steps and which documents you'll need.

Housing for the first months and for the long term

It often makes sense to rent for a few months first, live in different parts of the city and only then buy. I'll help with the rental and give you an honest picture of the districts: where the traffic jams are, where the winter smog is worst, what's closer to the mountains and to schools.

Once you've decided, I'll find an apartment or house to buy. For foreigners, the procedure for buying housing depends on their status, and I go through it with a partner notary before the deal.

Opening an LLP and starting a business in Kazakhstan

If you're moving with your business, partner lawyers help register an LLP (TOO), open a bank account and choose a tax regime. On my side, I find an office or premises for the business and check the location.

The general registration procedure is described in a separate guide. A lawyer confirms the conditions for your case.

Employment and residence permits in Kazakhstan

There are several grounds for a residence permit: work, study, marriage to a Kazakh citizen, business and others. Buying property is not one of them. For investors there has been a separate visa since 2025: from $300,000 invested in the capital of Kazakh companies or in securities.

New rules for investors and specialists were announced in 2026, but the details are still being worked out. So I ask partner lawyers to confirm any deadlines and requirements as of the date you file your documents.

Moving from another city in Kazakhstan

Families from Astana, Atyrau, Aktau and Shymkent often contact me. Usually they need an apartment for their children while they study, or a second home, and they don't have time to fly in for every viewing.

I run online viewings, put together 3–5 options and arrange one short trip for the final viewings. The deal can be signed through a notarized power of attorney.

What working with me looks like

A call: your situation, timeline and budget
A relocation plan with a clear order of steps
Partner lawyers brought in for the LLP, employment and residence permit
Finding housing to rent or buy
Help with an office or premises if you're starting a business

This is general information. Legal and tax details depend on your status, so before any deal I confirm them with a notary and a lawyer.

Let's talk about your move

Tell me where you're moving from and why. I'll put together the order of steps and bring in the right lawyers.

Message on WhatsApp

Questions and answers

Does buying an apartment in Kazakhstan give you a residence permit?

No, buying a home is not grounds for a residence permit. Permits are issued on other grounds: work, business, study, family, investment. A lawyer chooses the right grounds for your case.

Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Almaty without a residence permit?

By law, housing is bought by foreigners who permanently reside in Kazakhstan, meaning those with a residence permit. In practice sources differ, and there are routes through a legal entity. The structure must be confirmed with a notary before the deal.

How long does it take to open an LLP in Kazakhstan?

Registering an LLP (TOO) usually doesn't take long, but timing depends on the founders and documents. Partner lawyers give the exact procedure and timeline for your situation.

What is the Kazakhstan investor visa?

It's a visa for people who invest at least $300,000 in the charter capital of Kazakh companies or in securities. It gives a residence permit for up to 10 years, for you and your family. Based on available information, real estate does not count toward the amount.

What are the best areas in Almaty for families who just moved?

It depends on work, school and budget. People often look at Medeu district and the upper part of Bostandyk district. I suggest renting for a couple of months first and then choosing a district to buy in.

Do you handle the residence permit and LLP yourself?

No, my partner lawyers do that. I coordinate the process, take care of housing and premises, and make sure the steps happen in the right order.