Kazakhstan has approved new regulations providing financial support to citizens who voluntarily relocate from major cities and densely populated areas to regions experiencing labor shortages. The regulations were adopted by the country's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population and will take effect on January 1, 2027. According to estimates by TASS, a family of four to five people could receive approximately $20,000 in total state support in 2027, provided they meet all program requirements.
The program is designed to encourage residents to move from areas with higher population growth or density to regions where additional workers are needed. The areas identified for outward relocation include the cities of Almaty, Astana and Shymkent, as well as Zhambyl, Turkistan and Mangystau regions. The selection criteria include population growth exceeding 2% over the previous ten years or population density above 6.4 people per square kilometer.
Citizens relocating to the following regions may qualify for state support:
East Kazakhstan
North Kazakhstan
Kostanay
Pavlodar
Abay
Karaganda
Ulytau
These regions have been identified as areas with high demand for labor.
The program provides several forms of financial and social support to eligible citizens and families. These include compensation for relocation expenses and utility costs, access to service housing or rental subsidies, vocational training and assistance with establishing businesses. Participants may also apply for housing certificates.
In addition to support for relocating citizens, the program provides subsidies to employers who hire participants. Payment amounts are calculated using Kazakhstan's monthly calculation index. According to TASS estimates, a family consisting of four or five people could receive approximately $20,000 in total support in 2027 if all eligibility conditions are fulfilled.
The regulations establish eligibility restrictions and requirements for retaining state support. Citizens who return to their region of birth and already own housing there are not eligible for payments. Individuals who fail to register at their new place of residence are also excluded from the program. Participants must actually reside in their new region and fulfill a five-year residence and employment requirement.
If authorities determine that a participant does not live in the designated region or has failed to meet the five-year requirement, the funds received must be returned. Repayment is also required if participants purchase housing from close relatives, acquire property outside the designated settlement area, or submit forged documents or false information.
The approved order will enter into force on January 1, 2027. However, certain provisions will become effective later. Regulations concerning the determination of funding requirements and the processing of payments through the Government for Citizens state corporation will take effect on July 1, 2027.
Kazakhstan has implemented voluntary relocation programs for several years, although their results have not been considered successful. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, 73,900 people participated in the voluntary relocation program between 2017 and the summer of 2026. Of these participants, 31,000 secured permanent employment.