Overall Rank: #81 out of 199 countries
Kazakhstan ranks #81 out of 199 countries and territories in the Globevisa Passport Ranking, placing it in the mid-range category. Across the five core dimensions — Mobility (#119), Governance (#81), Security (#120), Education (#47), and Quality of Life (#33) — Kazakhstan performs strongest in quality of life (#33), followed by education (#47). Its weakest dimension is security (#120).
Mobility: #119 (score 41/100), Governance: #81 (score 60/100), Security: #120 (score 40/100), Education: #47 (score 77/100), Quality of Life: #33 (score 84/100)
Kazakhstan ranks #81 globally in the 2026 Globevisa Passport Ranking, which evaluates 199 countries and territories worldwide. Unlike traditional passport indices that focus solely on visa-free destination counts, the Globevisa Passport Ranking provides a comprehensive structural assessment across five core dimensions: Mobility, Governance, Security, Education, and Quality of Life. In terms of strengths, Kazakhstan excels in Quality of Life (#33, score 84), Education (#47, score 77).
Country Overview: Kazakhstan is a resource-rich Central Asian emerging market increasingly open to skilled professionals and digital nomads through new specialized residency pathways. / Regional energy hub with emerging digital nomad pathways.
Identity Attributes: Long-term Residency, Identity Springboard
Global Taxation: Yes (Worldwide Taxation)
Cost of Living: Low
Culture & Adaptation: Low English proficiency with Russian and Kazakh as primary languages; High hospitality within a unique blend of nomadic traditions and post-Soviet culture; Most accessible for CIS nationals or adaptable professionals seeking an emerging Central Asian hub
Employment & Development: Energy and mining-led economy with rapid digital and service sector modernization; growing demand for skilled professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare; entry barriers include Russian or Kazakh language proficiency and administrative visa procedures.
A Kazakhstan passport currently does not grant visa-free access to the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or the United States, requiring holders to obtain formal visas prior to travel to these regions. Internationally, the passport is considered a mid-tier travel document with growing regional influence and increasing mobility, particularly within Central Asia and through recent bilateral agreements with countries like China. While there are no immediate risks of losing major visa-free privileges since they are not yet in place, the document remains subject to standard international security vetting and ongoing diplomatic negotiations, such as those regarding future visa liberalization with the European Union. Global travelers should stay informed about evolving entry requirements, such as the EU's EES, which may impact future border procedures for Kazakhstani nationals.
Kazakhstan’s immigration framework is currently in an evolving state as the government implements its 2030 migration policy, transitioning toward a more structured and digitalized points-based system for residency. Recent years have seen a tightening of foreign labor quotas and more rigorous requirements for work permits, indicating a shift toward prioritizing local labor markets and specific professional sectors. While these reforms aim for greater transparency, applicants may face increased administrative scrutiny and potential regulatory adjustments as the country continues to align its policies with international compliance standards and domestic economic goals.
Kazakhstan is generally considered a stable and safe country for international residents, with a high global safety ranking and a downward trend in registered crime. While major cities like Astana and Almaty maintain low-threat levels, specific urban districts and western regions like Atyrau can experience higher rates of theft or occasional civil unrest. Personal and property security are managed by a centralized national police force and an extensive legal framework, though the practical effectiveness of these institutions can sometimes be hindered by bureaucratic processes and issues with judicial transparency. Residents are advised to maintain standard security precautions, particularly in crowded public spaces and when traveling at night.