EUROBAK HR Committee has pulled together a selection of recent developments that are especially relevant for HR professionals in Kazakhstan.
New Work Permit Rules in Kazakhstan
Starting 1 September 2025, Kazakhstan introduced stricter rules for hiring foreign workers. Employers must now post job vacancies locally for 15 days via the Electronic Labor Exchange before applying for a foreigner’s work permit. Plus — a new portal, migration.enbek.kz, has been launched for submitting and monitoring applications under the updated procedures.
📄 Read more: “New rules for employment of foreigners in Kazakhstan” Visit World
Foreign Workforce Quotas Expanded
In August 2025, the quota for attracting foreign specialists was increased to 19,400 positions, reflecting the growing demand for international talent across multiple sectors in Kazakhstan. This is up from the earlier 14,800 and signifies a shift in policy to accommodate skilled international staff.
📄 Details: “Foreign Workforce in Kazakhstan Reaches 14,000 as Quotas Expand” The Astana Times
Labour Market Snapshot
Kazakhstan’s unemployment rate stood at 4.6% in the first half of 2025 — a stable indicator that reflects steady economic conditions and sustained employment levels.
📄 Read more: “Kazakhstan reports unemployment rate at 4.6% in H1 2025” Qazinform
The Future of Remote Work
A new case study explores how legal uncertainty influences HR policies on flexible and hybrid work in Kazakhstan’s technical industries — an ongoing challenge for HR leaders.
📄 Full article from EMLV Business School
Update on Progressive Personal Income Tax (PIT) Rates Effective from January 2026
Starting from January 2026, new progressive Personal Income Tax (PIT) rates will come into effect in Kazakhstan.
For employees with a monthly income above 3 million KZT (above 8,500 MCI per year), the PIT rate will increase from 10% to 15%.
Update on Obligatory Pension Payment by Employer (OPPE) Effective from January 2026
Starting from January 2025, the rate of OPPE will be increased from 2.5% to 3.5%.
We recommend HR professionals to take this update into account when planning payroll budgets, compensation models, and offers for 2026.
More details are available on:
- Official website of Akorda (Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan)
- State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Adilet Legal Information System
