Kazakhstan: immigration

How many people move to and from Kazakhstan?

8,014 people moved to Kazakhstan from abroad in January to June 2026 and 2,311 left, giving net migration of 5,703 people, according to the Bureau of National Statistics' migration of the population (January to June 2026). Arrivals were 28.9% lower than a year earlier and departures 34.3% lower.

The figures count people who register or deregister a permanent place of residence, so they leave out short-term labour migrants and most people on temporary stays. The Bureau's demography page shows net migration of 5,558 for January to August 2026, against 10,210 a year earlier.

Official sources: migration of the population (January to June 2026) · demography page

Where do migrants to Kazakhstan come from?

69.6% of people who moved to Kazakhstan in January to June 2026 came from other CIS countries, and 64.3% of people who left moved to CIS countries, according to the Bureau of National Statistics' migration release.

The CIS group includes Russia, Uzbekistan and other former Soviet states, which account for most migration with Kazakhstan. The Bureau publishes arrivals and departures by country group and by region in its dynamic tables.

Official sources: migration release

Which parts of Kazakhstan are people moving to?

Astana gained 32,665 people from moves within Kazakhstan in January to June 2026, according to the Bureau of National Statistics' migration release. Almaty region gained 15,490, Shymkent 6,477 and Almaty city 6,312. These were the only four regions with positive net internal migration.

The Bureau reports that the number of people moving within the country rose by 6.6% compared with a year earlier. Internal migration is counted from changes in registered place of residence, so people who move without re-registering are not counted.

Official sources: migration release

What is the population of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan's population was 20,618,796 on 1 September 2026, according to the Bureau of National Statistics' demographic statistics page. 13,236,041 people lived in urban areas and 7,382,755 in rural areas. There were 10,538,824 women and 10,079,972 men.

The population grows mainly through natural increase: births exceeded deaths by 113,416 in January to August 2026, while net international migration added 5,558. The Bureau updates the estimate every month; the last full census was held in 2021.

Official sources: demographic statistics page

How many foreign-born people live in Kazakhstan?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Kazakhstan was 10.1% in 2024. It was 10.6% in 2015. It is 31st highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 11.7%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 64th highest.

What is net migration in Kazakhstan?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in Kazakhstan was -8,834 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 45,755; its low point was 2008, at -37,796. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Kazakhstan is 36th highest of 52. Worldwide: 128th of 193.

How many refugees are in Kazakhstan?

4,377: that is the number of refugees in the country in Kazakhstan for 2025, according to UNHCR. Since 2005 it has ranged from 308 (2022) to 65,833 (2024). It is 43rd highest of 50 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 62,365. World rank, highest first: 108th of 169.

How many refugees have fled Kazakhstan?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Kazakhstan was 4,144, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 7,374; its low point was 2013, at 2,114. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 533, and Kazakhstan placed 15th highest of 49. Worldwide: 80th of 189.

How much are remittances to Kazakhstan?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 0.1% of GDP. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 45th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 1.4% of GDP. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 116th highest.