Guidelines for Obtaining a Visa for Another Nation

Hopping Around the Globe: A Guide for Kazakhstani Permanent Residency

Got wanderlust and a permanent residence in your sights? Whether you're eyeing turquoise seas in CIS countries, bustling streets in Europe, or vibrant cityscapes in the USA, Turkey, or EAEU member states, here's some helpful insight to set you on your way.

The Great Move: Why Get a Permanent Residence Status

A permanent residence status is more than just a fancy stamp on a passport. It's the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. Many nations require this status to grab a residence permit or citizenship. Plus, it's the only way to access your pension savings from the EPF once you're abroad.

Navigating the Red Tape: What May Bar Your Way

The migration services don't always hand out permits like candy. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

ain, criminal>: If you're under investigation, serving time, or dodging court-ordered obligations, it'll be a tough pass.
Military duty: Having your rifle at the ready is a no-go.
False info: Lying on your application? That's a fast-track to rejection.
Civil lawsuit: Sued by a grumpy neighbor? Better sort that out before you apply.
Unpaid taxes: You left your wallet at home but not your tax debts? Sorry, buddy, that ain't flying.
Outstanding debts: You may have paid your dues, but if the creditor hasn't updated the books, you're still on the hook.
State secrets: Forgetting to inform the right people about secret stuff? Bad choice.

Turning Over a New Leaf: Lifting the Ban

Got a refusal stamped on your application? Don't fret—it ain't the end of the road. After addressing the reasons for the return, you can reapply to the migration services at any time.

Case in point: civil lawsuits. Once you've fulfilled the court's ruling or reached a settlement, you're in the clear. If the plaintiff's claims against you are rejected, you're also good to go.

Military conscripts must also remove themselves from military registration and snag a certificate for applying for permanent residence.

Preparation is Key: Avoiding Refusal

Chances are, you've left a digital footprint somewhere, and it could trip you up if you're not careful. Say you sold a car years ago and forgot about a fine on your general power of attorney. Or maybe you paid off a loan, but the creditor never updated the books. Time to dive into databases to make sure you're squeaky clean.

The Database Deep Dive: Where to Look

Start with the egov.kz website. It's a decent first step, but keep in mind that not all info is up-to-date or available.

Credit Bureau: Need to know about outstanding loans or debts? Look for information in credit reports. The two popular databases in Kazakhstan are the First Credit Bureau and the State Credit Bureau.
Debtors' Registry: This database holds info about unexecuted court decisions, including debts or utility payments, as well as court-ordered obligations.
Fines: Use the egov.kz website to look for administrative fines. You'll need an EDS and may find fines for more than just vehicles. Some banks also offer this service through their mobile apps.
Court Case Information: Visit the Supreme Court website's court case information section. It displays all previously issued court decisions and filed lawsuits (requires registration).

When Alimony Looms Large

If you're paying alimony, you'll need a court decision or a notarized agreement approved by a dispute resolution agreement. This agreement could be reached in various ways, such as mediated by a mediator or resolved in a participatory procedure involving lawyers.

Entrepreneurs: Don't Leave Money on the Table

For owners of individual enterprises or limited liability partnerships, there are extra hoops to jump through. Make sure your businesses don't have any tax or budgetary payment arrears, and take the necessary steps to withdraw your individual entrepreneur status before applying.

Journey with the Kiddos: Emigrating Minors

If you're taking your little ones along, make sure you have the proper paperwork. Children traveling with one parent or guardian need a notarized consent from the second parent. If the second parent refuses to give permission, a court order is required, which should be submitted along with the emigration application.

For children under 10, the guardianship authority must provide a conclusion on the child's best interests when considering their emigration.

General rule: All Kazakhstani citizens, regardless of their age, must have a passport when leaving the republic for permanent residence. ID cards are surrendered to the internal affairs authority that processed your emigration documents.

Sources of Wisdom

The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Migration"
Government Decree of the Republic of Kazakhstan No.361 of March 28, 2012 "On the Approval of the Rules for the issuance of documents for exit from the Republic of Kazakhstan for permanent residence"
Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Marriage (Marriage) and Family" (with amendments and additions as of 14.07.2022)

Extras:

Accessing Your Pension Savings if You Permanently Leave Kazakhstan
Free Medical Treatment Abroad for a Kazakhstani Citizen
What Happens to a Kazakhstani's Will When They Change Their Place of Residence

Insight Corner

Kazakhstani citizens seeking to obtain permanent residence permits in other countries must be prepared for a variety of requirements and considerations tailored to the specific destination country's immigration laws and policies. Here are some general requirements and considerations to keep in mind:

Proof of solvency: Many countries require applicants to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves without relying on public funds.
Valid travel documents: A passport or travel documents valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay period is usually required.
Visa application and approval: In some cases, applicants need a relevant visa category before applying for permanent residence or naturalization.
Length of continuous residence: Applicants will often need to have resided lawfully in the country for a set number of years, with differences depending on the country.
Legalization or apostille of documents: Foreign documents need to be legalized or apostilled to be accepted by immigration authorities.
Medical and background checks: Many countries require health examinations and criminal background checks as part of the process.

For Kazakhstani citizens, special considerations include bilateral agreements with specific countries, which may allow for simplified visa or residence permit procedures for ethnic Kazakhs residing abroad or Kazakhstan nationals. Consulting the relevant country's immigration authorities or official government resources for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance is essential for a successful application.

Country-Specific Requirements Overview

| Country | Years of Residence Required | Notes on Reduction or Special Cases ||----------------|---------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|| Poland | 10 years | Permanent residence requirement reduced to 3 years in some cases|| Portugal | 5 years | Reduced to 3 years if married to a Portuguese citizen|| Russia | 5 years | Reduced to 3 years if married to a Russian citizen; 1 year for valued specialists/refugees|| Romania | 8 years | - || Qatar | 25 years | No naturalization allowed || Saudi Arabia | 10 years | No naturalization allowed |

These requirements, while not exhaustive, can serve as a helpful starting point when applying for permanent residence or naturalization in these countries.

Considering your newfound desire to travel and settle, you might want to research the lifestyle adjustments and requirements when pursuing permanent residency in your dream countries.

Opting for a permanent residence status can grant you a multitude of advantages, such as access to pension savings from the EPF, enabling you to soak up new cultures, explore unfamiliar landscapes, and relish vibrant cityscapes across the globe.