Information for Stateless People in Kazakhstan

If you don’t have any documents proving your citizenship, you may apply for stateless status in Kazakhstan. 

Where to Apply? 

You need to submit an application in person to the local Department of Police through Population Service Center based on your place of residence. If you are under 18 or legally incapable, your legal representative (such as a parent or guardian) must apply on your behalf. 

Required Supporting Documents (One of the Following): 

• Expired foreign passport 
• Stateless person’s identity document or its digital form 
• 1974 USSR passport 
• Military ID 
• Certificate of release from a correctional facility 
• Certificate of renunciation of Kazakhstani citizenship or change of citizenship under a Presidential Decree or an international treaty ratified by Kazakhstan 
• Birth certificate (for applicants under 16) or its digital copy 
• Return certificate issued by Kazakhstan’s foreign diplomatic missions (if the stateless person lost their identity document while temporarily abroad) 

If you don’t have some of these documents, the migration service will request information from Kazakhstan and foreign authorities to verify your identity. 

Application Process 

      1. Submitting Documents 

• You visit the Public Service Center (ЦОН) and submit your application. 
• You receive a receipt confirming your application submission. 

      2. Document Verification 

• Police officers check your data in the system (previous documents, residence registration). 
• If you have been residing in Kazakhstan without valid identity documents, an administrative protocol may be issued as part of the process to formally acknowledge your undocumented status. 
• You are directed to take photographs and sign the required documents. 

      3. Paying the State Fee 

• After verification, you pay the state fee at a bank. 
• If you have outstanding fines for migration law violations, you must pay them as well. 

     4. Document Processing 

• Your information is sent to the relevant authorities for document production. 
• You may choose an expedited processing option for an additional fee. 

     5. Receiving Your Identity Document 

• Once ready, your document is sent back to the Public Service Center or police department. 
• You can collect it by presenting your application receipt. 

Important to Know: 

• If there are mistakes or missing information in your documents, you will be contacted and asked to correct them. 
• If your application is rejected, you will be invited for a hearing to explain your situation. 
• Issued documents are stored at the Public Service Center for one year. If not collected within this period, they will be destroyed. 

As you are recognized by Kazakhstan as stateless person, you have many rights, including access to work, healthcare, education, and social benefits. 

• You have the right to work and sign an employment contract. However, you cannot work in government or political positions that require Kazakhstani citizenship. 
• You can own a business in Kazakhstan. However, you cannot work as an individual entrepreneur. 
• You can own property such as housing and land. You also have the right to go to court and protect your legal and property rights. 
• You have the right to free basic medical care just like citizens and to be participant of the health insurance schemes. You can receive pensions and state social benefits, including disability benefits, survivor benefits and age-related support. 
• You can also open a pension savings account and contribute voluntarily. 
• You can access free preschool, primary, and secondary education. You can also apply for free higher education on a competitive basis if you are studying for the first time. 
• You can legally marry in Kazakhstan, and your marriage will be officially registered. If you have a child with a Kazakhstani citizen, your child will automatically become a citizen of Kazakhstan, no matter where they are born. 
• You can move freely within Kazakhstan and choose where you want to live. You also have the right to participate in cultural activities and join public organizations. 

As a stateless person in Kazakhstan, you have the same rights and freedoms as citizens, unless the Constitution, laws, or international agreements state otherwise. As a stateless person, there are some things you cannot do: 

• You cannot vote or run for public office. 
• You do not have to serve in the military. 

As a stateless person in Kazakhstan, you have the opportunity to apply for citizenship. If you have lived in the country (as recognized stateless person in Kazakhstan) for at least five years or have been married to a citizen of Kazakhstan for at least three years, you can apply for naturalization under standard conditions. 

Some people may qualify for a simplified process. This includes: 

• Children, people with disabilities, and individuals with special achievements or skills needed in Kazakhstan. 
• Former citizens of Kazakhstan who did not acquire another nationality and are now permanently registered in Kazakhstan. 
• Ethnic Kazakhs returning to their historical homeland. 
• People who lost their citizenship due to mass political repression. 

In case of simplified procedure, you will be exempted from taking the Kazakh language, History of Kazakhstan, and Constitution tests. However, you will need to provide official documents confirming that you do not have another nationality and a police clearance certificate.