Kazakhstan (KZ)
Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country by area and the largest landlocked nation — a vast Central Asian republic stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains, encompassing endless steppes, dramatic canyons, and the remnants of the ancient Silk Road.
Leaving Kazakhstan
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
Allow 6–8 weeks for a smooth departure. Weeks 8–6 before: notify employer, initiate UAPF pension withdrawal application (takes 4–6 weeks), arrange property sale or management if applicable. Weeks 4–3 before: give lease notice, begin shipping arrangements, start bank transfers. Weeks 2–1 before: cancel utilities and subscriptions, close bank accounts, obtain reference letters and apostilled document copies, settle any vehicle registration issues. Final week: submit migration deregistration at ЦОМ, return ВНЖ, collect final tax no-debt certificate, complete exit inspection at rental.
Deregistration
Notify the Department of Migration Service (ДМС) of your departure and return your residence permit booklet (ВНЖ) at a Migration Service Centre (ЦОМ) — this formally cancels your residence registration. For work permit holders, your employer should initiate work permit cancellation. Deregister your IIN-linked address via eGov.kz or at a ЦОН. Failure to formally cancel your residence permit may complicate future re-entry to Kazakhstan. The migration police will record your departure at the border, but formal ВНЖ surrender is recommended for a clean record.
Tax clearance
File your final income tax declaration (Form 240.00) by March 31 of the year following your departure year (or proactively in advance for mid-year departures). Any outstanding income tax must be paid by April 10. Request a no-debt certificate (справка об отсутствии налоговой задолженности) from the State Revenue Committee (КГД) at cabinet.salyk.kz — this confirms you have no outstanding tax obligations and is useful for your records. Kazakhstan's flat 10% rate means final settlement is usually straightforward for salary earners.
Pension portability
Non-Kazakhstani citizens who are permanently leaving Kazakhstan can apply to withdraw their mandatory pension contributions (ОПВ) accumulated in the UAPF (Unified Accumulative Pension Fund). This can represent a significant lump sum if you have worked in Kazakhstan for several years (typically 10% of every gross salary payment). Apply at any UAPF office or via an authorised bank with: valid passport, IIN, residence permit (if applicable), evidence of permanent departure (travel tickets/cancelled ВНЖ). The withdrawal is subject to 10% income tax withheld at source. Kazakhstani citizens cannot withdraw pension savings until retirement age (63 male, 61 female in 2026). Allow 4–6 weeks for processing.
Health insurance
Your OSMS (Mandatory Social Health Insurance) coverage ends when you are no longer employed and contributions stop. Private health insurance policies should be cancelled or converted to international coverage — check the terms with your insurer. If departing mid-year, ensure any in-progress medical treatment is completed or referred before your insurance lapses. Collect all medical records, vaccination history, and prescriptions from your Kazakhstani healthcare providers before departure.
Bank account
Transfer funds from Kazakhstani bank accounts to foreign accounts before closing. International SWIFT transfers from Halyk Bank and Forte Bank are the most reliable. Kaspi Bank allows transfers via Wise for incoming KZT. Currency controls: amounts over $50,000/day require source-of-funds documentation. Convert KZT in advance using the bank or reputable exchange offices (not at the airport — rates are poor). Close all accounts formally at the branch, including Kaspi Gold, and cancel any linked Kaspi subscriptions and automatic payments. Retain account statements for tax purposes.
Utilities
Cancel electricity, gas, water, heating, internet, and mobile contracts 2–4 weeks before departure. Submit final meter readings and pay all outstanding bills. Most can be managed via the Kaspi.kz app. Your internet and mobile providers may have minimum contract periods with early termination fees — check your contracts. Return any rented equipment (routers, set-top boxes) to providers.
Rental contract
Give written notice to your landlord per the terms specified in your lease contract (typically 1 month, sometimes 3 months). Conduct a joint exit inspection (акт возврата) with the landlord and document the apartment condition. Agree on any deposit deductions in writing. Pay all outstanding utility bills. Receive the deposit return per the agreed timeline (typically 7–30 days after inspection). Cancel your migration registration at the ЦОМ or update it to your new address if moving within Kazakhstan before departure.
Leaving the Country
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