Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining a Country Passport in Kazakhstan has become a much simpler process than a few years ago, but it remains highly regulated. Between the different passport formats, procedures at the counter or online, special cases (children, loss, name change) and the fee structure based on the Monthly Calculation Index (MCI), it’s easy to get lost if you don’t know the rules.
This guide explains in detail the procedures for applying for, renewing, or replacing a passport of a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan, whether you reside in the country or abroad.
Understanding the Kazakh Passport: Role, Format, and Validity
The passport of a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan is first and foremost a travel document. It certifies the holder’s identity and citizenship both inside and outside the country, but its primary use remains for international travel. For daily life in Kazakhstan, the internal identity card is the valid document.
This document is optional: no citizen, regardless of age, is legally required to possess a passport. Furthermore, there is no penalty for simply holding an expired passport. However, to leave the country or obtain a foreign visa, this passport is essential.
Physically, the Kazakh passport is a small booklet, with specific characteristics that allow for easy verification of its authenticity.
Physical Characteristics and Passport Types
The ordinary Kazakh passport is a blue booklet, the color of the national flag, measuring 88 x 125 mm with rounded corners. The cover features, in gold, the national emblem and the inscriptions “Republic of Kazakhstan” and “Passport” in Kazakh and English. Inside, you find essential information about the holder: photograph, surname, given name, gender, nationality, identification number, date and place of birth, issuance and expiration dates, issuing authority, and signature.
The year since which the country issues exclusively biometric passports, compliant with ICAO standards.
There are three main categories of Kazakh passports, distinguishable by the cover color:
| Passport Type | Cover Color | Main Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Passport | Blue | Ministry of Internal Affairs |
| Diplomatic Passport | Dark Green | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Service / Official Passport | Black | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
This guide concerns the ordinary passport, the one requested by the majority of citizens.
Validity Period and Number of Pages
The standard validity period for a Kazakh passport is 10 years, regardless of the applicant’s age at the time of issuance. However, for children, the actual duration varies depending on the age at the time of issuance, particularly for 24-page passports.
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| Number of Pages | Target Audience | Usual Validity Period | State Fee (in MCI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 pages | Children under 16 | 5 years (under 12) / 10 years (12–16) | 4 MCI |
| 36 pages | Ages 16 and over | 10 years | 8 MCI |
| 48 pages | Ages 16 and over (frequent travelers) | 10 years | 12 MCI |
Passports with 36 and 48 pages can only be issued to individuals aged at least 16. For children under 16, only the 24-page format is available.
Important point: If you have an old passport that still contains a valid foreign visa, this document is not confiscated when the new passport is issued. The old booklet is simply returned, punched (a hole is made) to indicate it is invalidated as a travel document, while allowing the visa to remain readable.
Who Issues the Passport and Where to Apply
The passport is a state document, issued in the name of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Two institutional actors play a central role in obtaining it: the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the public corporation “Government for Citizens“.
Ministry of Internal Affairs and “Government for Citizens” Centers
The authority responsible for issuing ordinary passports is the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In practice, citizens do not deal directly with this ministry but with its field offices: the branches of the “Government for Citizens” National Corporation, often referred to in English as public service centers or PSCs.
These centers are present in all major cities and in each administrative region, including Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe, and regional capitals. They receive applications, check files, take photos and signatures, collect fees, and electronically transmit data to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which manufactures the document.
Standard Timelines and Expedited Procedure
Under the normal procedure, the announced timeline for issuing a passport is 15 business days from the submission of a complete file, whether the application is submitted in person at the center or via the government portal in cases where online service is permitted.
For urgent situations (imminent travel, sensitive cases), an expedited process is offered for an additional fee, the amount of which depends on the place of submission:
| Place of Submission | Urgency Category | Maximum Announced Timeline | Surcharge (in KZT, excluding state fee) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe, regional centers | 1st category | Up to 1 business day | 3,011.12 KZT |
| Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe, regional centers | 2nd category | Up to 3 business days | 1,581.14 KZT |
| Regional centers (excluding the major cities listed) | 1st category | Up to 3 business days | 3,011.12 KZT |
| Regional centers (excluding the major cities listed) | 2nd category | Up to 5 business days | 1,581.14 KZT |
| District towns and other regional localities | 3rd category | Up to 7 business days | 605.31 KZT |
These urgency fees are in addition to the state fee related to the passport’s page count.
How Much Does a Passport Cost in Kazakhstan
Passport issuance fees are indexed to a national economic indicator, the Monthly Calculation Index (MCI). The law sets fees in multiples of the MCI, allowing them to be adjusted annually without changing the core legislation.
State Fees for Passport and Identity Card
The base fee for a standard passport is 8 MCI. However, it varies depending on the chosen format:
| Document Type | Number of Pages | State Fee (MCI) |
|---|---|---|
| Passport – Reduced format (children) | 24 pages | 4 MCI |
| Passport – Standard | 36 pages | 8 MCI |
| Passport – Large volume | 48 pages | 12 MCI |
| National Identity Card | — | 0.2 MCI |
As of January 1, 2024, the fee for a 24-page passport intended for those under 16 has been confirmed at 4 MCI.
In addition to these issuance fees, Kazakh law provides for fees and fines in certain situations:
| Situation | Amount (MCI) |
|---|---|
| Loss of identity card more than twice in a year | 1 MCI |
| Exceeding legal deadlines for renewing a document | 7 MCI |
These amounts are independent of any expedited fees or private company services.
Fee-Exempt Categories
Tax legislation provides for a series of exemptions for certain population categories. Specifically, these individuals do not pay the state fee for passport or identity card issuance, provided they submit the corresponding proof.
Among the beneficiaries of exemption are:
The Kazakh social system provides specific support for several population categories. This notably includes: Heroes of Socialist Labor; holders of prestigious state awards (such as the orders “Altyn Kyran” and “Otan”, or the titles “Halyk Qaharmany” and “Qazaqtyn Yenbek Yeri”); mothers of large families distinguished by the titles “Heroine Mother”, “Altyn alqa” or “Kumis alqa”; World War II veterans and equivalent persons, as well as certain civilians decorated for their war effort; persons with disabilities and a parent of a disabled child; elderly or disabled persons residing in public institutions, as well as pupils and students fully supported by the state; and finally, citizens affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
The exemption applies to the state fee, but does not exempt, if applicable, from paying a surcharge for expedited processing.
How to Apply for a Passport in Person in Kazakhstan
The classic route remains the application submitted physically at a “Government for Citizens” center. This procedure is used for the majority of applications, notably first-time issuances, cases involving changes in civil status or children.
General Procedure at the Counter
The basic method is the same for all applicants:
To submit a passport application at a “Government for Citizens” branch, it is recommended to go to the one at your place of residence. Take a queue number or go with a pre-booked online appointment. You will need to provide the required supporting documents: ID, civil status documents, proof of citizenship, and payment receipt. On-site, your photo and signature will be digitally captured free of charge according to international standards. After verification, sign the application generated by the agent. Finally, keep the deposit slip or receipt safely, as you will need it to collect your passport once ready.
The center simultaneously uses the population registry database to verify the place of residence and citizenship. Once the file is validated, the data is transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which produces the booklet.
Documents for a First-Time Passport from Age 16
For a citizen applying for a passport for the first time at age 16 or over, the papers to provide depend on their situation. The most sensitive case concerns individuals who have never held Kazakh documents and are still holders of a Soviet passport or only a birth certificate.
Required items may include:
To compile a complete file, you must provide: the original 1974 model Soviet passport or a birth certificate, an identity declaration form, a citizenship certificate (form 13), and for naturalized citizens, an admission certificate (form 7). Also include two 3.5 x 4.5 cm photos if the file is processed by another service, as well as the payment receipt except in case of exemption.
For standard applications submitted at a PSC, photos are generally taken on-site, which limits the use of paper photos to applications via other administrative channels or from abroad.
Requirements for ID Photos
Even if the center takes the photo, the rules remain strict. When paper photos are required (for example for an application via an embassy), they must meet several criteria:
| Criterion | Main Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | 3.5 x 4.5 cm |
| Background | Light, uniform |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Position | Facing forward, face occupying about 75% of the surface |
| Support | Photographic print on thick paper, from a negative |
| Technical Prohibitions | Scans, computer montages, photocopies |
| Hairstyle and Headwear | No headwear, except for religious or medical reasons, face unobstructed |
| Glasses | Frame not covering the eyes, no tinted or reflective lenses |
| Clothing | Uniforms prohibited |
Non-compliance with these standards can lead to the rejection of the photo and a delay in the application.
Passport for Children: Specific Rules
Minors under 16 can also obtain a passport, but the procedure is regulated and must go through a legal representative.
Who Submits the Application and Child’s Presence
The application for a child must be submitted by their parents or legal guardian, with proof of this status (birth certificate, guardianship decision, etc.). The child’s presence at the center is mandatory, even for a newborn, as the photo and signature (or mark adapted to age) must be taken in their presence.
Documents to Provide for a Child Under 16
The basic file includes: the necessary documents, essential information, important contacts.
To apply for a passport for a child under 16, it is necessary to provide: the child’s birth certificate (or its recognized digital version), the identity card or passport of a parent (or guardian) to prove the child’s citizenship, the child’s old passport if they already had one, as well as proof of payment of the fee for a 24-page passport (4 MCI for those under 16 as of 2024).
In special situations—for example, a child born abroad to parents of different nationalities—the authorities require additional guarantees.
If a child is born abroad to parents one of whom is foreign and both were permanently residing outside Kazakhstan at the time of birth, a notarized consent from the foreign parent is required. This document attests to their agreement for the issuance of a Kazakh passport to the child.
Passport Validity for Minors
As mentioned earlier, the validity period depends on age:
– for children under 12: 24-page passport, valid for 5 years;
– for youth aged 12 to 16: 24-page passport, valid for 10 years.
The limitation to 24 pages responds to both technical considerations and the fact that a child generally does not travel as often as an adult.
Applying for or Renewing a Passport Online
Kazakhstan has widely digitized its public services. The issuance of identity documents is no exception to this trend, although technical constraints limit 100% online procedures, especially for first-time applications.
Conditions for Accessing Online Service
The passport or identity card application can be made via the eGov portal or the eGov mobile app under certain very specific conditions. The online service in practice only applies to renewals, not first-time applications, because the initial biometric capture (photo, potential fingerprints, signature) must be done in person.
To use the digital channel, the applicant must:
To sign a document electronically, you must meet several conditions: your identity card must be close to its expiration (less than 30 days before the end of validity) or expired for no more than 10 days. You must not have changed essential civil status (surname, given name, date of birth). It is necessary to have a permanent residence registration (official registration at an address). If you wish to sign with an SMS password, you must be registered in the mobile citizens database. Finally, you must possess an electronic digital signature (EDS) or be able to receive a one-time password via SMS.
Outside of these conditions, you are asked to go directly to a “Government for Citizens” center.
Steps for the Online Application
The procedure, once these prerequisites are met, takes place in several stages:
The procedure for applying for a passport or identity card via eGov platforms in Luxembourg includes several key steps: log in to the eGov portal or mobile app, select the appropriate service, fill out a partially pre-filled electronic form, upload a photo and signature meeting standards, sign the application electronically after identity verification, make the fee payment if necessary, and finally track the progress of the file in the service history.
Even within this digital procedure, the final issuance of the passport booklet is physical: the citizen must appear to collect it, with their application receipt.
Applying for a Passport from Abroad
For citizens residing or staying abroad, the passport application is not made directly at Kazakh centers on national territory, but via diplomatic representations (embassies and consulates).
File to Submit at a Diplomatic Mission
The citizen must go to the consular section of the nearest embassy or consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The usual file includes:
– a duly completed passport application form;
– for children under 16, the birth certificate and an identity document of the Kazakh parent;
– the current or expired Kazakh passport, if it is a renewal or replacement;
– for a first-time application abroad, an old USSR passport or another document that can prove citizenship (if applicable);
– four color photographs sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm, meeting Kazakh standards (light background, facing forward, no retouching);
– documents proving residence, studies, employment, or family situation in the host country (original plus copy);
– a possible certificate of non-acquisition of the host country’s citizenship if local law provides for it;
– proof of payment of consular fees for passport issuance.
The consulate does not manufacture the passport on-site. It sends the file to the competent authorities in Kazakhstan, which can significantly lengthen the processing time. In some cases, the wait can be several months.
Loss of Passport Abroad
In case of loss or theft of a Kazakh passport abroad, the citizen must immediately turn to the Kazakh diplomatic mission in the country where they are located. The consulate then issues a return document (certificate of return to Kazakhstan), which allows the holder to return to the country.
Once back in Kazakhstan, the citizen must promptly apply for a new passport with the competent authorities (via a “Government for Citizens” center). Here again, proof of loss or theft (statement, foreign police report if applicable) may be required.
Special Cases: Loss, Theft, Name or Data Change
The life of an identity document is not always smooth. Several events require applying for a passport replacement before its expiration.
Loss or Theft on Kazakh Territory
When loss or theft occurs in Kazakhstan, the holder must:
– go to any “Government for Citizens” center to file a loss declaration;
– provide the identification elements they still have (identity card, copy of passport, etc.);
– pay, if applicable, the fees and fines provided for if deadlines have been exceeded.
The center then initiates the procedure for invalidating the old passport and issuing a new one.
Change of Surname, Given Name, or Patronymic
After marriage, divorce, or for other reasons of change in civil status, the passport must be updated. The applicant must then:
– submit an application for passport replacement at a PSC;
– provide the supporting document for the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, name change deed, etc.);
– attach proof of payment of the fee for a new passport (if applicable, 4, 8, or 12 MCI depending on the format).
People of Kazakh ethnicity can request the adaptation of their surname and patronymic to make them more conform to Kazakh linguistic tradition, for example by replacing Russified endings “-ov/-ova” with “-uly” or “-kyzy”. The request is made by a simple written application to the center, accompanied by the necessary civil status documents. This process results in the issuance of a new identity card and a new passport.
Expiration and No Penalty for Expired Passport
Kazakh law provides no fine for the mere possession of an expired passport. However, this does not exempt from the practical obligation of having a valid document to cross borders or complete certain administrative acts abroad.
On the other hand, penalties exist for non-compliance with renewal deadlines for the national identity card, or for excessive delays in renewing identity documents, generally in the form of a fine equivalent to 7 MCI.
Internal Identity Card and Passport: What’s What?
It is important to clearly distinguish between the internal identity card (ID) and the passport.
The identity card:
The identity card is mandatory for all citizens aged 16 and over permanently residing in Kazakhstan. It serves as the main identification document for all internal procedures (banking, administration, healthcare, etc.). Its validity is 10 years, with mandatory renewals at 16, 25, and 45; after 45, it can be valid for life. It also allows travel to certain neighboring countries like Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Albania, according to existing agreements.
The passport:
– is optional but necessary for traveling beyond these few countries;
– serves as proof of identity and nationality abroad;
– is generally valid for 10 years, with exceptions for children.
In practice, many citizens make do with the identity card for their daily life and only apply for a passport in case of travel plans or residence abroad.
Tracking, Collection, and Non-Collection of Documents
Once the application is submitted, the citizen can track its progress via their personal account on the eGov portal. The “Service History” section shows the successive statuses of the application (registered, being manufactured, ready, issued, etc.).
Passport collection is done exclusively at a “Government for Citizens” center. The applicant or their legal representative must present:
– the deposit slip or receipt given during the application;
– an identity document (identity card, old passport, etc.).
A third party can collect a passport on your behalf, provided they present a notarized power of attorney that expressly designates them for this procedure.
If the passport is not collected, the administration does not keep it indefinitely. The document is kept for one year from the date of its production and then, in the absence of collection, sent for destruction.
What to Do in Case of Disagreement with the Administration
If a citizen believes their rights have not been respected in the context of a passport application (refusal deemed unjustified, abusive delay, data error, etc.), they have a right to appeal.
The standard procedure provides for:
To file an administrative appeal, you must contact the competent authority (Ministry of Internal Affairs, regional directorate, or the management of the “Government for Citizens” center). Complaint processing generally takes five business days after receipt, unless exceptional. If the seized administration declares itself incompetent, it must forward the file to the competent body within three business days.
If no response is provided within the legal deadline, this absence is considered an implicit refusal, opening the way to court action. However, in most cases, disputes are resolved at the administrative level (error correction, new issuance of the document, etc.).
Why the Kazakh Passport Matters Internationally
Beyond purely administrative aspects, the Kazakh passport also determines the travel facilities available to its holders. According to recent international indices, Kazakh citizens can access nearly 80 countries and territories without a prior visa or with a visa on arrival. The Henley ranking, for example, places the Kazakh passport in the global average, better positioned than those of several regional neighbors.
The partial opening of borders highlights the importance of the passport for Kazakhs abroad (students, workers, entrepreneurs) and reinforces the authorities’ vigilance regarding its reliability, as part of the fight against identity fraud. Although circumventions exist (fake civil status documents, fictitious registration), obtaining a complete fake passport remains relatively difficult according to specialized reports.
In Summary: Preparing Your Application Without Mistakes
Obtaining a country passport in Kazakhstan is based on a few key principles: having duly established citizenship, being properly registered in the population register, respecting the rules of form (photos, signature, original documents), and anticipating timelines, especially in case of upcoming travel.
The passport obtaining procedure has been largely simplified via the “Government for Citizens” centers and digitization. Several formats are available to suit the traveler’s profile. In case of urgency, very short timelines are possible, for a moderate additional cost.
Whether you are the parent of a child born abroad, a newly naturalized citizen, a student on the move, or an occasional traveler, the rules are now clear enough for the process to be predictable. By ensuring you gather the required documents in advance and checking your administrative status (registration, absence of undeclared name change), it becomes possible to obtain a country passport in Kazakhstan without bad surprises or unnecessary back-and-forth.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
