Quota for Attracting Foreign Labor for 2026 Approved

Quota for Attracting Foreign Labor for 2026 Approved

The Republic of Kazakhstan has officially established a quota for attracting foreign labor to carry out employment activities in 2026. The relevant Order of the Acting Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 12, 2025, No. 397, titled “On Establishing the Quota for Attracting Foreign Labor to Carry Out Employment Activities in the Territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2026”, defines the maximum limits for attracting foreign employees and labor immigrants in the upcoming calendar year. The document will enter into legal force on January 2, 2026.

 

Approach to Quota Formation

As in previous years, the quota for attracting foreign labor in 2026 has been established as a percentage of the total workforce of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This approach makes it possible to take into account the current state of the labor market, employment levels, and the country’s socio-economic conditions.

The state continues to adhere to the principle of prioritizing employment for citizens of Kazakhstan, while at the same time maintaining the possibility of attracting foreign workers in sectors of the economy where there is a shortage of labor or a need for specific qualifications and expertise.

 

Distribution of the Quota for 2026

According to the Order, the quota is distributed as follows:

• 25% – for permits issued by local executive authorities to employers for attracting foreign labor. This category generally includes foreign specialists hired under individual employer permits, including managerial and highly qualified personnel.
• 9% – for attracting labor immigrants carrying out employment activities in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Such distribution reflects the state’s intention to regulate labor migration, ensure its legal nature, and minimize the risks of illegal employment of foreign nationals.

 

Importance of the Quota for Employers

For Kazakhstani and foreign companies operating in Kazakhstan, the approved quota is of practical importance when planning their workforce strategy for 2026. The attraction of foreign employees is possible only within the established quota and in strict compliance with migration and labor legislation requirements.

Employers should take into account that:

• obtaining permits for attracting foreign labor requires advance preparation of documentation;
• application review periods may take a considerable amount of time;
• failure to comply with quota limits or procedural requirements may result in refusal to issue permits, fines, and other administrative penalties.

It is particularly important to plan the attraction of foreign specialists in advance in sectors with high competition for quota places, such as construction, industry, IT, logistics, and service industries.

 

Responsibility and Government Control

Government authorities continue to strengthen control over compliance with the rules for attracting foreign labor. In 2026, inspections of employers are expected to continue, focusing on the legality of employing foreign nationals, compliance of declared positions with actual job functions, and adherence to permit conditions.

In this regard, employers are advised to pay special attention to the proper execution of employment contracts, timely notification of authorized bodies, and the renewal of permit documents.

 

How FChain Helps Employers

FChain provides comprehensive support to employers on issues related to attracting foreign labor in Kazakhstan. Our team of experts helps companies effectively adapt to quota requirements and minimize legal and migration risks.

We offer:

• analysis of the possibility of attracting foreign employees taking into account the established quota for 2026;
• consultations on selecting the optimal permit category;
• preparation and support in submitting documents to local executive authorities;
• assistance with obtaining permits, visas, and IINs for foreign specialists;
• support during inspections and interaction with government authorities.

 

Cooperation with FChain allows employers to focus on business development by entrusting labor migration matters to professionals. We ensure transparency, compliance with legislation, and timely processing of all required documents.

 For professional support, please contact us at almaty@f-chain.com or via WhatsApp at +7 771 214 1820

 Employer of Records in Kazakhstan: Key Labour Law Requirements

Prepared by: Moldir Mukhtar
Business Development Specialist

FChain Kazakhstan
December 29, 2025