In recent years, Kazakhstan has witnessed a significant increase in the number of Chinese citizens wishing to move for permanent residence. In 2025, this figure reached 2,600 people, which is 30% higher compared to the previous year. This value has become the highest in the last eight years, as reported by Ulysmedia.kz. The growth has been observed for the second consecutive year, after nearly a complete decline in 2021, when only 249 people arrived in Kazakhstan.
According to the First Credit Bureau, which is based on information from BNS, the flow of migrants began to recover after 2021. However, despite the increase in the number of arrivals, it is premature to speak of a mass influx. In the mid-2000s, many more people moved to Kazakhstan. For example, in 2008, the country was chosen by 6,300 Chinese citizens, which is 2.4 times the current level.
Almost all migrants are ethnic Kazakhs, and in 2025, their share was 99%. Most of them prefer to settle in the south, with about 70% choosing Almaty, Almaty Region, and Zhetysu Region, while approximately a quarter settle in Astana.
– Most of the newcomers, judging by the distribution, do not apply for the status of kandas, which implies resettlement to specific regions, mainly in the north, east, and west of the country, rather than in large cities, – analysts add.
The post Sharp increase in the number of migrants from China to Kazakhstan first appeared on K-News.
