Kazakhstan to Spain: Complete Visa and Immigration Guide
Kazakhstani citizens have a practical advantage when considering Spain: visa-free Schengen access. You can enter Spain for 90 days without a visa, giving you time to explore cities, open a bank account, and meet with lawyers before committing to a longer-term move.
Key Facts for Kazakhstani Citizens
- Visa Required: No (90 days visa-free Schengen)
- Most Common Visas: Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, Work, Student
- Processing Time: 4-8 weeks for residence permits
- Spanish Consulates: 2 (Astana Embassy + Almaty office)
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: Yes
- Dual Citizenship: No. Kazakhstan strictly prohibits
Why Kazakhstani Citizens Choose Spain
Spain offers Mediterranean climate, EU market access, and a lifestyle that balances work with family time. For Kazakhstani professionals and entrepreneurs, Spain provides a gateway to the European market while maintaining strong international connections. The growing tech scenes in Barcelona and Madrid attract talent from across Central Asia.
Visa-Free Entry: Your 90-Day Advantage
Kazakhstan passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Spain. You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This gives you a genuine advantage over citizens from many other Central Asian nations.
We recommend using this window strategically. Come to Spain, explore different cities, open a Spanish bank account, get your NIE, and meet with lawyers like us in person. These steps make the actual residency application smoother.
But be clear: you can’t apply for residency while here on a tourist stay. The application must be submitted at the Spanish Embassy in Astana or the Almaty office before you relocate.
Visa Options for Kazakhstani Citizens
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Spanish Consulates in Kazakhstan
Astana – Embassy of Spain
Ulitsa Kenesary 47, 10th floor, Apt. 25, 010000 Astana
Tel: (+7) 7172 201 538 / 39 / 40
Email: [email protected]
Website: exteriores.gob.es/embajadas/astana
Covers: Northern Kazakhstan
Almaty – Consular Office
Microdistrito Koktem-3, 21 Malinovoe Pole, Building 12, Almaty 050040
Tel: +7 727 259 6800
Covers: Southern Kazakhstan
Visa applications processed through the Spanish consulate (kz.We coordinate appointments). Submit 15+ days before travel, up to 6 months early. Processing: 15-45 calendar days.
Tax Considerations
Tax Treaty: Kazakhstan-Spain
Spain and Kazakhstan have a Double Taxation Agreement that protects you from paying taxes twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Treaty covers: Dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains, pensions
- Relief method: Tax credit for taxes paid in Kazakhstan
- Spanish rates: Progressive, up to 47% in some regions
- Beckham Law: 24% flat tax for 6 years on Spanish income for qualifying new residents
Talk to us about tax planning before your move, especially if you maintain business interests or property in Kazakhstan.
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- Criminal Record from Committee of Legal Statistics, apostilled by Ministry of Justice
- Medical Certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of Income (bank statements, contracts)
- Health Insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Application Form completed and signed
- Photos passport size, white background
Kazakhstan is a Hague Apostille Convention member, so your documents can be apostilled (not full consular legalization). Criminal records take about 10 business days through eGov portal, then apostille from Ministry of Justice. All documents need sworn translation into Spanish. We handle document preparation for you.
Dual Citizenship: Critical Warning
Kazakhstan strictly prohibits dual citizenship. This is different from countries that simply “don’t recognize” dual citizenship. Kazakhstan actively enforces this.
If you acquire Spanish citizenship, you will lose your Kazakhstani citizenship. This isn’t theoretical. You must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 30 days and surrender your Kazakhstani passport and ID card.
Current penalties include fines up to 300 MCI (~$2,200) or administrative expulsion. As of September 2026, Parliament is considering escalating this to criminal penalties.
For ethnic Kazakhs who want to maintain ties without renouncing foreign citizenship, the Ata Zholy Card grants right to live and work in Kazakhstan for up to 10 years.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Kazakhstani nationals need 10 years of legal, continuous residence to apply for Spanish citizenship. This is the standard timeline for most nationalities.
Timeline:
- Year 1: Initial permit
- Year 2: First renewal
- Year 5: Permanent residency eligible
- Year 10: Citizenship application
During these 10 years, you can’t spend more than 6 months outside Spain in any given year. You’ll need to pass the CCSE (civic knowledge) and DELE A2 (Spanish language) exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter Spain without a visa from Kazakhstan?
Yes. Kazakhstani citizens enjoy 90-day visa-free access to the Schengen zone. This is for tourism, business meetings, and exploring. For stays beyond 90 days, you need a proper residence permit.
Will I lose my Kazakhstani citizenship if I become Spanish?
Yes. Kazakhstan strictly prohibits dual citizenship and actively enforces this. Acquiring foreign citizenship means automatic loss of Kazakhstani nationality. You must surrender your passport within 30 days of acquiring another citizenship.
Is there a tax treaty between Kazakhstan and Spain?
Yes. Spain and Kazakhstan have a double taxation agreement. This prevents being taxed twice on the same income. You’ll need a Tax Residency Certificate from Kazakhstan to benefit from reduced withholding rates.
How long until I can apply for Spanish citizenship?
10 years of continuous legal residence. After 5 years, you can get permanent residency. There’s no accelerated path for Kazakhstani nationals except marriage to a Spanish citizen (1 year).
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Kazakhstan to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.