Local culture in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan may not be the first place that comes to mind for relocation, but this vast and varied country offers a unique experience for those daring enough to explore it. There’s not a lot of information available for newcomers, so prepare ahead of time.

While Kazakhstan was once known for its nomadic traditions, it has now become a regional economic leader with modern cities and a growing global presence. Beyond the urban centres, traditional life still thrives in rural villages on the steppe. Moving here requires cultural adjustment, but the experience can be deeply enriching.

Language barrier in Kazakhstan

You will need to navigate the language barrier in Kazakhstan early on. Kazakh is the state language, and the government actively promotes its use. Russian remains dominant in business, urban areas, and many daily interactions. Most people in major cities are bilingual, and Russian is the default language in many workplaces.

There is an ongoing transition from the Cyrillic to the Latin alphabet, with full implementation expected by 2031. This shift is part of a broader effort to modernise the Kazakh language and reduce Russian influence. Learning the basics of both Kazakh and Russian will make life much easier, and even a few words of Kazakh will be warmly appreciated by locals.

If you’re looking for language-learning resources, apps like Tilqural (for Kazakh), Duolingo (for Russian), and language-exchange platforms such as Tandem can be helpful. 

Working in Kazakhstan

Bureaucracy in Kazakhstan

Navigating bureaucracy in Kazakhstan may be more time-consuming than you’re used to and often requires patience. Official procedures, such as residency registration or obtaining work permits, involve several steps and may differ based on your nationality and employer.

Kazakhstan has been digitising many services to simplify bureaucratic processes. The eGov portal now handles online applications for visas, work permits, and other official documents, and this has reduced the number of in-person visits to government offices.

Many foreigners hire local legal consultants or visa services to help with residency applications and work permits. Understanding the specific requirements in advance and bringing the necessary documentation can also speed up the process. Keeping a sense of humour and a respectful attitude can go a long way when dealing with officials.

Visas for Kazakhstan
Work Permits for Kazakhstan

Business culture in Kazakhstan

Business culture in Kazakhstan is fundamentally informed by hierarchy and respect for authority. Decisions typically originate from the top levels, which means negotiations can be prolonged as recommendations are elevated through the hierarchy.

Relationships are key to success. Kazakhstani professionals value trust and personal connections, and they place emphasis on face-to-face meetings and networking. Formal business attire prevails in corporate settings, and small, thoughtful gifts are often exchanged as a sign of goodwill.

Business Culture in Kazakhstan

Socialising in Kazakhstan

First impressions in Kazakhstan can be misleading. People may seem reserved or even brusque in public, but this is just a surface-level formality. Once you break the ice, Kazakhstanis are exceptionally warm and welcoming.

Hospitality is central to Kazakh culture. If invited to someone’s home, expect a generous spread of food and drink. Bring a small gift for the host – sweets, flowers, or a bottle of something are always appreciated.

It is customary to remove your shoes upon entering. Guests are treated with great respect, and refusing food or drink can be seen as impolite. Be prepared to try everything offered; if you really cannot eat something, a polite excuse will be better received than an outright refusal.

Family in Kazakhstan

Family is at the heart of daily life in Kazakhstan, influencing everything from career choices to major celebrations. Respect for elders is deeply ingrained, and multiple generations often live under one roof, particularly in rural areas. Even in cities, young professionals often consult their parents before making significant life decisions.

Large family gatherings are the norm, and children are always included in social events. Weddings, New Year’s Eve parties, and even formal dinners will typically have children running around. Do not be surprised if guests bring toddlers to an evening meal – child-free events are virtually unheard of.

Urbanisation is gradually reshaping family dynamics. In major cities like Almaty and Astana, smaller nuclear families are becoming more common, and younger generations enjoy greater independence. Women are increasingly pursuing higher education and careers, which is shifting traditional gender roles.

Kazakhstan has a rich tradition of family customs, many of which are still widely practised. Betashar is a bride’s unveiling ceremony at weddings, and Tusau Keser is a symbolic celebration when a child takes their first steps. Before major life events, it is customary for younger family members to seek blessings from their elders.

Religion in Kazakhstan

Religion in Kazakhstan is important to Kazakhstan's cultural identity, but the country remains a secular state with a strong emphasis on religious tolerance. Islam, primarily Sunni, is the dominant religion, followed by Russian Orthodox Christianity. Despite this, many Kazakhs take a moderate or cultural approach to religious practices rather than strict observance.

Kazakhstanis take pride in their country’s capacity for religious coexistence. You’ll find mosques, churches, and temples existing side by side, and the government actively promotes interfaith dialogue. Kazakhstan regularly hosts the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, fostering discussions between different faith groups.

There is freedom of worship in Kazakhstan, but religious organisations must be officially registered, and certain religious activities are monitored to prevent extremism. While the government is secular, occasional debates arise about the balance between religious freedoms and state regulations, particularly regarding religious attire and public gatherings.

Alcohol is readily accessible, although foreign wines may come with a high price tag. Pork is available in designated areas of some grocery stores to accommodate non-Muslim locals. When hosting visitors, it’s always courteous to inquire about their dietary preferences in advance.