Working in Kazakhstan

If you’re working in Kazakhstan, you’ll likely find yourself in the country’s capital, Astana (previously Nur-Sultan) or Almaty. As Central Asia’s largest economy, Kazakhstan offers great career development opportunities, particularly in oil, mining, construction, and emerging sectors like green energy and IT.

With abundant natural resources and a variety of thriving industries, Kazakhstan has plenty of employment prospects if you’re considering working here. The country’s strategic location also makes it a key player in global logistics and trade, thanks to its role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Job market in Kazakhstan

The job market in Kazakhstan is heavily influenced by its natural resource wealth. Oil and gas remain dominant, contributing significantly to the GDP. The mining sector is also a powerhouse. Kazakhstan is a major global supplier of uranium (producer of over 40 percent of the world’s supply), copper, and zinc.

Other key industries include construction, agriculture (Kazakhstan is a top wheat exporter), and tourism. The digital economy is growing, with increasing opportunities in IT and tech startups.

English teachers continue to be in high demand, driven by the government’s trilingual education policy and the expansion of private international schools and language centres. Preference is given to teachers with TEFL or TESOL certifications.

There are also some government workers and diplomats from other countries working in Kazakhstan, most of whom are based in Astana.

Finding a job in Kazakhstan

Finding a job in Kazakhstan can be straightforward if you’re transferring within a multinational company. Many expats secure roles through intra-company transfers, which simplifies visa and work permit processes.

If you’re searching independently, you’ll need a solid strategy and an understanding of the local job market. Online job boards remain a great starting point, but networking is often the key to unlocking the best opportunities.

LinkedIn is particularly effective for corporate roles, especially in finance, IT, and engineering. Multinational companies frequently post jobs here before listing them on local platforms. For broader opportunities, job portals like HeadHunter.kz and Rabota.kz are widely used.

Useful links

• HeadHunter.kz
• Rabota.kz
• Enbek.kz
• Jooble.kz
• Astana Hub

Work culture in Kazakhstan

Work culture in Kazakhstan mostly reflects traditional hierarchical structures. Most businesses operate on a standard 40-hour Monday-to-Friday workweek, with an eight-hour workday. 

In traditional industries like government, oil & gas, and finance, seniority and authority are deeply respected, but multinational companies and startups often embrace a more flexible, performance-based culture. Small talk is a key part of business discussions, and strong personal relationships are valued. Gift-giving and business dinners are common customs in corporate settings.

Remote work is still in its infancy, with less than 1 percent of the workforce working remotely. Many companies still favour in-person work due to management preferences and cultural norms, and rural areas face internet infrastructure limitations.

Work-life balance expectations vary across industries. Government and corporate jobs usually have strict working hours, while IT and startup companies offer more flexibility. Oil & gas and construction workers often work shift-based roles, sometimes in remote locations. Employees are entitled to at least 24 days of paid vacation per year, and national holidays are observed.

Business Culture in Kazakhstan