Kazakhstan announces adjusted citizenship exam standards

Kazakhstan has announced significant revisions to the knowledge requirements for individuals seeking to acquire or restore citizenship, marking a notable shift in the country’s naturalization standards.

The amendments pertain to proficiency in the state language, foundational understanding of the Constitution of Kazakhstan, and familiarity with the nation’s history, Caliber.Az reports per Kazakh media.

The updated criteria mandate that applicants must now achieve a minimum score of 15 points in elementary-level proficiency of the Kazakh language, at least 20 points in constitutional knowledge, and a minimum of 15 points in Kazakh history to be eligible for citizenship or its restoration.

This marks a recalibration from the previous standards, which required applicants to score at least 36 points in elementary-level language proficiency—a notably higher threshold—and at least 9 points in constitutional knowledge.

The revised regulations are set to take effect on August 26, 2025, providing prospective citizens with a clear timeline for compliance. 

By Vafa Guliyeva