Kazakhstan recorded a positive external migration balance for the third consecutive year in 2025, QazMonitor reports.
According to the Bureau of National Statistics, 23,761 people arrived in the country during the year, while 7,608 people left. As a result, the net migration balance reached 16,153 people.
Compared with 2024, the number of people leaving Kazakhstan decreased by 40.2%, while the number of arrivals declined by 18.9%.
Most migration exchanges occur with CIS countries, which accounted for 81.8% of arrivals and 71.8% of departures. Among other countries, the largest numbers of arrivals were recorded from China, Mongolia, and Germany, while Kazakh citizens most frequently moved to Germany, Poland, and the United States.
Among the regions, the largest number of newcomers settled in Almaty Region (5,754 people), the city of Almaty (4,068), and Mangystau Region (3,562). The highest number of departures was recorded in Karaganda Region (1,451), Almaty (757), and East Kazakhstan Region (685).
Most arrivals and departures were aged 35–39, with the majority having technical or economic education.
Internal migration within Kazakhstan increased by 13.6% compared with 2024. A positive interregional migration balance was recorded in four regions: Astana (87,459 people), Almaty (33,126), Shymkent (15,130), and Almaty Region (12,110).