Recruiting in Kazakhstan

Context

With its vast natural resources and ambitious reforms, Kazakhstan is undergoing rapid economic expansion, positioning itself as a strategic hub between Asia and Europe. The largest country in Central Asia, it offers a favorable business environment, a skilled workforce and growth opportunities in a variety of sectors including energy, information technology and infrastructure. To recruit successfully in Kazakhstan, it is essential to understand local practices and cultural particularities.

How to hire in Kazakhstan

To attract the best talent to Kazakhstan, it is important to important use the right recruitment channels. Here are the main channels used by recruiters kazakhs

Choice of recruitment channels

Employment websites:
HeadHunter.kz: Kazakhstan's most popular job site, covering a wide range of sectors.
Rabota.kz: Another major platform, ideal for jobs in IT and services.
Enbek.kz: The government portal for job offers, widely used by local and international companies.

Professional social networks :
LinkedIn: The most widely used professional networking platform for executive recruitment.
Facebook: To promote job offers and reach a wide audience.
Instagram: Increasingly used for recruitment, especially in the creative and technology sectors.

Job fairs and events :
JobFair Kazakhstan: A major annual event bringing together local and international companies.
Career Days at Nazarbayev University: a job fair organized by one of the country's leading universities, attracting many qualified students and recent graduates.

Language requirements and cultural skills

Kazakhstan's official language is Kazakh, but Russian is also widely spoken and used in business. English is becoming increasingly common, especially in the technology sector and in international companies. Recruiters need to ensure that candidates have the language skills required for the job.

Understanding local regulations

Work permits and visas: The total time required to obtain a work permit for a foreign employee in Kazakhstan can vary from 1.5 to 3 months. It is recommended to start the application process at least 3 months before the employee's expected start date to avoid any potential delays.

The work visa process in Kazakhstan is relatively complex, especially in terms of administrative procedures and deadlines, but not necessarily more complicated than in Russia or Turkmenistan. This country offers five types of work visas to foreign employees:

M1 visa : granted to expatriates who have obtained a work permit from a Kazakh employer.
M2 visa: granted to dependents of foreign workers holding an M1 visa.
M3 visa: issued to expatriates who need to travel to the country to finalize their work permit with the local authorities.
M4 visa: issued to "business immigrants" or entrepreneurs.
M5 visa: issued to seasonal employees.

Get the facts before you recruit in Kazakhstan

Employment contracts

Indefinite-term contract (CDI): Offers long-term job stability for employees.

Fixed-term contract (CDD) : concluded for a specific, fixed period period.

Working hours and rest

The working week must not exceed 40 hours, and overtime must not exceed 2 hours per day.

Paid vacations

In general, workers are entitled to 24 days’ paid annual leave, and the allowance must be paid at least 3 days before departure. departure vacation of the employee.

Professional development opportunities

Kazakhstan’s focus on economic diversification and innovation creates numerous opportunities for training and professional development. Companies are investing in employee skills development to stay competitive.

Modern working environment

Many international and local companies are adopting modern, inclusive working environments, with well-equipped offices, flexible working policies, and support for employee well-being. This includes access to sports facilities, relaxation areas and mental health programs.

Main recruitment areas

Astana (Nur-Sultan) Capital of Kazakhstan, Astana is a major economic, political and cultural center.

Almaty Former capital and main financial center of the country.

Aksou Aksou: A hub for the oil and gas industry, with numerous companies involved in hydrocarbon exploration, production and transportation.

Aktioubé Important regional center for the petrochemical and mining industries.
Karaganda Karaganda: A major industrial center specializing in metallurgy, chemicals, energy and mechanical engineering.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage in Kazakhstan has risen significantly in recent years. In 2021, it will be 42,500 KZT per month (around 85 euros). However, in January 2024, the minimum wage was raised to 85,000 KZT per month (around 170 euros).

Salveo expertise: your best asset for recruiting in Kazakhstan?

As a member of the ADIT Group, Salveo is your trusted partner. With a team of French-speaking local specialists and over thirty years’ experience, Salveo is ready to support your development in Kazakhstan.

Our strengths

Local expertise In-depth knowledge of Kazakh regulations and cultural practices to ensure legal compliance and maximize chances of success.
Extensive network Access to a pool of qualified talent thanks to an extensive network of local contacts and partners.
Customized solutions Personalized recruitment, including headhunting, mass recruitment and support for expatriate relocation.
Comprehensive support Comprehensive support: We manage all stages of the recruitment process, from administrative formalities to the integration of new employees, including visa and work permit procedures.
Training and development Training and development programs to ensure employees have the skills they need to succeed and contribute to your company’s growth.