Immigration from China to Kazakhstan triples in early 2026

Baku, May 13, AZERTAC

Kazakhstan recorded a sharp increase in immigration from China in the first quarter of 2026, Kazinform News Agency reported citing the Data Hub.

This January-March, a total of 1,260 Chinese citizens arrived for permanent residence, more than three times compared to the same period of 2025.

According to the National Statistics Bureau, this is the highest quarterly level of migration from China in at least nine years.

To note, migration statistics are volatile: last year, arrivals jumped nearly eightfold, from 98 to 750.

Despite fluctuations, consistently high numbers over the past two years suggest a growing trend in migration activity from China.

Most people arrived in Kazakhstan from Uzbekistan, up to 2,275, which is 13% less compared to 2025.

Then comes Russia with 1,265 arrivals, 29% up, and China with 1,260 arrivals, just five fewer than Russia.

Nearly all immigrants from China, up to 99.5%, are ethnic Kazakhs.

Preferred settlement regions include the cities of Astana and Almaty, as well as Almaty and Zhetysu regions.

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