MIGRATION & CERTIFICATES
Germany citizenship and residence for Kazakhstan citizens: 2026 StAG law, B1 rules, and dual nationality
How Kazakhstani citizens can obtain German PR and citizenship in 2026: the 5-year StAG law, B1 exam requirements, Chancenkarte, and dual citizenship rules.
VON GERMANIUM
Editorial desk — sourced to StAG, AufenthG, and the German Embassy Astana/Almaty guidance
In 2026, Germany remains a top destination for skilled professionals and families from Kazakhstan. The updated citizenship law (StAG) reduced the standard residence requirement from 8 to 5 years (and 3 years with B2 integration). For Kazakhstani citizens, moving to Germany involves specific legal steps — from the required ALTE language certificates to dual citizenship notification rules.
Key migration pathways from Kazakhstan to Germany
| Pathway | German level required | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Chancenkarte (§20a) | A1 German or B2 English | Points-based opportunity card for 1-year job search. Evaluates qualification recognition, experience, and language. |
| Skilled employment (§18a/18b) | A2 / B1 (occupation-dependent) | Job offer + qualification recognition (Anabin / ZAB). |
| Family reunification (§30) | A1 (Goethe, ÖSD, telc) | ALTE-certified A1 certificate issued within 12 months prior to visa filing. |
| EU Blue Card (§18g) | No statutory German floor | Recognized degree + minimum salary threshold for 2026. |
Dual citizenship rules: Germany and Kazakhstan
On 27 June 2024, Germany officially permitted multiple nationality (Mehrfache Staatsangehörigkeit). German authorities no longer require applicants to renounce their original citizenship upon naturalization. However, Article 21 of the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship. Kazakhstani citizens acquiring foreign citizenship must notify the Kazakh consulate within 30 days to record the loss of Kazakh citizenship.
The language requirement: A1 to B1
All official visas require language proof from ALTE-certified test providers: Goethe-Institut, ÖSD, or telc. For permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) and naturalization, a B1 certificate and the 'Leben in Deutschland' test (17/33 correct) are mandatory.
Which German certificates are accepted by the German Embassy in Kazakhstan?
The Embassy in Astana and Consulate in Almaty accept ALTE certificates: Goethe-Zertifikat (A1-C2), ÖSD, and telc. For spouse visas, Start Deutsch 1 (A1) or ÖSD Grundstufe Deutsch 1 (A1) is required.
How many years of residence are required for German citizenship in 2026?
Under the 2026 StAG law, 5 years of legal residence with a qualifying residence permit, B1 German, and the Leben in Deutschland test are required (reduced to 3 years with B2 integration).