In early 2026, the influx of Chinese immigrants to Kazakhstan has tripled.

A total of 1,260 Chinese citizens moved to Kazakhstan for permanent residence in the first quarter of 2026. Compared to the same period last year, this figure has almost tripled, according to analysts from the First Credit Bureau of Kazakhstan, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

This is the first time in nine years that Kazakhstan has recorded such a high level of immigration from China during the January-March period. The report also notes that immigration dynamics in the first quarters of different years have shown significant fluctuations, with sharp increases often followed by declines and vice versa. For example, in 2024, the number of arrivals from China in January-March rose almost eightfold-from 98 to 750 people.

“The increased figures of the past two years indicated a possible revival of migration activity. Strong results at the beginning of 2026 could indicate a continuation of this trend,” the report states.

China currently ranks third in terms of the number of citizens who have moved to Kazakhstan for permanent residence. Russia holds second place, with 1,265 Russians arriving, marking a 29% year-on-year increase. The gap between the two countries is only five people, an unusually small difference in migration statistics.

Uzbekistan remains in first place in terms of the number of immigrants. A total of 2,275 people moved from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan, although this figure is 13% lower compared to the previous year.

Analysts also noted that almost all migrants moving from China to Kazakhstan are ethnic Kazakhs-99.5%. They most often choose Astana, Almaty, as well as the Zhetysu and Almaty regions as their destinations.

They further clarified that the immigration statistics include foreigners and stateless persons who have officially registered a change of country of permanent residence.