Kazakhstan recorded a sharp rise in immigration from China in 2025, with 2,600 people relocating permanently.

The figure marks a 29 per cent increase compared to the previous year and the highest level in the past eight years, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Experts note that immigration from China has remained elevated for the second consecutive year, rebounding significantly from a low of just 249 arrivals in 2021.

Despite the recent growth, historical data shows even higher levels in the mid-2000s. At its peak in 2008, around 6,300 Chinese citizens moved to Kazakhstan-more than double current figures.

Analysts highlight that nearly 99 per cent of arrivals from China in 2025 are ethnic Kazakhs. Around 70 per cent settled in Almaty and nearby regions, including Almaty Region and Zhetysu Region, while about a quarter chose Astana as their new home.

Experts suggest many migrants may be avoiding the official “kandas” status (this status is granted to ethnic Kazakhs who were not previously citizens of Kazakhstan but have returned to their historical homeland), which requires ethnic Kazakhs to settle in designated regions across northern, eastern, and western parts of the country.

Overall, Kazakhstan welcomed 23,800 permanent residents in 2025. Alongside China, the largest sources of migration were Uzbekistan with 11,800 arrivals and Russia with 4,700. While migration from Uzbekistan saw a slight decline, the number of arrivals from Russia dropped sharply by 41 per cent.