Quota for the employment of foreign citizens
The Foreign Labour Quota Section of the Ministry of Economy sets each year the number of work permits that may be issued to foreign citizens, by sector, and allots them to employers. A permit is issued by the Passport and Residence Service of the Ministry of Internal Security only within the employer's allotment.
Quota by sector
| Sector | 2026 | 2027 (draft) |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas (NurGaz and service companies) | 640 | 655 |
| Mining and metallurgy | 210 | 260 |
| Construction | 1,150 | 1,100 |
| Contractors of the US bases | 380 | 380 |
| Agriculture and food processing | 420 | 400 |
| Trade, hotels and restaurants | 260 | 240 |
| Education, health and science | 150 | 170 |
| Other | 190 | 195 |
| Total | 3,400 | 3,400 |
How to apply
Applications are received only in the first working week of each quarter, in room 15 of the Government House annex (+996-39-2-21-44-15). For 2027: 4–8 January, 1–7 April, 1–7 July and 1–7 October. The employer brings a written appeal on form OG-1 with the list of posts, the extract from the Register of Firms and the certificate of the tax inspectorate that it has no arrears.
The 2027 figures are a draft and will be approved by order of the Minister in December 2026. Unused allotments are not carried over to the next year.
Page of the Foreign Labour Quota Section. Last updated 12.10.2026.