Germany Tops as Kazakh Schengen Visa Destination in 2024
Germany has emerged as the top destination for Kazakh citizens seeking Schengen visas, attracting a quarter of all applications in 2024. This trend continues a pattern seen since 2020, with over 180,000 applications submitted, a 12.8 percent increase from the previous year.
Germany received 45,094 applications, followed by Italy with 15 percent and Spain with 13 percent. The Netherlands trailed with a mere 20 applications. This preference can be attributed to family ties, historical connections, economic cooperation, and educational offers. Since 2014, Schengen states have earned over 111.9 million euros from Kazakh visa applications.
In 2024, Kazakh applicants spent around 14.3 million euros on Schengen visas, with 1.3 million euros spent on rejected applications. The approval rate was over 90 percent, with 163,511 applications approved out of 179,645. Germany also led in rejections, with 6,921 applications not approved. Meanwhile, Bulgaria stood out for issuing visas for multiple entries at a rate of over 122 percent.
Kazakhstan ranks 16th globally in Schengen visa applications, accounting for 1.54 percent of all worldwide applications. Despite the pandemic, Germany maintained its popularity, reflecting strong ties between the two nations. As visa spending reached 14.3 million euros in 2024, the Schengen states continue to benefit from Kazakh applicants.
