Kazakhstan is one of the former Soviet Republics of Soviet Union. Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991 with the fall of Soviet Union. Kazakhstan is the wealthiest of the former republics and is quickly moving into a premier leadership role in Central Asia.

The Children:
Children available for adoption from Kazakhstan range in age from 6 months to 16 years of age. The children include a mix of native Kazakhs and Russians who have migrated there since Russia conquered the area in the 18th century. About 70% of the children are of Asian background while 30% are considered Caucasian. Many of the children are intermixed creating a beautiful array of appearances of children.

Prospective parents:
Single women and married couples may adopt in Kazakhstan. For married couples they need to be married for over one year thus proving stability. Kazakhstan has less stringent requirements on the age of parents. Parents must be at least 16 years older than the child to be adopted. Families of any size are eligible to adopt from Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan also allows unrelated children to be adopted at the same time.

Trip Process:
The Kazakhstan government requires adopting parents to spend at least two weeks visiting a child in his residence city before applying for adoption. Kazakhstan law also provides for a 15-day waiting period after the court hearing before the adoption becomes final. This long trip may be broken into two trips. If married, both must travel for the first two weeks to identify and meet the child, and one can remain and legally complete the adoption. For planning you should expect a five week process.