Kazakhstanis changing their birth dates on advice from numerologists

Tengrinews.kz – A growing number of Kazakhstanis are reportedly changing their official birth dates based on advice from numerologists, writes publisher Bakytzhan Bukharbai on his Facebook page.

"I recently heard from a friend about a new trend: people are now changing their birth dates in official documents. Their teachers in numerology, syutsai, and other pseudo-disciplines claim, ‘If you change your birth date, money and success will come your way.’ It's strange this is even allowed. And honestly, it’s rock bottom. What’s next—changing our place of birth for prosperity? You need to work hard, not believe in nonsense. What do you think?" Bukharbai wrote.

Is it legal to change your birth date in Kazakhstan?

In response to this emerging trend, Tengrinews.kz reached out to the Ministry of Justice for clarification.

According to the Committee for Registration Services and Legal Assistance, changing one's date of birth is possible, but only under specific and well-documented circumstances.

"A birth date is a fixed and indisputable fact, established based on medical documents. It is determined by the moment a child is born, and any changes to this data are only allowed if there are objective, documented reasons," the ministry stated.

Changes may be made in cases such as:

• Errors in records (e.g., clerical mistakes confirmed by medical documents)
• Adoption (the birth date may be specified in a court ruling)
• Court decisions confirming other exceptional circumstances

"Given the above, changing the date of birth is only allowed with valid grounds. Citizens must apply to a registry office or any branch of the Government for Citizens Corporation (Public Service Centers)," the Ministry explained.

Under Article 183 of the Family and Marriage Code, changes to civil status records (such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce) can be made if there is a primary registration, sufficient grounds, and no dispute between interested parties.

"If there is a dispute between parties, any changes to civil status records must be resolved through mediation or the court," the Ministry added.