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Kazakhstan remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the region for relocation, investment, and business operations. Its appeal is further enhanced by a favorable tax environment: compared with many other jurisdictions, Kazakhstan maintains a relatively low overall tax burden, while certain investors and participants in special legal regimes may benefit from significant tax incentives and exemptions.
Foreign nationals may legally stay in Kazakhstan and carry out certain activities on the basis of several immigration mechanisms, including a visa-free regime, visa-based entry, temporary residence arrangements, and permanent residence status.
Matias advises clients on selecting the most appropriate migration status and provides end-to-end support with visa applications and related procedures, from initial assessment through to completion.
Legal Grounds for Stay in Kazakhstan
1. Visa-Free Regime
Visa-free entry is the most common basis for short-term stay in Kazakhstan. As a general rule, foreign nationals may enter Kazakhstan without a visa for tourism, private visits, and certain short-term business purposes. In addition, a simplified entry regime applies to nationals of certain countries. For example, under a unilateral visa-free regime, citizens of 54 countries may stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 calendar days.
The permitted duration of stay always depends on the individual’s nationality and passport type. Before travelling, we recommend checking the applicable entry rules using the official eGov table:
https://egov.kz/cms/ru/articles/visa_regime_for_foreigners
When assessing eligibility for visa-free stay, it is important to consider not only the duration of a single trip, but also the cumulative limits on the total number of days spent in Kazakhstan. Even where visa-free entry is available, the general rule is that a foreign national may not stay in Kazakhstan for more than 90 calendar days within any 180-day period and, additionally, no more than 120 days within a calendar year. These limits may vary depending on the person’s citizenship.
It is also important to note that all foreign nationals, regardless of whether they enter Kazakhstan under a visa-free regime or on the basis of a visa, are subject to arrival notification requirements. The notification must be submitted by the receiving party, such as a hotel, landlord, company, or private individual, within 3 business days from the date of arrival in Kazakhstan, as well as each time the place of residence changes.
2. Permanent Residence Permit
Where the intention is to remain in Kazakhstan for a longer period, it is advisable to consider permanent residence status in advance. A permanent residence permit confirms a foreign national’s right to reside in Kazakhstan on a permanent basis and is issued after obtaining permission for permanent residence from the territorial police authorities.
The general requirements include lawful grounds for permanent residence, proof of financial solvency, submission of the prescribed document package, and payment of the applicable state fee.
Permanent residence provides a stable legal status and offers significant practical advantages for daily life in Kazakhstan. In particular, foreign nationals holding permanent residence generally enjoy nearly the same rights as Kazakhstani citizens, including the right to acquire residential property in Kazakhstan and access free medical services at their registered place of residence. The main exceptions are political rights, including the right to vote and to stand for election.
As a general rule, a permanent residence permit is issued for 10 years. However, its validity cannot exceed the validity of the foreign national’s passport. For example, if the passport remains valid for only 5 more years, the residence permit will also be issued for 5 years. Upon expiry, it may be extended for a similar period.
3. Visa-Based Stay
If a visa-free regime does not apply to the citizen of a particular country, or if the intended activities in Kazakhstan require formal immigration status, entry and stay must be based on a visa of the relevant category.
Kazakhstan offers both visas issued through its consular posts abroad and electronic visas (e-Visas), which are available for certain travel purposes.
An electronic visa is issued on the basis of a valid invitation from a Kazakhstani party and permits entry and exit only through the international airports of Almaty and Astana.
In practice, visas are often the first step for entry into Kazakhstan and frequently serve as the basis for obtaining longer-term immigration status. Below is an overview of the most commonly used visa categories. Matias can assist in identifying the appropriate category and supporting the application process at every stage.
Most Common Visa Categories
Tourist Visa — B12
The B12 visa is intended for entry into Kazakhstan for tourism purposes where visa-free entry is not available or another form of stay is required.
It is generally issued on the basis of an invitation. However, nationals of the countries listed at the following link are exempt from the invitation requirement:
https://clck.ru/3STRf9
Validity: single-entry and multiple-entry visas for up to 90 days.
Business Visas — B1 / B2 / B3
These visa categories are designed for business-related purposes, including negotiations, attendance at events, participation in exhibitions and forums, and certain commercial activities such as installation, repair, maintenance of equipment, consulting services, and similar engagements.
Business visas are generally issued on the basis of an invitation. For B1 and B3 visas, nationals of the countries listed at the following link are exempt from the invitation requirement:
https://clck.ru/3STRf9
Validity:
- single-entry B1 / B2 / B3 visas — up to 90 days;
- multiple-entry B1 and B3 visas — up to 1 year;
- multiple-entry B2 visa — up to 180 days.
Work Visa — C3
The C3 visa applies to foreign nationals entering or staying in Kazakhstan for employment purposes. In certain cases, it may also apply to family members and individuals engaging in independent work in in-demand professions.
This visa is issued on the basis of an invitation and a work permit issued to the employer for the engagement of foreign labor. In some cases, a work permit is not required, including for certain categories of professionals, such as senior executives.
The C3 visa is the category typically issued to chief executive officers and deputy heads of Kazakhstani legal entities.
Validity:
- single-entry — up to 90 days, and in certain cases up to 1 year;
- multiple-entry — up to 3 years, and in certain regimes up to 5 years, or for the validity period of the relevant authorization documents.
Business Immigration Visa — C5
The C5 visa is intended for business immigrants and is used for entrepreneurial purposes, including the registration of a legal entity in Kazakhstan or joining the participants of an existing company by acquiring an equity interest.
The visa is issued on the basis of an invitation and, in addition to the standard document package, requires a medical certificate, medical insurance, a criminal record certificate, and confirmation that the applicant is not prohibited from engaging in entrepreneurial activity.
Validity:
- single-entry — up to 90 days;
- multiple-entry — generally up to 2 years.
Visa for Permanent Residence Processing — B8
The B8 visa is relevant where the applicant’s objective is to obtain permission for permanent residence and subsequently secure permanent residence status in Kazakhstan.
Validity: single-entry or multiple-entry — up to 90 days.
Special Visa Categories
Investor Visa for Executives of Investment Companies — A5
The A5 visa is suitable for executives, deputy executives, and heads of divisions of companies carrying out investment activities in Kazakhstan, as well as certain categories of investors, including participants in AIFC regimes, and their family members.
The application requires documentary evidence of the investment made, an invitation, and a petition from the authorized investment body.
Validity:
- single-entry — up to 90 days;
- multiple-entry — up to 5 years, with the possibility of extension for 3 additional years. For AIFC investment residents, extension may be available for up to 5 years.
Investor Visa — A6
The A6 visa is available to foreign businesspersons who have invested more than USD 300,000 in the economy of Kazakhstan.
The application requires documentary evidence of the investment and an invitation.
Validity: multiple-entry — up to 10 years.
Visa for In-Demand Specialists — B9
The B9 visa is intended for professionals in in-demand occupations who plan to reside permanently in Kazakhstan.
It is issued on the basis of a petition together with documents confirming the applicant’s qualifications.
Validity:
- single-entry — up to 90 days;
- multiple-entry — up to 1 year, with the right to stay for up to 90 days.
Digital Nomad Visa — B9-1
The B9-1 visa is one of the most practical options for IT specialists and other highly востребованные professionals who intend to relocate to Kazakhstan and subsequently apply for permanent residence.
It is issued on the basis of an invitation.
A single-entry electronic visa may be issued through the visa and migration portal for up to 1 year. Thereafter, a multiple-entry visa for up to 1 year may be obtained.
Neo Nomad Visa — B12-1
The B12-1 visa is designed for individuals working remotely and receiving stable income from foreign sources.
It is issued on the basis of an invitation, subject to the following conditions:
- confirmed stable income exceeding USD 3,000 per month;
- medical insurance valid for the visa period;
- proof of good standing, including the absence of a criminal record;
- submission of a tax declaration.
For nationals of the countries listed at the following link, no invitation is required:
https://clck.ru/3STRf9
Validity: multiple-entry — up to 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
Independent Employment Visa — C4
The C4 visa is intended for foreign nationals planning to engage in independent employment or self-employment in professions that are in demand in priority sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy.
It is issued on the basis of a petition, documents confirming the applicant’s qualifications, and an employment contract.
Validity:
- single-entry — up to 90 days;
- multiple-entry — up to 3 years.
Practical Considerations
In practice, it is essential not only to determine the correct migration status, but also to ensure timely submission of the arrival notification. Delayed or improperly filed notifications frequently lead to complications in subsequent immigration procedures, including document processing, extension of stay, and preparation of other migration documents, even where the original basis for stay was fully lawful.
If you would like to assess in advance which visa category best suits your purpose and what duration would be optimal, Matias specialists can provide tailored advice, recommend the most suitable option, and support the process from start to finish.
