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November 27, 2025
Conducting business in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan requires mandatory identification of business entities through the assignment of a Business Identification Number (BIN)
November 27, 2025Foreign nationals planning to enter and stay in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan must take into account the current provisions of migration legislation. Compliance with the established procedures makes it possible to avoid violations and ensures the legality of their presence in the country.
In accordance with the migration regime of the Republic of Kazakhstan, three principal legal grounds for stay are distinguished:
- Visa-Free Regime
For citizens of a number of states, including EAEU and CIS countries, a visa-free entry and stay of up to 90 calendar days is provided. As a rule, this regime is used for tourist and private trips, as well as short-term business visits.
Pursuant to the amendments that entered into force on 27 January 2023, a limit of 90 days has been set for each 180-day period, calculated from the date of first entry into the country. This means that entry and exit for the purpose of “resetting” the period of stay is no longer allowed.
The following identity documents are accepted at entry:
- foreign passport (for most states);
- for citizens of the Russian Federation, entry is also permitted with an internal passport (federal standard).
The visa-free regime does not confer the right to engage in employment or entrepreneurial activity in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Temporary Stay Permit
A temporary stay permit is required for foreign nationals planning to remain in the Republic of Kazakhstan for more than 90 days in connection with employment, studies, family circumstances or another lawful purpose.
Key characteristics:
- validity period – up to 1 year with the possibility of extension;
- standard processing time – up to 5 business days;
- for persons intending to carry out entrepreneurial activities, a separate permit issued for these purposes is required.
The document package for obtaining a temporary stay permit includes:
- foreign passport;
- medical certificate in form 028/u;
- document confirming completion of fingerprint registration;
- notarised consent of the owner of the residential premises for temporary residence.
- Residence Permit
A residence permit is granted to foreign nationals planning long-term residence in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This status provides an extended scope of rights and opportunities, including:
- the right to work without obtaining a separate permit;
- the right to study at educational institutions;
- participation in private and public programmes;
- registration of rights to real estate and vehicles, opening bank accounts and obtaining loans on a general basis.
The residence permit is valid from 1 to 10 years, depending on the grounds for the application and the category of the applicant.
Conclusion
The selection of an appropriate migration status is a key element of the legal position of a foreign national in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Violation of the periods of stay or the absence of a proper permit may entail administrative liability, including deportation and a subsequent entry ban.
The specialists of Matias Law Firm provide comprehensive support at all stages of migration formalities: from advising on the choice of status to preparing documents and interacting with authorised state bodies.



