1. Invitation from a Kazakhstani Company
The inviting party may be:
- an existing Kazakhstani company;
- a business partner or counterparty;
- a consulting company providing business registration services.
Please note that, in practice, some migration officials take the view that consulting companies are not entitled to invite their clients. The invitation is submitted no earlier than one year before the intended date of entry and no later than five business days before that date.
2. Certificate of Criminal Record (or Absence Thereof)
The certificate must be:
- apostilled or legalized;
- translated into Kazakh or Russian.
3. Medical Insurance
The simplest and fastest option is to purchase an insurance policy online from a Kazakhstani insurance company. As a rule, this is also the most economical option.
4. Medical Certificate
The certificate confirms the absence of illnesses that would prevent the applicant from working. Its form depends on the business immigrant’s country of citizenship. In some countries, presenting medical insurance is sufficient.
5. Certificate of No Restriction on Conducting Business Activity
This certificate is required only if such a document is provided for in the applicant’s country of citizenship. Its form also depends on the country, and in practice it is rarely required. All documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Kazakh or Russian. Consuls sometimes accept translations alone, but requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis, so it is best to have all documents certified.
Submitting the Documents
Once the documents are prepared, you must apply for the C5 visa at a Kazakhstani consulate or embassy. The applicant must provide:
- a printed invitation of proper quality;
- the original criminal record certificate;
- a printed insurance policy (if purchased online).
Appointments are booked through the official website of the consulate or embassy, in the “Consular Issues” section.
Cost of Obtaining a C5 Visa
Single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days:
- state fee: KZT 2,162;
- consular fee: USD 80;
- medical insurance: on average USD 60 when purchased online from a Kazakhstani insurance company;
- invitation processing support services: from USD 520 (the cost may vary depending on the region and the specific circumstances);
- costs of legalization (apostille) of documents and their translation.
The C5 visa remains the principal legal mechanism for foreign citizens planning to open a business or participate in business activity in Kazakhstan. Careful preparation of documents and an understanding of procedural requirements can significantly reduce processing times and lower the risk of refusal. At the same time, alternative solutions, such as registering a company in the AIFC, may prove more flexible and efficient depending on the client’s goals. After the company is registered and the necessary procedures are completed, a C5 visa valid for up to two years can be obtained. However, in recent times it has, as a rule, been extended for only one year.