To conduct business activities in Kazakhstan, foreign nationals are required to obtain a C5 visa. This visa is issued by the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) based on an invitation from a local company. The invitation must be approved by the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan and include a visa support number.
It is important to note that the invitation is mandatory for citizens of countries that do not have ratified international agreements with Kazakhstan on visa-free entry.
Invitation RulesThe process is regulated by the
Rules for Issuing Invitations, Approving the Entry of Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons into Kazakhstan, and the Issuance, Annulment, and Extension of Visas of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Timing for SubmissionThe invitation must be submitted:
- No earlier than 1 year before the intended entry date.
- No later than 5 working days before the entry date.
Required Documents- Two copies of the invitation in written form and a completed table in electronic format.
- Copies of the company’s founding documents (Charter, decision on establishment, order appointing the director).
- Certificate of state registration of the company.
- Original power of attorney if the documents are submitted by a representative.
- Receipt for payment of the fee (0.5 MCI; in 2024 – 1,846 KZT).
Note: Migration authorities may request additional documents depending on the specific situation.
Invitation Submission ProcessDocuments must be submitted to the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the location of the company’s registration or the address of the new company whose share is being acquired.
The table must be completed strictly in accordance with passport data, following the formatting and punctuation requirements. Failure to comply will result in rejection by the system.
An invitation with a visa support number will be ready within 5 working days after submission. If additional verification is required, the processing time may be extended to 1 month at the request of the National Security Committee (KNB) of Kazakhstan.
Obtaining a C5 Business Visa: StagesStage 1. Single-Entry Visa (Up to 90 Days)To obtain a single-entry visa, the following documents are required:
- Invitation with a visa support number.
- Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that prohibit entry.
- Medical insurance.
- Certificate of criminal record clearance.
- Document confirming the absence of prohibitions or permissions for business activities (if required by the legislation of the applicant's country).
During the validity of this visa, the applicant must either register a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or acquire a share in a company and contribute the minimum charter capital (100 MCI).
Stage 2. Multiple-Entry Visa (Up to 2 Years)A multiple-entry visa is issued based on a letter of request from the regional akimat (local government).
Required documents for the request:- Application from the sponsoring company.
- Certificate of state registration of the legal entity.
- Business plan.
- Copy of the foreign national’s passport.
- Power of attorney for the representative (if necessary).
The authorized body issues the letter of request within 15 calendar days.
Final Submission to the Migration ServiceTo apply for the C5 visa, the following documents are required:
- Letter of request from the akimat.
- Invitation.
- Certificate of company registration.
- Foreigner’s passport.
- Photograph (3.5 × 4.5 cm).
- Medical certificate.
- Certificate of criminal record clearance.
- Document confirming the absence or presence of restrictions on business activities.
ConclusionThe C5 business visa allows foreign nationals to legally engage in business activities in Kazakhstan. Adherence to all procedures and requirements ensures a smooth and successful application process.
If you need assistance with document preparation or legal support, our specialists are ready to help!