Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your nationality. Kazakhstan grants visa-free entry to nationals of more than 60 countries.

Citizens of CIS countries (Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and others) may enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Uzbek nationals may stay up to 30 days.

50 countries from the rest of the world (USA, Germany, UK, Japan, China, UAE, Turkey and others) also benefit from visa-free access for up to 30 days per entry. Important: working or providing commercial services is prohibited under the visa-free regime — the appropriate visa is required for such activities.

Category B visas are short-stay, issued for up to 1 year, allowing a stay of no more than 30 days per entry. Designed for business trips, tourism, transit, private and humanitarian purposes.

Category C visas are long-stay, issued for up to 1–3 years, allowing residence for the full visa term. They cover work (C3), study (C9), family reunification (C2), investment activity (C4) and business immigration (C5). Most Category C visas require a supporting ground: employment contract, work permit, enrolment documents, etc.

The residence permit is issued for up to 10 years and grants the right to reside permanently, work without a separate permit, purchase property and travel freely.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit:

• Spouse of a Kazakhstani citizen (married for at least 3 years)
• Close relative of a RK citizen
• Highly qualified specialist on the Ministry of Labour registry
• Investor who has committed capital to the Kazakhstan economy
• Former citizen of Kazakhstan or the Kazakh SSR
• Continuous lawful residence in Kazakhstan for at least 5 years

Since 2026, a pilot programme allows obtaining a residence permit via a points-based assessment (KazTest).

Yes. From 1 January 2024, biometric fingerprint registration is mandatory for all foreign nationals aged 16 and over when obtaining a visa, temporary or permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan.

Refusal to undergo fingerprinting results in deportation under Article 443-1 of the Administrative Code of the RK.

Exceptions apply to diplomatic staff, their family members, and children under 16.

Yes. The most common form is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP / ТОО). Foreign participation of up to 100% is permitted.

Important condition (effective May 2024): nationals of EAEU countries, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan without a valid C5 visa or temporary residence permit may not establish legal entities in Kazakhstan.

Requirements for registering an LLP:

• C5 visa or temporary residence permit
• IIN — obtained in person at a public service centre
• Legal address in Kazakhstan
• Articles of association and founders' resolution
• Electronic digital signature (EDS)

State registration takes 1 working day.

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a special jurisdiction in Kazakhstan operating under a constitutional law, with a legal framework based on English law.

Key advantages of AIFC:

• Zero corporate tax and zero tax on dividends until 2066
• Independent legal system and dedicated court (AIFC Court)
• Simplified access to capital markets and the AIX exchange
• Separate legal forms: Private Company, LLP, Foundation
• Visa and immigration support via the AIFC Expat Centre