Kazakhstan has dozens of visa subcategories, and it is easy to pick the wrong one — then the trip or work will have to be re-arranged. This navigator helps you orient quickly by purpose.
By purpose
- Negotiations, contracts, conferences, installation/consulting, founder/board of directors → business B1–B3.
- Investment in Kazakhstan, head of an investment project, investment through the AIFC → investor A5; investments over USD 300,000 → A6 (up to 10 years, no interview).
- Paid employment / self-employment → work C3–C6 (usually + the employer's foreign workforce permit).
- Internship/practice, including Astana Hub → B7.
- Remote work for a foreign employer → Neo Nomad (B12-1) or Digital Nomad (B9-1).
- Tourism → B12; private visit/family → B10/C2; study → C9; treatment → C12.
Three rules to avoid mistakes
- The visa is chosen strictly according to your purpose — a business visa does not allow paid employment.
- Validity period ≠ length of stay: check both.
- Citizens of ~48 developed countries can arrange a number of visas (A3, B1, B3, B10, B12, B12-1) without an invitation — this saves time.
Related materials: Category A visas (A5/A6) · B and C visas · Relocating a business.
This material is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules, deadlines and rates change — before acting, verify against primary sources (egov.kz, adilet.zan.kz, vmp.gov.kz) or consult the lawyers of SHANYRAQ Legal.