Updated October 10, 2024
Guide to Obtaining a Kazakhstan Investor Visa (C5): Requirements and Process for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals seeking to invest or conduct business in Kazakhstan must secure the Kazakhstan Investor Visa (C5). This visa is essential for foreign investors looking to establish companies, acquire stakes in existing businesses, or engage in commercial activities in Kazakhstan. Under Kazakhstan’s Law on Migration, engaging in business activities, such as registering a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), without a business immigration visa is prohibited. The C5 visa is mandatory for all adult foreign investors entering the Kazakhstan market.
How to Obtain a Kazakhstan Investor Visa (C5)
The process of securing a C5 visa is divided into two main stages:
Stage 1: Obtaining a Single-Entry Kazakhstan Investor Visa (C5)
Initially, foreign investors must apply for a single-entry Investor Visa (C5), which is valid for up to 90 days. This can be processed in the applicant’s home country or upon arrival at designated airports in Kazakhstan.
A key requirement is an invitation letter from a Kazakhstan-based company, along with a visa support numberprovided by the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If no company is yet established, a Kazakh law firm can issue the invitation letter on the investor’s behalf.
Documents Required for Stage 1:
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Medical certificates proving absence of restricted diseases
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Medical insurance
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Certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence
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Certificate confirming no business activity prohibition by court order
After the invitation is processed, the visa support number is typically issued within 5-7 business days. However, in cases requiring additional approval from the National Security Committee, this may extend up to 30 days.
Obligations After Obtaining the Single-Entry C5 Visa:
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Company Registration: Foreign investors must either register a new company or become shareholders in an existing entity within the visa’s validity period.
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Capital Deposit: Investors must deposit no less than the minimum capital requirement into a local second-tier bank, as stipulated by Kazakhstan law.
Stage 2: Extending to a Multiple-Entry Investor Visa (C5)
Upon fulfilling the initial company registration and capital deposit obligations, investors can extend their visa to a multiple-entry Kazakhstan Investor Visa (C5). This extension is valid for up to 2 years (or up to 3 years for ethnic Kazakhs) and is processed through the Migration Service of Kazakhstan.
Documents Required for Stage 2:
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Application letter from the registered company
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Power of attorney for the company’s representative
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Original passport of the foreign investor
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Completed visa application form
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One recent passport-sized photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
Visa extension processing usually takes 7-10 business days, though further review by the National Security Committee could extend this period to 30 days.
Reasons for Visa Denial
Several factors could lead to the denial of a Kazakhstan Investor Visa (C5), including:
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A criminal record
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Presence of prohibited diseases
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Failure to complete company registration or capital deposit within the specified timeline
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Submission of incomplete documents or a non-compliant business plan