How to Obtain a Kazakhstan Work Visa (C3) for CEOs and Deputy CEOs with 100% Foreign Corporate Ownership
In Kazakhstan, there are multiple ways to register foreign employees for work. One of the most popular methods is through a simplified procedure for obtaining a C3 work visa. This route is available to CEOs and Deputy CEOs of companies with 100% foreign participation in their authorized capital, as outlined in Appendix №1 of the Government Decree of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dated November 24, 2023 №1041.
Who Qualifies for Kazakhstan Work Visa (C3) ?
To qualify for a C3 work visa under this simplified procedure, the company must meet the following criteria:
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The company must have 100% foreign ownership, with all participants being foreign nationals.
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The company must be a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). For Branches and Representative Offices, this process applies only to the CEO, not deputies.
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The foreign employee must hold a first-category executive position, such as Director, General Director, Managing Director, or Executive Director. Deputy positions such as Deputy Director and Deputy Director for Financial or Economic matters are also included under this category.
Required Documents for a 100% Foreign-Owned Company
To obtain a C3 work visa, the following documents must be provided:
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Confirmation letter of 100% foreign ownership from a government agency.
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Copy of the passport (first page) of the foreign national.
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Founders’ decision for the appointment of the CEO.
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Employment contract for the Deputy CEO.
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Official appointment order.
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Registration certificate of the inviting company.
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Information about the foreign employee’s residence in Kazakhstan and abroad, along with contact details.
How Long Does the Kazakhstan Work Visa (C3) Process Take?
On average, the C3 work visa process takes around four weeks. The timeline includes:
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Receiving a confirmation letter of foreign participation, which takes approximately 10-15 working days.
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Collecting and submitting documents for the work visa, which takes about 10 working days.
In some cases, the process can extend to 30 calendar days. Therefore, the entire procedure can range from 4 weeks to 1.5-2 months.
Costs Involved in Obtaining a Kazakhstan Work Visa (C3)
The primary costs involved include:
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State duty/consular fee of 30 MCI (approximately 110,760 KZT for 2024).
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Fees for immigration consultant services, including obtaining the confirmation letter and visa processing.
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Additional fees for organizing an IIN (Individual Identification Number) and filing notifications.
Advantages of the Kazakhstan Visa (C3) Exception Procedure
Compared to the standard work permit process, the C3 work visa for 100% foreign-owned companies offers several advantages:
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No need for a work permit.
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No quota requirements.
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No state fee for work permits.
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No restrictions on the ratio of local to foreign employees.
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No qualification requirements for foreign specialists.
Where to Apply for a Kazakhstan Work Visa (C3)
Foreign nationals can apply for a C3 work visa in several locations:
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Kazakhstani embassies in the foreign national’s home country, with an invitation letter from the employer.
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Kazakhstani embassies in third countries where the foreign national resides, provided they have a valid residence permit, work permit, or visa for that country.
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Within Kazakhstan, depending on the foreign national’s current visa status and citizenship.
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At Kazakhstan’s international airports, in exceptional cases, subject to coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Converting Other Visa Types to a Kazakhstan Work Visa (C3)
Foreign nationals already in Kazakhstan can convert their current visa status to a C3 visa if they hold one of the following:
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Visa-free entry into Kazakhstan.
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Valid B2 or B3 business visas.
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Valid B10 private visa.
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Valid C2 family reunion visa.
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Valid C3 work visa for another employer.
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Valid C9 student visa.
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Valid C10 private visa for Kazakh nationals.