Is your company in the process of expanding globally? Kazakhstan is a great place to expand to, but if you are considering hiring international employees it’s important to ensure that every worker has the appropriate visas and permits to work in the country. By doing so, your company can avoid fees and operational delays.
Types of work visas in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, there are 5 types of work visas for international employees:
- Work Visa (C3): For individuals traveling to Kazakhstan for employment, as well as their family members.
- Business Trip Visa (B1): For participants of conferences, meetings, lecturers, exchange program students, etc.
- Business Trip Visa (B2): For applicants entering Kazakhstan to install, repair, and maintain equipment, as well as to provide consulting or audit services.
- Business Trip Visa (B3): For applicants entering Kazakhstan for negotiations, contract conclusions related to industrialization and investment cooperation, as well as for founders or board of directors’ members.
- Business-Immigrant Visa (C5): For individuals visiting Kazakhstan for entrepreneurial activities. This visa allows a single entry and is valid for up to 90 days.
Requirements to obtain Kazakhstan work visas
To obtain work visas for employees, companies need to submit the application through the online web portal of e-government. Companies need to provide the following documents:
- A letter confirming the employer’s invitation to the international worker
- A notarized copy of the employing company’s current charter
- An apostilled copy of educational certificates/ diploma
- The employer’s power of attorney
- Evidence that the employer has no outstanding taxes
- Proof of payment of the work permit fee
To obtain the C3 visa, the following documents must be submitted:
- A completed visa application form
- Letter of invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan
- Applicant’s passport
- 1 passport-size photograph
- A receipt proving payment of the consular fee
Application process
The application process varies depending on the type of visa the employee needs, the job title, salary, and a variety of other factors.
Keep in mind that the international employee must undergo a health screening. Companies should then submit a work permit application to the Labor Office along with the relevant documents.
After the work permit is issued, the employee should visit the embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan in their country to apply for an entry visa. To support the application, the employee may be asked to provide their employment contract, CV, proof of accommodations in Kazakhstan, and other documents. Contacting the embassy is the best way to ensure that the employee has all the proper documentation before applying.
After obtaining a visa and traveling to Kazakhstan, employees will need to send a notification to the Migration Service and register with the local police.
Other important considerations
The government in Kazakhstan limits the number of work permits granted to internationals each year. Because of this restriction and the relatively complicated process for obtaining a visa, many companies choose to secure visas for only skilled international employees and hire national workers when it’s possible to do so.
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