Obtaining a residence permit in Kazakhstan for a Korean citizen

A foreign company contacted us to obtain a residence permit for a Korean citizen in Kazakhstan. Before starting the process, we organized a call with a foreign citizen and explained the nuances of obtaining a residence permit in Kazakhstan. The foreign citizen was already aware of some points, as he had been studying the issue of obtaining a residence permit in Kazakhstan for several years.

Technically, the procedure is not complicated, but there are certain risk areas that need to be prepared for. In the case of a refusal to obtain a residence permit in Kazakhstan, the reason is not explained and is not prescribed. This is at the discretion of the authorized body.

After receiving a refusal to apply for a residence permit in Kazakhstan, a foreign citizen cannot re-apply for 12 calendar months. In addition, the risks of obtaining a residence permit in Kazakhstan are always higher after receiving an initial refusal.

We studied the data of a foreign citizen and assessed the level of complexity of the process. In our case, the probability of obtaining a residence permit in Kazakhstan for a Korean citizen was quite high. Several factors contributed to this:

1. The long period of work in Kazakhstan with official employment of 6 years.
2. Having a close relative of a citizen of Kazakhstan. The foreign specialist’s wife was a citizen of Kazakhstan. There were children from the marriage. But the children’s citizenship was on the father’s side.
3. Citizenship of a foreign specialist. Korea belongs to the group of developed countries.

A STEP-BY-STEP ACTION PLAN FOR OBTAINING A RESIDENCE PERMIT IN KAZAKHSTAN FOR A KOREAN CITIZEN

Stage 1 – obtaining a permanent residence permit

First step – B8 visa for a residence permit.

To obtain a residence permit in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to have the appropriate visa category. In our case, this is a B8 category visa for obtaining a residence permit. There are several ways to obtain a visa. A visa can be obtained without leaving Kazakhstan, provided the availability of a C3 category work visa. We have re-sticked a C3 category work visa to a B8 category visa for a residence permit.

List of required documents:

• a complete package of documents for obtaining a residence permit in Kazakhstan.
• original passport.
• visa application form.
• photo 3.5*4.5.
• payment of the state duty of 7 MCI (24,150 tenge in 2023).
• application for a visa.

Timeframe: the process took 5 working days from the date of registration of the application. According to the law, the review period my last up to 30 calendar days at the discretion of the authorized body. As a rule, this is due to citizenship, company activities and other risk factors.

The result of the work: obtaining a B8 category single-entry visa for up to 90 days.

Stage 2 – registration of the application in the district department of the Migration Service for the issuance of residence permit.

The foreign employee was registered in the Bostandyk district of Almaty. Documents for obtaining a residence permit in Kazakhstan for a Korean citizen were accordingly submitted to the Bostandyk district migration department.

List of required documents:

• original passport.
• permanent residence visa of category B8 for residence permit.
• application form.
• certificate of no criminal record.
• lease agreement for real estate.
• a certificate from the bank on the availability of the required amount, etc.

Timeframe: on the 5th working day after submission, a coupon for registration of the application was issued. On the 10th working day, a request was issued to the bank for the availability of the required amount. On the 15th working day foreigner was called for an interview. On the 42nd working day, a coupon of positive decision was issued.

The result of the work: a coupon with an official decision of the authorized body.

Stage 3 – submission of documents to the Public Service Center for obtaining a residence permit in Kazakhstan for a Korean citizen

After receiving a positive response and a coupon, we submitted documents for the issuance of the certificate. At this stage, the presence of the property owner is required.

List of required documents:

• original passport.
• a coupon with the decision of the authorized body.
• identification card of the property owner, etc.

Terms: from 7 working days. There is a possibility of acceleration for an additional fee.

The result of the work: obtaining a residence permit certificate of the Republic of Kazakhstan.