Obtaining a temporary residence permit for business immigrants from Belarus in the Republic of Kazakhstan

A temporary residence permit (TRP) grants a foreign citizen the right to legally reside in the Republic of Kazakhstan for a period specified by law and to conduct activities within the permitted regime. For business immigrants, this is a key tool: it allows them to participate in business, manage a company, and reside in the country on a permanent basis (as opposed to short-term visas).

How can obtain a business immigrant temporary residence permit citizens of Belarus?

Suitable for foreign citizens who plan to:

• register a new legal entity (e.g., LLP) in Kazakhstan
• acquire a stake in an existing Kazakhstani business

Most foreign citizens are issued a C5 visa for business immigrants. At the same time, for a number of CIS countries (except Georgia and Ukraine) with which there is a visa-free agreement, an analogue of the C5 visa is issued, i.e., a business immigrant’s temporary residence permit.

Citizens of which countries must obtain a business immigrant residence permit to start a business in Kazakhstan?

• Russia
• Belarus
• Armenia
• Kyrgyzstan
• Uzbekistan
• Azerbaijan
• Tajikistan

What does business immigrant status offer for Belarus nationals?

1. The opportunity to establish or acquire a stake in a Kazakhstani company and participate in its management.
2. Legal residence in the country without the need to leave each time.
3. Simplified access to the market, partners, and infrastructure of Kazakhstan.
4. A stable legal position.

How long is a temporary residence permit valid for?

An initial temporary residence permit is issued for 90 days, during which time you must register a legal entity or become a member of an existing one. The temporary residence permit can then be extended for one year.

List of required documents:

To apply for a business immigrant residence permit, the following documents and conditions are usually required (exact requirements may vary depending on the region of application):

1. A valid foreign passport.
2. A medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that would prevent the applicant from staying/working in the country.
3. Medical insurance valid in Kazakhstan.
4. Certificate of no criminal record (from the country of citizenship or permanent residence).
5. Certificate confirming that there are no restrictions on entrepreneurial activity.
6. Consent from the owner of the property.
7. Power of attorney from the owner of the property (if the application is submitted by a third party).
8. Certificate confirming that fingerprints have been taken.
10. Notification of arrival.

To extend the TRP, the following additional documents are required:

1. Certificate of company registration/re-registration
2. Confirmation of paid-up share capital (if applicable) or a business plan specifying the capital and terms.
3. Application from local executive authorities

Common difficulties and how to avoid them?

– Incorrectly completed documents: incorrect translations, errors in passport or company details — can lead to rejection or delays.

– Tip: double-check everything, use professional translators/notaries.

– Failure to meet deadlines: for example, failure to notify the migration authorities or register the company on time.

– Tip: create an internal checklist with dates: submission, registration, notification.

– Insufficient business activity: if, after receiving a temporary residence permit, no business is conducted or there is no evidence of participation, renewal may be denied.

– Tip: start business activities immediately after receiving a temporary residence permit, keep records, and save evidence.

– Incomplete documentation or incorrect forms for certificates.

– Medical/legal obstacles: a criminal record, serious illness, or violation of migration law may be grounds for refusal.

– Tip: obtain certificates of no criminal record and medical examination in advance.

– To extend a temporary residence permit, you will need to obtain an application from the local executive authorities. The process can take up to one month.

– Tip: plan the process of extending a business immigrant’s temporary residence permit in advance.

Conclusion

For business immigrants, a TRP in Kazakhstan is a powerful tool: it allows them to legally reside in the country, participate in business, and develop their ideas and projects. The main thing is to prepare, gather all the documents, understand your obligations, and fulfill them. As with a C5 visa, the process requires attention to detail, but it is quite realistic with proper preparation.