Obtaining C5 business immigrant visa for nationals of Georgia

If foreign residents want to start a business or buy shares of existing business in Kazakhstan, they are required to have certain type of visa. According to legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan C5 business immigrant type of visa is required in such cases. Article 40 par. 2 subpar. 2 of Migration Law of The Republic of Kazakhstan states that “foreign residents who do not have business immigrant visa may not be founders and shareholders of commercial organizations”.

Thus, in order to register a new company or buy shares of existing legal entity it is required to get single-entry C5 business immigrant visa. Also, foreign residents can apply for multiple entry visa if they intend to stay in Kazakhstan for long term period.

In this article we share our experience of getting C5 business immigrant visa for Georgian national.

Initial request

Citizen of Georgia was planning to buy shares in existing LLP opened in Kazakhstan. Initially, all documents were filed to get a Temporary Residence Permit (TRS) according to the recommendations of other provider. When application was denied, foreign resident addressed his request to us. Georgia as one of the ex-members of CIS has visa free regime with Kazakhstan. At the same time many people wrongly assume that TRS is required for Georgians as for other nationals of CIS countries. However, nationals of Georgia should get a visa for long term stay or in order to have business in Kazakhstan according to legislation requirements. Due to this fact it was a two-step process for our client.

Step 2 – Letter of Invitation and number of visa support

In order to get an actual visa, it is required to file a Letter of Invitation to the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan on behalf of the company, which foreign resident is intended to buy.

Required documents: copy of passport of foreign resident, residence address outside Kazakhstan, Company Registration Certificate (inviting company), information on a person authorized to sign documents and some other information.

Processing time: it usually takes 5-7 business days since filing a Letter of Invitation.  Additionally, it may take couple of days to prepare and collect all the documents and information, therefore, it also depends on how fast documents are provided by the client. In rare cases the Committee of National security may take up to 30 calendar days to approve.

Red flags: inviting company registration in Kazakhstan, possible delays because of the Committee of National Security.

Expenses: state fee is 0.5 MCI* for one Letter of invitation.

Step 3 – Visa application at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Georgia

As soon as we received number of visa support, our client was able to apply for visa at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Tbilisi.

Required documents:

• Original Passport valid for at least 3 months since expected visa expiration date (should have 2 empty pages).
• Completed and signed application form with 1 current photo (3.5×4.5 cm).
• A letter from the inviting Company requesting to issue visa, stating period and purpose of visit.
• Copy of the Letter of Invitation with number of visa support.
• Medical statement confirming that person does not have any of the diseases which may restrict foreign residents to enter Kazakhstan.
• Medical Insurance for the period of staying in Kazakhstan.
• Certificate of no criminal record with apostille issued by the authority in the country of citizenship or the country of permanent residence.
• Original receipt of payment the consular fee. If paid from personal bank account, bank statement should be provided.
• Document confirming that there are/are no restrictions for entrepreneurial activity in any country according to the court order (if such kind of document can be issued according to the legislation of the country of citizenship or permanent residence)**.

Please notice that you will need to book an appointment through the Embassy website in order to file all the documents for visa.

Consular section of the Embassy accepts and issues documents from Monday to Friday (except Wednesday and all Public Holidays) from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

Consultations over the phone according to the same schedule: +995 32 2552000

Processing time: visa processing takes up to 5 business days since filing all necessary documents.  In our case visa was issued on the 3^rd business day.

Red flags: collection of medical certificates/statements, certificate of no criminal record.

Expenses: consular fee is 80 USD for single-entry C5 visa.

Popular FAQs:  

What is the total cost of consular fees for visa?

• 5 MCI should be paid by the host company in Kazakhstan and should be enclosed when filing the Letter of Invitation.
• 80 USD for single-entry C5 visa should be paid by foreign resident at the Embassy.
• Additionally, there is a fee when visa is extended from single-entry to multiple-entry. 

Is it possible to get this visa for dependents?

Yes, family members can get dependent visa. Certain requirements should be followed in this case. Usually, it can be obtained by spouses and children under 18. Also, in some cases parents of business immigrant can also apply for dependent visa. Family members, eligible for dependent visa:

• Spouse of the business immigrant married not less than 3 years.
• Children (including adopted children) under 18 years old who are not married.
• Children (including adopted children) over 18 years old who are not married and unable to provide for themselves due to health conditions.
• Disabled parents who are fully dependent on the business immigrant.

Is it possible to get electronic C5 business immigrant visa?

No, it is required to come in person to the Embassy or Consulate as electronic single-entry visa can only be received for business, tourist or treatment purposes.

Can multiple-entry C5 visa be issued?

Yes, it is possible. If foreign resident is planning to stay in Kazakhstan as founder or shareholder for longer period, he can apply for multiple-entry C5 visa valid up to 2 years. For more information please contact our consultants.

Additional processes that can be required for the foreign resident

• IIN application in Kazakhstan
• Notification to the Migration Authority
• Annual quota request
• Work permit application
• Work visa application

*MCI – Monthly Calculated Index

**Should be additionally checked with authorities