Changes of visa obtaining legislation in Kazakhstan in 2024-2025

From November 18, 2024, changes to the Visa Rules will come into force in Kazakhstan, which are aimed at creating favorable conditions for business immigrants, skilled professionals and travelers.

The updates include the following:

«C5» visa for business immigrants

The list of documents for business visa «C5» has been reduced. Medical certificates confirming the absence of diseases and a certificate of absence of a ban on entrepreneurial activity have been removed from the list.

Does this mean that these certificates are not required for business immigrants to obtain a «C5» visa?

The requirement to provide these documents remains in the Migration Act. So, there is a contradiction. We will monitor the situation in practice.

Visa «B9» for residence permit. Individuals possessing in-demand professions

The visa is required for individuals who apply for a residence permit under the simplified procedure and in demand professions. Analogous to the «B8» visa, but more narrowly focused. The visa is issued for foreigners who have in-demand professions, allowing them further registration of residence permit.

Where can I see the list of in-demand professions?

A full list of in-demand specialties is spelled out here. https://dos-immigration.kz/wp-content/uploads/vostr-prof-2024.pdf  

How long is a «B9» visa issued for?

Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days with the right to stay for the entire period of validity of the visa.

Multiple-entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, with the right to stay for the entire period of validity of the visa. But it can be obtained only once per year.

What documents are required?

A visa is issued by the foreign institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan or on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the basis of the following documents:

1) application;

2) a copy of a diploma that corresponds to the list of demanded professions for further obtaining a permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan.

Visa is also issued on the territory of Kazakhstan for foreigners or stateless individuals who are in Kazakhstan from countries with which there is a visa-free entry procedure in accordance with paragraph 17 of the Rules of entry and stay of immigrants in the Republic of Kazakhstan, except for those countries with which the visa-free regime lasts up to 14 days.

Can the «B9» visa be extended?

Yes, the visa can be extended for up to 30 calendar days on the basis of an application after the documents for residence permit have been submitted and the acceptance certificate has been received.

What is the difference between «B8» visa and «B9» visa?

B8 visa is issued to all foreign nationals who come to the Republic of Kazakhstan to obtain a permanent residence permit, i.e. a residence permit. A «B9» visa is issued to foreigners whose education corresponds to the list of demanded professions for foreigners to obtain a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The advantage of the «B9» visa is that it is not necessary to provide proof of funds on the account.

We are waiting for a formal response to the following clarifying questions:

Who can obtain a B9 visa in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan?

Is it possible to change from a C3 work visa to a «B9» visa?

Is it necessary to work in in-demand professions after obtaining a residence permit under the simplified procedure?

«B9-1» Digital Nomad Visa

The visa is issued to foreigners who have in-demand professions (in the field of IT), who are going to the Republic of Kazakhstan to obtain a permanent residence permit.

How long is the visa issued for?

Visa can be single-entry (electronic) or multiple-entry for up to 1 year, with the right to stay in the country for the entire period of visa.

What documents are required to obtain visas?

Single-entry electronic visa is issued through the visa and immigration portal (https://vmp.gov.kz/ru/) on the basis of an invitation.

Multiple-entry paper visa is issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the basis of the petition of the authorized body in the field of informatization, as well as the previously issued single-entry electronic visa.

What is the difference between a «B9 visa» and a «B9-1» visa?

The difference from the «B9» visa is that this visa is issued for multiple entries for one year or electronic single entry for one year. It is issued only for IT specialists.

We are waiting for a formal response to the following clarifying questions:

Who should issue a «B9-1» visa invitation for a foreign citizen if there is no inviting party in the Republic of Kazakhstan?

What documents should be submitted to obtain a petition of the authorized body in the field of informatization?

The «B12-1» Neo Nomad Visa

Tourist visa, which is issued for foreigners who work remotely and have a permanent income from foreign sources.

How long is the visa issued for and how much does it cost?

The visa is multiple-entry, for up to 1 year with the right to stay in the country for the entire period of validity of the visa.

The amount of consular fee is 90 USD.

What documents are required?

Visa is issued by the RoK foreign institutions on the basis of the following package of documents:

1) bank statement for the past 6 months, which confirms a stable monthly income of more than 3000 USD;

2) tax declaration issued by the competent authority of the country of citizenship;

3) a certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship or permanent residence;

4) health insurance covering the period of validity of the visa.

5) invitation and standard visa package.

Important: Citizens of economically developed, politically and migratory stable countries, «B12-1» visa is issued without issuance of an invitation according to Annex 6 of the Rules.

Can the visa be extended?

Yes, the visa can be extended for a period of 1 year.

Can family members get a visa?

Yes, they can. Family members and dependents of the «B12-1» visa holder are granted a visa for the same period of time. However, they are not allowed to work.

We are waiting for a formal response to the following clarifying questions:

If family members cannot work on this visa on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, does it mean that foreign citizens holding «B12-1» visa can work on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan without obtaining a work permit?

Does a travel company have to issue an invitation? Or can any organization invite? Should an organization have any status?