Obtaining a Category C3 Work Visa at the AIFC

In Kazakhstan, there are several ways to employ foreign nationals. For most categories, the standard procedure involves obtaining a permit for attracting foreign labour. However, the legislation also provides for a number of exceptions that allow a work visa to be issued through a simplified process — without the need to go through the work permit procedure.

One such exception is the issuance of a Category C3 work visa through the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The AIFC creates special conditions for attracting highly qualified professionals from around the world, providing a simplified regime for doing business and employment.

One of the key advantages is that AIFC participants and bodies are exempt from the requirement to obtain permits from local executive authorities for attracting foreign labour, as established by paragraph 12 of Annex 1 to Resolution No. 1041 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 24 November 2023.

This article examines how the C3 work visa is obtained through the AIFC in practice, what requirements apply to applicants, and what steps need to be completed.

What is the AIFC?

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a financial hub for innovation and growth established in Kazakhstan. Companies registered within the AIFC may employ foreign nationals through a simplified procedure without obtaining a work permit. The visa application process differs in that documents are submitted through the AIFC Expat Centre, a service fee is mandatory, and the document package must be compiled according to the Expat Centre’s specific requirements.

The AIFC Expat Centre is a specialised service office of the Astana International Financial Centre that provides a full range of government and related services to foreign specialists (expats) as well as to AIFC member companies.

Step-by-Step Process

• Collect the document package and complete the application forms.
• Upload documents and submit the application online through the AIFC Portal.
• Review and approval by the AIFC. The process takes up to 5 business days.
• Receive an invoice for the AIFC service fee (the AIFC service fee for a work visa is KZT 370,000 for 2026; additionally, a state duty of KZT 129,750 is payable for 2026).
• Pay the service fee and confirm payment on the AIFC Portal.
• Schedule an appointment. To submit documents, the applicant must visit the Expat Centre office.
• After documents are submitted, the AIFC forwards them to the Migration Service.
• Standard review by the Migration Service takes 6 business days. In some cases, the approval process involving the National Security Committee (NSC) of the Republic of Kazakhstan may be extended to 30 calendar days — typically depending on the foreign national’s citizenship, the company’s line of business, etc.
• Issuance of a passport with the visa affixed, or an invitation with a visa support number.

Qualification Requirements for the Foreign Specialist

To be employed through the AIFC, a foreign specialist must hold a relevant higher education degree and confirm work experience of at least 3 years in managerial positions, or at least 5 years in non-managerial positions.

List of Required Documents

• Order of appointment to the position — notarially certified copy.
• Employment contract (in English and Russian) — notarially certified copy (not required for the first (head) executive).
• Invitation letter or supporting letter.
• Power of attorney to represent the company’s interests.
• Scanned copy of the first page of the foreign specialist’s passport.
• Original passport (when affixing the visa in Kazakhstan).
• Permanent address abroad — city, street, building, flat number.
• Temporary address in the Republic of Kazakhstan — city, street, building, flat number.
• Travel itinerary within the Republic of Kazakhstan — names of cities and regions the foreign national plans to visit.
• Document confirming higher education (if the diploma is from another country, an apostille is required) — notarially certified copy with translation (and apostille) (not required for the first executive).
• Document confirming work experience (CV/résumé) — signed by the first executive or HR and stamped by the company (not required for the first executive).
• Certificate from the place of employment from enbek.kz.
• Order of appointment of the first (head) executive of the legal entity in Kazakh or Russian — notarially certified copy.
• Shareholders’ resolution on the appointment of the first (head) executive of the legal entity in Kazakh or Russian — notarially certified copy.
• Foreign nationals registration form (a consent form requiring signatures from both the employee and the employer; sample forms will be provided).
• State duty — the amount depends on where the visa is obtained. Visa affixation in Kazakhstan — KZT 129,750 for 2026. If obtained at an embassy, a separate consular fee applies.
• AIFC service fee — KZT 370,000 for a work visa.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How Long Does the C3 Work Visa Application Process Take?

Considering only the technical timeframes after registration of the application on the AIFC Portal, the process may take 15–20 business days. In some cases, the approval process involving the NSC of the Republic of Kazakhstan may be extended to 30 calendar days — typically depending on the foreign specialist’s citizenship, the company’s line of business, etc.

How Much Does It Cost?

The main costs are:

• State duty / consular fee — 30 MCI (KZT 129,750 for 2026).
• AIFC service fee — KZT 370,000.
• Notarial services fees.

Advantages of Obtaining a Work Visa Through the AIFC Compared to the Standard Work Permit Procedure

• No work permit is required, but qualification must be confirmed. Without a higher education degree, obtaining a C3 visa is not possible.
• No quota requirement.
• No state duty for a work permit.
• No requirement to maintain a ratio between local and foreign staff.

Where Can a Category C3 Work Visa Be Obtained?

• At a Kazakhstani embassy or consulate in any country (for AIFC participants only).
• Within Kazakhstan, in the city of Astana, without leaving the country. The possibility of obtaining the visa within the Republic of Kazakhstan depends on the foreign specialist’s citizenship, the existence of a current Kazakhstani visa, and other factors.

Details of Obtaining a Work Visa in Kazakhstan Without Leaving the Country

A visa within the Republic of Kazakhstan may be obtained if the foreign specialist is present in the country on one of the following bases:

• Visa-free regime.
• Business visa of categories B2 or B3.
• Private visa of category B10.
• Family reunification visa of category C2.
• Work visa of category C3 when changing employer.
• Student visa of category C9.
• Private visa of category C10 for ethnic Kazakhs.

Can the C3 Work Visa Be Extended Through the AIFC?

Yes, visa extension is possible for 1 year. The extension process should be initiated 50–60 calendar days before the visa expires. The deadline for submitting extension documents is 6 business days before the expiry date. If this deadline is not met, the foreign national will be required to leave the country.

Can Family Members Accompany the Applicant?

Yes, family members (children under 18 and a spouse) are issued a C3 accompanying visa for the same period. It is necessary to provide a marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates with an apostille and a notarially certified translation.