Business Visa and C5 Visa in Kazakhstan in 2026: What’s the Difference and How to Apply

Kazakhstan offers B1, B2, and B3 visas for business trips, depending on the purpose of the visit, such as attending events, installing equipment, providing consulting services, negotiating, or signing contracts. Single-entry business visas are valid for up to 90 days, but the permitted length of stay depends on the visa category.

Foreign nationals planning to conduct business in Kazakhstan need a C5 business immigrant visa. A single-entry C5 visa is issued for up to 90 days, while a multiple-entry visa is valid for up to two years, or up to three years for ethnic Kazakhs.

Citizens of countries covered by an applicable ratified visa-free agreement with Kazakhstan must obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) for business immigrants instead of a C5 visa. Within two months of entering Kazakhstan, business immigrants must register a company or join an existing one and deposit at least the statutory minimum amount required for its charter capital in a second-tier bank.

Information checked against Kazakhstan's regulatory acts as of October 19, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Business visas are intended for foreign nationals visiting Kazakhstan for professional and commercial purposes, but not for conducting business independently as business immigrants. The grounds for issuing these visas are set out in Kazakhstan’s visa regulations.

B1 — Attending Events. This visa is suitable for participants in conferences, forums, exhibitions, concerts, scientific and sporting events, meetings, and roundtables, as well as lecturers and participants in youth and student exchange programs. A single-entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, allowing a stay of up to 60 days. A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to one year, with stays of up to 60 days per entry.

B2 — Technical and Consulting Services. This visa covers the installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment, as well as consulting and auditing services. A single-entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 180 days, with a total permitted stay of up to 90 days.

B3 — Negotiations and Contract Signing. This visa is suitable for business negotiations, signing contracts, industrial and investment cooperation, and visits by company founders and board members. A single-entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to one year, with stays of up to 30 days per entry.

The visa’s validity period and the permitted length of stay are different. For example, a single-entry B3 visa may be used to enter Kazakhstan within 90 days of issuance, but the stay cannot exceed 30 days.

B1 is suitable for conferences and exhibitions, B2 for equipment installation and consulting services, and B3 for negotiations and contract signing.

A business immigrant is a foreign national who enters Kazakhstan to engage in entrepreneurial activities. A C5 business immigrant visa is intended for this purpose. It is issued by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its foreign missions on the basis of an invitation.

Applicant Requirements

Under Article 39 of Kazakhstan’s Law on Migration, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Provide a medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that would prevent them from engaging in work.

• Have medical insurance that meets Kazakhstan’s legal requirements.

• Provide documents confirming their criminal record status and whether they are subject to a court-imposed ban on entrepreneurial activities.

Requirements for supporting documents and submission procedures should be confirmed with the relevant visa-issuing authority.

• Single-entry visa — valid for up to 90 calendar days.
• Multiple-entry visa — valid for up to two years.
• For ethnic Kazakhs — a multiple-entry visa may be issued for up to three years.

C5 visa holders may stay in Kazakhstan for the entire validity period of their visa. Extensions may be granted in accordance with established procedures, based on a written request from the local executive authority (akimat).

Citizens of countries covered by an applicable ratified visa-free agreement with Kazakhstan must obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) for business immigrants instead of a C5 visa if they plan to conduct business.

The TRP is issued by Kazakhstan’s internal affairs authorities for one year and may be renewed annually. For ethnic Kazakhs, the permitted period is up to three years. The same rules also apply to family members of the relevant business immigrant.

Important: Visa-free entry for tourism or short-term business visits does not automatically grant the right to conduct entrepreneurial activities without a C5 visa or a TRP for business immigrants.

A business immigrant must do more than simply enter Kazakhstan: they must take steps to establish a business. Within two months of entry, they are required to:

• Register a commercial organization in Kazakhstan or become a participant (shareholder) in an existing one.

• Deposit an amount at least equal to the statutory minimum required for the company’s charter capital into a second-tier bank in Kazakhstan.

If these requirements are not met, the internal affairs authorities may shorten the business immigrant’s permitted stay, following a request from the local executive authority, to the period necessary for voluntary departure.

No. Kazakhstan’s Law on Migration prohibits foreign nationals from establishing legal entities or becoming participants in commercial organizations without a C5 visa or a temporary residence permit (TRP) for business immigrants.

Exception: Foreign nationals holding a residence permit in Kazakhstan do not need a C5 visa or a business immigrant TRP to establish a company or become a shareholder. However, general entry and stay requirements still apply.

Foreign nationals planning to start a business in Kazakhstan should determine the appropriate immigration status in advance rather than relying solely on a B1, B2, or B3 business visa.

1. Determine the appropriate entry procedure. Foreign nationals holding a residence permit in Kazakhstan do not need a C5 visa or a business immigrant temporary residence permit (TRP) to establish a company. If Kazakhstan has an applicable ratified visa-free agreement with the applicant’s country of citizenship, check the procedure for obtaining a business immigrant TRP. In other cases, review the C5 visa requirements.

2. Obtain an invitation. The invitation must be arranged through the authorized authorities in accordance with the established procedure. For C5 visas, the rules provide for applying through the relevant territorial police authorities. Check the current invitation fee before submitting an application.

3. Prepare the required documents. These include a medical certificate, medical insurance, and documents confirming criminal record status and whether a court-imposed ban on entrepreneurial activities applies. Confirm document format, translation requirements, and any additional materials with the relevant Kazakhstan diplomatic mission.

4. Submit the visa application. Apply through the appropriate Kazakhstan diplomatic mission abroad. Check the current consular fee and requirements for the application form, photograph, and passport before applying.

5. Fulfil the business immigrant requirements after entry. Within two months of entering Kazakhstan, register a commercial organization or become a participant in an existing company and deposit the required amount for its charter capital into a bank.

Conference, exhibition, or meeting — B1 business visa.

Equipment installation or repair, consulting, or auditing — B2 business visa.

Business negotiations, contract signing, or board meetings — B3 business visa.

Establishing a company or acquiring an ownership interest to conduct business — C5 visa or a business immigrant temporary residence permit (TRP), depending on the entry requirements.

Establishing a company or acquiring an ownership interest while holding a residence permit in Kazakhstan — a C5 visa or business immigrant TRP is not required for this purpose.

What to Check Before Traveling to Kazakhstan?

• Whether the visa category matches the purpose of your visit.
• Whether Kazakhstan has an applicable visa-free entry agreement with your country of citizenship.
• How long you are permitted to stay under the selected visa.
• Which documents are required for a C5 visa or a business immigrant temporary residence permit (TRP).
• What translation and document certification requirements apply.
• The minimum charter capital required for your chosen company type.
• Which obligations must be fulfilled within two months of entry.

If you are unsure which visa category applies to your situation or need to register a company within the first two months, describe your task on LexiComb. Specialists in Kazakhstan will send you offers so you can compare prices and timelines in one place. Payment is processed through the platform, and the specialist receives the funds after you accept the completed work.

Sources:

1. Joint Order No. 11-1-2/555 of the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dated November 24, 2016, and Order No. 1100 of the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dated November 28, 2016, On Approval of the Rules for Processing Invitations, Approving Invitations for Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons to Enter the Republic of Kazakhstan, Issuing, Cancelling and Restoring Kazakhstan Visas, and Extending or Shortening Their Validity Periods: https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V1600014531
2. Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 477-IV of July 22, 2011, On Population Migration, Articles 39–40: https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z1100000477
3. Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 1041 of November 24, 2023, On Approval of the List of Persons for Whom Local Executive Authority Permits to Employ Foreign Labour Are Not Required: https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/P2300001041