When I first started preparing the paperwork for my move to Kazakhstan, I assumed it would be fairly simple: get an IIN (the individual identification number every resident needs), register a company, open a bank account, and get on with the business.
In practice, even routine procedures can take longer than expected if you don't look into the details beforehand.
1. Not every foreign document is accepted right away
While collecting my documents, I found out that some of them needed additional certification. Depending on the country and the document itself, you may need an apostille, consular legalization or a notarized translation. If you don't know this in advance, it's easy to lose time redoing paperwork.
2. Keep a close eye on migration deadlines
Migration formalities are not something you can put off either. Once a foreign national arrives, the host party has to file the required notifications on time. I would definitely recommend checking the deadlines in advance so you don't end up facing fines later.
3. The job title turned out to be less obvious than I thought
At first I assumed I could simply use the job title the way it's used inside the company. But when a foreign specialist is being hired, what matters are the legal requirements, the official classification of the occupation and proof of qualifications.
4. It also took me a while to realize an LLP isn't the only option
If your business involves international projects, it's worth looking at different structures early on, not just the default limited liability partnership (known locally as a TOO). In some cases a business can be registered through a Public Service Center (TsON), run by the state corporation "Government for Citizens", or online through the eGov portal. The exact procedure depends on the company's legal form, who its founders are and other circumstances.
5. Opening a bank account is a separate stage altogether
Even after the company is registered, dealing with the bank doesn't end with a single application. The bank runs its own checks and may ask for additional documents about the company and its activities.
Along the way I realized that the biggest mistake is trying to figure everything out yourself as you go. It's much easier to understand up front which tasks lie ahead and find a specialist for each of them.
There are more convenient ways to do that now. Instead of searching for a lawyer or another specialist across dozens of websites and referrals, you can browse suitable providers on Lexicomb and choose the one who handles exactly the issue you need.