For citizens of certain countries, obtaining a visa is required to enter Kazakhstan. This process involves submitting an application, gathering the necessary documents, and waiting for a decision. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to obtain a Kazakh visa, along with links to official sources where you can find more details.
Types of visas
Kazakhstan issues several types of visas depending on the purpose of the visit:
Diplomatic and service visas — for employees of international organizations and government institutions.
Investor visa — for major investors.
Business visa — for business trips, negotiations, and participation in conferences.
Work visa — for foreign specialists who have signed a contract with a Kazakh company.
Student visa — for students enrolled in Kazakh educational institutions.
Tourist visa — for short-term travel for leisure.
Guest visa — if you have an invitation from a resident of Kazakhstan.
Transit visa — if Kazakhstan is an intermediate stop on your way to another country.
Visa application process
Checking visa requirements. Kazakhstan grants visa-free entry to citizens of several countries. Before applying, check whether you need a visa. The up-to-date list of countries can be found here.
Obtaining an invitation. Work, guest, and some other visa categories require an invitation from a Kazakh entity-either a company, an organization, or an individual. The invitation is processed through the Visa and Migration Portal of Kazakhstan, and the applicant receives a reference number for the visa application. More details about this process can be found here.
Preparing documents. The standard set of documents includes a completed visa application form, a photo, a passport, an invitation reference number if required, and proof of payment for the consular fee. Work visas may require an employment contract and work permit, while student visas require an invitation from an educational institution.
Submitting the application. Documents should be submitted to the Kazakh diplomatic mission or consulate in the applicant’s country. In some cases, visas can be issued upon arrival in Kazakhstan, but this is not available for all categories and requires prior approval.
Paying the visa fee. The consular fee depends on the visa category, processing time, and country of application. The exact cost can be checked at the diplomatic mission or on the eGov portal.
Processing time. The application processing time varies depending on the type of visa and the consulate’s workload. It usually takes from a few business days to several weeks. Once approved, the visa is issued with the specified validity period and number of permitted entries.