Obtaining Work Visas (C3, S3)
Foreign nationals generally need a C3-type visa to work in Kazakhstan. The exception is citizens of EAEU countries and a number of CIS states, who don't need this visa.
Who it's for
A work visa is needed by foreign nationals invited to work at a Kazakhstani company. The host party is the employer, who is responsible for the employee's entry and timely departure.
Citizens of EAEU countries, as well as Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, don't need a C3 visa — they can work in Kazakhstan under bilateral agreements, obtaining a TRP instead.
How it works
We help the employer prepare the invitation and the full document package, and support the approval process with migration and related authorities.
- An invitation from the employer, registered with the migration service
- A work permit or grounds that exempt from obtaining one
- The applicant's passport
- Any additional documents the embassy or consulate may request when issuing the visa
Timing worth keeping in mind
- The standard approval period depends on the applicant's citizenship and prior employment history
- In certain cases, the National Security Committee (KNB) may extend the approval period to 30 calendar days
- Citizens of EAEU, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan don't need a C3 visa — a TRP is issued instead
- The document list above is the main one — the embassy or consulate may request additional documents at its discretion
Processing stages
Consultation
We check whether a C3 visa is required in your case, based on the applicant's citizenship.
Preparing the invitation
The employer prepares the invitation and registers it with the migration service.
Approval
The invitation goes through approval, including a review by the National Security Committee.
Receiving the visa
Once approved, the visa is affixed to the passport at an embassy or consulate, or issued within Kazakhstan.
Frequently asked questions
Who doesn't need a C3 visa to work in Kazakhstan?+
What determines how long visa approval takes?+
Who files the work visa documents — the employee or the employer?+
Can the embassy request additional documents?+
What if approval is taking longer than expected?+
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