The C5 visa is the essential entry document for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a business, make investments, or become a shareholder in an existing company in Kazakhstan. This guide explains everything you need to know about the C5 visa, from its purpose and benefits to the step-by-step application process.
1. What is the C5 Business Immigrant Visa
The C5 visa is a business immigrant visa designed for foreign nationals who plan to register a company, invest in an existing business, or become a shareholder in a Kazakhstani enterprise. It is not a work visa like the C3, nor a standard business visa. It is specifically for business owners and founders.
According to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan On Migration of the Population, a business immigrant is defined as an immigrant who has arrived for the purpose of carrying out entrepreneurial activity.
There are two types of C5 visas:
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry C5 | Up to 90 days | Initial entry to register a company and complete business setup |
| Multiple-entry C5 | Up to 2 years | Long-term business operations after company registration |
For ethnic Kazakhs, the multiple-entry C5 visa can be issued for up to 3 years.
2. Benefits of the C5 Visa
The C5 visa offers significant advantages for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence in Kazakhstan.
Long-term stay in Kazakhstan. After renewal, the C5 visa allows you to remain in Kazakhstan for up to 2 years, providing the stability needed for long-term business planning.
Right to conduct business. Holders of the C5 visa have the legal right to create new companies or acquire shares in existing Kazakhstani enterprises.
Direct access to the Kazakhstani market. C5 visa holders gain direct access to the local market and can build business networks, establish partnerships, and expand operations.
Management rights without work permit. The C5 visa allows you to hold management positions such as Director or General Director in your own company without needing a separate work permit.
Path to long-term residency. For entrepreneurs who successfully establish their business in Kazakhstan, the C5 visa provides a clear pathway to extended stay and potential permanent residence.
3. Who Needs the C5 Visa
The C5 visa is required for any foreign national who does not have the right to simplified entry and wishes to:
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Create a new company in Kazakhstan
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Purchase a share in an existing Kazakhstani business
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Become a founder or shareholder of a Kazakhstani legal entity
According to the Migration Law, foreign citizens are prohibited from creating legal entities or participating in the charter capital of legal entities without obtaining a business immigrant visa.
Key distinction from C3 visa: The C3 work visa is for employees working for a Kazakhstani employer. The C5 visa is for business owners and founders. If a foreigner is both a shareholder and the director of a company, only the C5 visa is required.
Exemptions: Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, as well as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, are exempt from the C5 visa requirement. They can register a business in Kazakhstan with a temporary residence permit instead.
4. Requirements for the C5 Visa
To apply for a C5 visa, you must meet the following requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Applicant must be at least 18 years old |
| Invitation | An invitation from a Kazakhstani company with an official registration number from the migration authorities |
| Medical insurance | Valid health insurance covering your stay in Kazakhstan |
| Criminal record certificate | Certificate of no criminal record from your country of citizenship or permanent residence |
| Medical certificate | Proof that you have no health conditions that would prevent you from working |
| Valid passport | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with at least 2 blank pages |
| Visa application form | Completed and signed visa application form |
| Passport photos | 2 recent photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) |
| Consular fee | Approximately 80 USD |
Document legalisation: All documents issued outside Kazakhstan must undergo apostille certification or consular legalisation. Electronic versions are not legally sufficient. Documents from CIS countries do not require apostille.
Invitation letter details: The invitation letter must be issued by a legally operating limited liability company in Kazakhstan. You can choose from a single-entry invitation for up to 3 months, a multiple-entry invitation for 1 year, or an invitation for extending the C5 visa for 1 year. The invitation is processed through the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
5. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
The C5 visa application follows a two-stage process: primary single-entry visa followed by a multiple-entry extension.
Stage 1: Primary Single-Entry C5 Visa (Up to 90 Days)
Step 1: Secure an invitation from a Kazakhstani company. The invitation must be processed through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and have an official registration number. This can be arranged by any business organisation, business partner, client, or law firm.
Step 2: Prepare your documents. Gather all required documents listed in Section 4. Ensure all documents are translated into Kazakh or Russian and apostilled or legalised where required.
Step 3: Submit your application at a Kazakh consulate abroad. The primary single-entry C5 visa can only be obtained outside Kazakhstan, at Kazakh embassies and consulates. Submit your application in person.
Step 4: Pay the consular fee. The fee is approximately 80 USD.
Step 5: Attend an interview if required. You may be called for an interview at the consulate.
Step 6: Receive your single-entry C5 visa. The visa will be valid for up to 90 days.
Stage 2: Company Registration and Visa Extension
Step 7: Enter Kazakhstan and register your company. Within 2 months of entry, you must complete the following:
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Register a commercial organisation or join an existing company as a member (shareholder)
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Deposit the required authorised capital into a Kazakhstani bank
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Obtain an Individual Identification Number (IIN)
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Notify migration authorities of your arrival
Important: The single-entry visa cannot be extended if the company remains unregistered upon expiration.
Step 8: Apply for multiple-entry C5 visa extension. Once your company is successfully registered, the single-entry visa can be converted into a multiple-entry C5 visa for up to 2 years.
Step 9: Submit a petition to the local executive body (Akimat). The extension is contingent on the approval of the local Akimat, which evaluates the company’s business plan.
Step 10: Receive your multiple-entry C5 visa. The multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit Kazakhstan multiple times for up to 2 years.
Processing time for invitation: The invitation is typically processed within 5 working days from the date of submission to the migration authorities.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum authorised capital requirement for a C5 visa?
While the Law on LLPs allows for zero minimum capital for small businesses, migration rules require proof of solvency. The capital should cover initial operating expenses as per the business plan submitted to the Akimat.
Do all co-founders need a separate C5 visa?
Yes. If an LLP is established by multiple foreign individuals, each person listed in the charter as a founder must hold a valid C5 visa independently.
Can I register a company remotely without a C5 visa?
At the stage of company registration, obtaining a C5 visa is not strictly required for the initial document submission. A foreign founder can submit documents remotely and complete the registration process online via the digitalresident.kz portal. However, to complete the registration and activate the company, the foreign founder must enter Kazakhstan with a valid C5 visa.
Can I work in my own company with a C5 visa?
Yes. The C5 visa allows you to hold management positions such as Director or General Director in your own company without needing a separate work permit.
Can I use a C3 work visa instead of a C5 visa to start a business?
No. A holder of a C3 work visa or a Neo Nomad visa is statutorily prohibited from acting as a founder of a commercial entity in Kazakhstan. Using a C3 visa for business ownership is illegal and may result in company registration being invalidated.
What happens if I don’t register my company within 2 months?
If you fail to register your company within the 2-month period, the Ministry of Internal Affairs may shorten your stay in Kazakhstan to the time required for your voluntary departure.
Do citizens of EAEU countries need a C5 visa?
No. Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, can register a business in Kazakhstan with a temporary residence permit instead of a C5 visa.
7. Verdict: Is the C5 Visa Right for You
Choose the C5 visa if:
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You are a foreign national planning to start a business in Kazakhstan
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You want to become a shareholder or founder of a Kazakhstani company
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You need to legally reside in Kazakhstan while managing your business
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You want to hold a management position in your own company without a separate work permit
Do not choose the C5 visa if:
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You are only planning to work as an employee in Kazakhstan (you need a C3 work visa)
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You are a citizen of an EAEU country or Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, or Azerbaijan (you may use a temporary residence permit instead)
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You are only visiting for short-term business meetings (you may need a B2 business visa, but B5 visa is for other categories of people.)
Final recommendation: The C5 visa is the essential tool for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a legitimate business presence in Kazakhstan. Without it, your company registration could be invalidated. The two-stage process is designed to allow you to enter, register your business, and then convert to long-term multiple-entry status. Plan to complete your company registration within the first 90 days to avoid complications.
Contact StepOut Travel for Assistance
Navigating the C5 visa process can be complex, with multiple stages and document requirements. StepOut Travel can guide you through every step, from securing the invitation to completing your company registration.
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Our team provides expert assistance with:
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Invitation letter processing
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Document preparation and translation
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Consulate appointment booking
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Company registration guidance
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Visa extension support
Contact us today to start your business journey in Kazakhstan.