What is a C5 visa?

A C5 visa is a specialised Kazakhstani visa intended for business immigration. Its main purpose is to allow foreign citizens to legally enter and stay in Kazakhstan for the purpose of conducting business activities.

In other words, without a C5 visa, foreigners from most countries cannot officially become founders or co-owners of businesses in Kazakhstan – this requirement is explicitly stipulated by the migration legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

This refers to the possibility of registering a new legal entity (LLC) in Kazakhstan or acquiring a stake in an existing Kazakh company.

Steps for obtaining a C5 visa

Issuance of an invitation letter

Submission of the application to the Consulate / Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Entry into Kazakhstan and company registration

Issuance of a multiple-entry C5 visa for 1 year

We prepare an official invitation letter for obtaining a C5 visa for you

You gather the required documents and submit an application for a single-entry C5 visa valid for up to 90 days

After obtaining the visa, you arrive in Kazakhstan, we register the LLP and assist with opening a bank account and contributing the charter capital

We provide support in submitting documents to the migration service for visa extension and obtaining long-term resident status.

Documents required for a C5 visa

For the initial visa:

Invitation letter

As of the date of publication, the current list of required docs includes the following set:

Medical insurance

Certificate of no criminal record issued by the competent authority

Certificate confirming the absence of any prohibition on entrepreneurial activity

Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that prohibit foreigners from entering the Republic of Kazakhstan

For extension:

Certificate of LLP registration

Petition from the Akimat

Invitation letter from the registered company

Updated certificates (if required)

However, it should be noted that to appoint the first director (CEO) of the company, a foreign national will still need to obtain an Individual Identification Number (IIN) in Kazakhstan. In practice, to launch the business quickly, some companies opt to appoint a nominee director — a local individual temporarily assigned as the company’s executive during the registration process. Nevertheless, this is a temporary measure and not officially provided for under Kazakh law. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the legal nuances and potential limitations to avoid risks in the future.

Unlike the standard LLP registration process in the Republic of Kazakhstan, which requires a foreign founder to first obtain a C5 business visa in accordance with migration legislation, registering a company within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) does not require a business immigrant visa (C5). The company incorporation procedure in the AIFC is conducted remotely, without the need to enter Kazakhstan. This significantly simplifies and accelerates the business setup process, making the AIFC an attractive option for foreign investors.

Company registration in the AIFC — no C5 visa required

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