Work Visa C3 (Kazakhstan) – Employment of Foreign Nationals (2025)
What is a C3 Visa?
The C3 visa is a type of work visa intended for foreign nationals coming to Kazakhstan for employment purposes. It allows a foreign specialist to legally work in Kazakhstan for a specified period.
Steps to Obtain a C3 Work Visa
Obtaining a Work Permit
The Kazakhstani employer must first obtain a permit to hire foreign labor from the local executive authority.
Issuance of an Invitation Letter
After receiving the permit, the employer applies to the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan to issue an official invitation for the foreign employee.
Visa Application Submission
The foreign national submits the required documents to the Embassy or Consulate of Kazakhstan in their country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Receiving the Visa and Entering Kazakhstan
Once approved, the C3 work visa is affixed in the applicant’s passport. The foreign specialist can then enter Kazakhstan for employment.
Timeline for Obtaining a C3 Visa
Work Permit
Around 1 month is required for collecting and processing the employer’s documents.
Invitation from Migration Service
Usually 5–7 business days from submission (can take up to 30 days if security clearance is involved).
Visa at the Consulate
Typically about 5 business days for processing and visa issuance after the invitation is approved.
Required Documents for a C3 Visa (Employment Purposes)
- Passport — valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiry date, with at least two blank pages.
- Visa Application and Photo — completed application form with a color photo (3.5×4.5 cm).
- Employer’s Invitation — a copy of the official invitation issued through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with visa support number.
- Work Permit — a copy of the employer's valid permit to hire foreign labor, or an alternative document exempting the need for such permit (e.g. branch manager appointment, Astana Hub participant certificate, etc.).
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt — proof of payment of the consular fee (amount depends on visa type and validity).
Work Visas for AIFC Participants
Participants of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) benefit from special conditions when hiring foreign employees:
- No Quotas or Permits Required — AIFC-registered employers are exempt from quotas and work permits.
- Long-Term Visas — Work visas for foreign employees can be issued for up to 5 years.
- Simplified Application Process — Visas can be obtained:
- at the AIFC Expat Centre in Astana;
- upon arrival at international airports in Kazakhstan;
- or through Kazakh embassies and consulates abroad.
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