Visa C5 for registering and opening an LLP in Kazakhstan in 2025

The C5 visa is a specialized Kazakhstani visa designed for business immigration. Its primary purpose is to allow a foreign national to legally enter and stay in Kazakhstan for the purpose of conducting entrepreneurial activities. This includes the ability to register a new legal entity (LLP) in Kazakhstan or acquire a share in an existing Kazakhstani company. In other words, without a C5 visa, a foreigner from most countries cannot officially become a founder or co-owner of a business in Kazakhstan — this requirement is explicitly established by the country’s migration legislation.

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.

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.