Kazakhstan visas

What type of visa can you apply for?

Kazakhstan visas

Foreign nationals, unless exempt under international treaties, need a visa to enter Kazakhstan. The type of visa you have to apply for depends on the purpose of your visit or stay.

Between 16 July 2015 and 31 December 2017, citizens from the following countries traveling to Kazakhstan for touristic reasons for up to 15 days do not require a visa: Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Switzerland.

Visa types

Tourist visa and private visa

You will be issued one of these if visiting Kazakhstan for a limited period of time. The tourist visa self-explanatory, while the private visa is granted to those travelling to and staying in Kazakhstan on ‘private trips’.  

Business visa

If you are staying in Kazakhstan for any of the following reasons, you will be issued a business visa:Business trip

  • Business or contract negotiations
  • Symposiums
  • Conferences
  • Bids
  • Participation in an exposition or fair
  • Trade deals involving international traffic
  • Consulting and auditing

Investor visa

Typically granted to CEOs of large firms who are investing into the Kazakh economy. Direct family members are also granted this visa.

Work visa

Expats working in Kazakhstan should apply for a work visa.

Student visa

If you are taking part in studies, internships, or similar activities in Kazakhstan you can apply for a student visa.

Transit visa

Foreigners not entitled to cross Kazakhstan without a visa are granted a transit visa in order to travel through.

Medical visa

If you are travelling to Kazakhstan for medical tourism purposes, or to receive treatment in general, you can apply for a medical visa.

Diplomatic visa

Diplomatic visas are issued to foreign nationals, and their families, who hold diplomatic passports or work for international institutions.

Official visa

Similar to to the diplomatic visa in that foreign nationals and their families are granted one if they hold an official passport. You can also apply for one if you:

  • Work for diplomatic missions
  • Are invited to Kazakhstan by diplomatic missions and international institutions accredited by the country.

Residence permit

If you are moving to Kazakhstan permanently you have to apply for a residence permit.

Family reunification visa

These visas are applicable to those traveling to Kazakhstan for reunification purposes and family members of:

  • Kazakh citizens
  • Ethnic Kazakhs and former compatriots and have received temporary residence permits
  • Stateless persons and foreigners residing in Kazakhstan

You can find out how to apply for the visa you need in our article on applying for Kazakhstan visas.

Further reading

Does this article help?

Do you have any comments, updates or questions on this topic? Ask them here: