C3 Work Visa to Kazakhstan for Company Executives

A C3 work visa allows a foreign national to legally reside and work in Kazakhstan. In most cases, the employer must first obtain a permit to employ foreign workers.

However, Kazakhstan legislation provides an important exemption for executives of certain foreign-owned companies. A C3 work visa may be obtained without a separate work permit if all applicable legal conditions are met.

Who may qualify without a work permit?

A foreign labour permit may not be required for the following categories:

• the first executive or CEO of a Kazakhstan legal entity with 100% foreign participation in its charter capital;
• the deputy first executive or deputy CEO of such a Kazakhstan legal entity;
• the first executive of a branch or representative office of a foreign legal entity;
• certain employees of Astana International Financial Centre participants and bodies, subject to the applicable requirements;
• other foreign nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements under Kazakhstan law.

Important: this exemption does not apply to every managerial position. Appointment as a department director, project manager or head of a structural division does not automatically exempt the company from obtaining a foreign labour permit.

Requirements for executives of foreign-owned companies

To apply for a C3 visa without a work permit, it is generally necessary to confirm that:

• the legal entity is registered in Kazakhstan;
• 100% of its charter capital belongs to one or more foreign individuals or foreign legal entities;
• the foreign national is appointed as the first executive or deputy first executive;
• the appointment is properly documented by a founder’s resolution, shareholders’ resolution or appointment order;
• the employment relationship is documented in accordance with Kazakhstan law;
• the company complies with the applicable employment and migration requirements.

Documents required for a C3 work visa

The preliminary document package normally includes:

• a copy of the foreign national’s valid passport;
• registration documents of the Kazakhstan legal entity;
• documents confirming 100% foreign participation in the charter capital;
• a founder’s resolution or shareholders’ resolution appointing the foreign national as the first executive;
• an appointment order for a deputy first executive;
• an employment agreement or another document confirming the employment relationship;
• an application from the inviting company;
• documents required for visa invitation and visa support;
• a completed visa application form and the required photograph.

The final list depends on the company’s ownership structure, the applicant’s position, nationality and current migration status.

How does the C3 visa process work?

1. Company assessment. We review the registration documents and confirm whether the company has 100% foreign participation.
2. Position assessment. We determine whether the proposed position qualifies for the work permit exemption.
3. Corporate documents. We review the founder’s resolution, appointment order and employment documents.
4. Visa invitation. We prepare and support the submission of documents for visa support.
5. C3 visa application. We provide instructions for the consular application and monitor the process.
6. Post-arrival support. We advise on migration notification, employment documents and future visa extensions.

What if the company is not 100% foreign-owned?

If foreign founders own less than 100% of the company, or if the foreign national will hold another position, the employer may need to obtain a permit to employ foreign workers in Kazakhstan.

We will review your situation and recommend the appropriate legal route: a foreign labour permit, a C3 work visa or another suitable immigration category.

Visas for family members

Eligible family members of the foreign employee may apply for the appropriate visa category based on documents confirming the family relationship. Visa eligibility and validity depend on the status and visa term of the principal applicant.

Why choose Support Agency?

• assessment of eligibility for the work permit exemption before the application begins;
• review of the company’s foreign ownership structure;
• verification of corporate resolutions, appointment orders and employment documents;
• visa invitation and C3 visa application support;
• experience assisting foreign executives and Kazakhstan companies;
• support throughout the entire immigration process.

Request a preliminary assessment

If you already have a Kazakhstan legal entity with 100% foreign participation, send us the company’s registration documents and a copy of the foreign national’s passport.

We will assess the ownership structure, proposed position and eligibility for a C3 work visa without a separate foreign labour permit.

Call +7 701 070 8840 or submit an inquiry through the website.