When traveling to Kazakhstan, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work permit. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

In general, you may engage in the activities below as a business visitor in Kazakhstan whether you qualify under a Business e-Visa, B1 Business Visa or Visa Waiver. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings and conferences
• » Participate in sporting events
• » Engage in roundtable discussions

However, Kazakhstan has many different business visa subcategories, and the nature of your business activities determines which visa you should obtain. For example, technical installation or repair, consulting, and contract negotiations will require a different business visa subcategory. Please contact your BAL representative to determine which visa correlates with your intended activities.

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Kazakhstan?

Most foreign nationals, including nationals of the United States and most European countries, will be required to obtain a visa from a Kazakh consulate or embassy prior to travel if they intend to conduct business activities while in Kazakhstan. Visa waivers allowing visitors to enter and conduct business activities in Kazakhstan without a visa are available for nationals of a few select countries, including member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

What types of activities require a work permit?

While some categories of business visas authorize short-term technical or professional activities, most work activities in Kazakhstan will require work authorization in the form of a work permit and a work visa. A legal assessment is recommended prior to travel to determine whether your intended activities are permitted on a business visa or will require a work permit and work visa.

If I am traveling to Kazakhstan for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The requirements for a work permit depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Kazakhstan. The most common Kazakh work permits are:

• » Work Permit - Local Hire (direct-hire work authorization)
• » Work Permit - Assignment (assignee work authorization)
• » Work Permit – Intra-Company Transfer (ICT work authorization)

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

Nationals of Eurasian Economic Union member states, including Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, are not required to obtain a work permit in order to work in Kazakhstan. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in Kazakhstan.

Additional work permit exemptions are available in Kazakhstan for certain professions, industries and executives. In these cases, a legal assessment to determine the possibilities for work permit exemptions should be obtained prior to traveling.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.