Is personal attendance mandatory for the temporary residence permit issuance procedure?
Complete Guide to Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit for Business Immigrants in Kazakhstan
18 мая, 2026
Even foreign citizens can conduct legal business in Kazakhstan. To do so, before registering or purchasing a legal entity, they must comply with the requirements of the migration legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, namely:
Obtaining one of these permits allows foreign entrepreneurs to:
Without obtaining the relevant documents and status, any type of entrepreneurial activity by foreign citizens in the republic is considered illegal.
For citizens of the EAEU member states — the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic — a business immigrant TRP is required.
For citizens of other states, a category C5 visa is required.
In this article, we will examine in detail the process and requirements specifically for obtaining a business immigrant TRP for entrepreneurs from the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.
On May 28, 2024, an updated version of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Population Migration" came into force, which clarifies provisions concerning the participation of foreign citizens in the establishment or management of legal entities.
In particular, the law establishes that foreign citizens who do not have a special entry visa or a temporary residence permit as business immigrants cannot create legal entities or participate in the charter capital of companies, except for those who hold a residence permit or a stateless person certificate. Registering a business without a TRP may result in the legal entity being declared invalid. Additionally, fines and other measures by migration authorities are possible, up to and including deportation from the country. Therefore, it is important to obtain a business immigrant TRP to avoid problems and conduct business legally.
- Either obtain a TRP – a temporary residence permit for a business migrant.
- Or obtain a business visa category C5.
Obtaining one of these permits allows foreign entrepreneurs to:
- Become a participant in the capital of a legal entity (upon obtaining an initial permit valid for 3 months).
- Reside in the Republic of Kazakhstan (in the case of subsequent extension of the TRP for up to 1 year or a business visa for 2 years).
Without obtaining the relevant documents and status, any type of entrepreneurial activity by foreign citizens in the republic is considered illegal.
For citizens of the EAEU member states — the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic — a business immigrant TRP is required.
For citizens of other states, a category C5 visa is required.
In this article, we will examine in detail the process and requirements specifically for obtaining a business immigrant TRP for entrepreneurs from the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.
On May 28, 2024, an updated version of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Population Migration" came into force, which clarifies provisions concerning the participation of foreign citizens in the establishment or management of legal entities.
In particular, the law establishes that foreign citizens who do not have a special entry visa or a temporary residence permit as business immigrants cannot create legal entities or participate in the charter capital of companies, except for those who hold a residence permit or a stateless person certificate. Registering a business without a TRP may result in the legal entity being declared invalid. Additionally, fines and other measures by migration authorities are possible, up to and including deportation from the country. Therefore, it is important to obtain a business immigrant TRP to avoid problems and conduct business legally.
List of Required Documents for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit for Business Immigrants in Kazakhstan in 2026
To obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) as a business immigrant in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the following package of documents must be prepared.
For other persons, an insurance policy is issued by an insurance company in Kazakhstan.
The most common option is "Voluntary Imputed Medical Insurance for Labor Migrants," valid for 1 year.
Registration requires:
5. Medical certificate form 028/u. Confirms the absence of diseases precluding employment. Obtained from medical institutions in Kazakhstan.
6. Photo 3×4 (can be taken on-site).
7. Document confirming the presence or absence of a criminal record and a ban on entrepreneurial activity. Issued by the competent authority in the country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Important: For citizens of the Russian Federation, two certificates are required:
• Certificate of presence or absence of a criminal record
• Certificate of no criminal record for disciplinary offenses.
8. Notification of arrival of a foreign person. Submitted by the property owner on the egov.kz portal within 3 working days from the date of arrival of the foreign citizen in Kazakhstan.
9. The foreign citizen's IIN must be registered in the mobile citizens system.
- Application form (as per template). Signed by the property owner acting as the host party.
- Identity document of the foreign citizen or stateless person. The citizen must be from a country with which visa-free stay agreements have been ratified.
- Health insurance. Must cover primary healthcare and specialized inpatient medical care in emergency form, in accordance with the agreement of the parties and the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
For other persons, an insurance policy is issued by an insurance company in Kazakhstan.
The most common option is "Voluntary Imputed Medical Insurance for Labor Migrants," valid for 1 year.
Registration requires:
- Passport;
- Kazakhstani IIN (Individual Identification Number)
5. Medical certificate form 028/u. Confirms the absence of diseases precluding employment. Obtained from medical institutions in Kazakhstan.
6. Photo 3×4 (can be taken on-site).
7. Document confirming the presence or absence of a criminal record and a ban on entrepreneurial activity. Issued by the competent authority in the country of citizenship or permanent residence.
Important: For citizens of the Russian Federation, two certificates are required:
• Certificate of presence or absence of a criminal record
• Certificate of no criminal record for disciplinary offenses.
8. Notification of arrival of a foreign person. Submitted by the property owner on the egov.kz portal within 3 working days from the date of arrival of the foreign citizen in Kazakhstan.
9. The foreign citizen's IIN must be registered in the mobile citizens system.
The TRP for foreign businessmen in Kazakhstan involves three key stages. Knowing these, you can easily obtain the necessary documents, saving time and avoiding the risk of refusal.
Stage 1: Issuance of the initial TRP
Issuance of a TRP is only possible for those who have entered the republic legally. Confirmation of this is the fact of registration of the foreigner at the border checkpoint. Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, a foreign entrepreneur must:
A TRP is issued only to entrepreneurs or owners of a share in an LLP. Consequently, to obtain the document, one must either open their own company or purchase a stake in an existing one from local entrepreneurs. The procedure includes:
Upon completion of the aforementioned registration procedures, the foreign businessman can extend the TRP for up to one year. During this time, the migrant retains their special status. It not only permits legal residence in the country but also grants the right to conduct commercial activities or hold a stake in local companies.
The basics of obtaining the document are as follows:
It is important to note that extending the TRP is not necessary if you do not plan to stay in Kazakhstan for more than 90 consecutive days or 183 days within a year.
Stage 1: Issuance of the initial TRP
Issuance of a TRP is only possible for those who have entered the republic legally. Confirmation of this is the fact of registration of the foreigner at the border checkpoint. Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, a foreign entrepreneur must:
- prepare documents in the country of permanent residence;
- have the documents notarized;
- arrive in Kazakhstan;
- contact a Public Service Center (CSC) to obtain an IIN;
- submit fingerprints at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic;
- undergo a medical examination and obtain certificate 028/u;
- find a place of residence, submit a notification of arrival, and also verify the ability of the property owner to submit documents for the TRP;
- obtain a TRP valid for 3 months (initial document).
A TRP is issued only to entrepreneurs or owners of a share in an LLP. Consequently, to obtain the document, one must either open their own company or purchase a stake in an existing one from local entrepreneurs. The procedure includes:
- preparatory procedures for registering an LLP, including ensuring a valid legal address by concluding a lease agreement;
- opening an account in a Kazakhstani bank;
- contributing the charter capital, which can be paid within one year. Small businesses are exempt from making this contribution.
Upon completion of the aforementioned registration procedures, the foreign businessman can extend the TRP for up to one year. During this time, the migrant retains their special status. It not only permits legal residence in the country but also grants the right to conduct commercial activities or hold a stake in local companies.
The basics of obtaining the document are as follows:
- the application can be submitted by the company owner or holder of a stake in a Kazakhstani enterprise;
- the application is submitted to the address of the legal entity;
- the application must be accompanied by the foreigner's civil passport with its notarized translation. An IIN, medical certificate, and insurance policy are also required. Only citizens of EAEU member states (e.g., the Russian Federation) are exempt from obtaining insurance. Additionally, the migrant attaches a fingerprint card, a notarized certificate of legal residence signed by the property owner, and documents from migration services.
It is important to note that extending the TRP is not necessary if you do not plan to stay in Kazakhstan for more than 90 consecutive days or 183 days within a year.
Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit in 2026: Important News for Businesspeople in Kazakhstan
According to current legislation, a business immigrant is considered a person arriving in Kazakhstan with the intention of engaging in entrepreneurial activities in accordance with local legislation.
It can be said that in 2025, the Republic of Kazakhstan saw significant changes in the procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit for business immigrants, which have significantly simplified the process. One of the key innovations was the abolition of the mandatory petition from the akimat (local administrative body), which has significantly simplified and accelerated the document processing procedure.
Previously, temporary residence permit applications were often delayed at the coordination stage with local authorities, leading to uncertainty and increased processing times. Now, provided all requirements are met and a complete package of documents is available, the temporary residence permit can be issued in a shorter time frame.
Another positive innovation is that, also since 2025, the document submission procedure has changed and now the following are not required:
After submitting the application, the documents are reviewed in an automated mode. The temporary residence permit is sent to the property owner's personal account as an electronic document.
Review period – 1 business day (but usually a response comes via SMS within 2-3 hours after submission).
After reviewing the petition for obtaining a temporary residence permit for a business immigrant, there are two possible outcomes:
It can be said that in 2025, the Republic of Kazakhstan saw significant changes in the procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit for business immigrants, which have significantly simplified the process. One of the key innovations was the abolition of the mandatory petition from the akimat (local administrative body), which has significantly simplified and accelerated the document processing procedure.
Previously, temporary residence permit applications were often delayed at the coordination stage with local authorities, leading to uncertainty and increased processing times. Now, provided all requirements are met and a complete package of documents is available, the temporary residence permit can be issued in a shorter time frame.
Another positive innovation is that, also since 2025, the document submission procedure has changed and now the following are not required:
- Notarized consent from the property owner for the immigrant to reside there;
- Power of attorney from the property owner. (Need to verify this information)
After submitting the application, the documents are reviewed in an automated mode. The temporary residence permit is sent to the property owner's personal account as an electronic document.
Review period – 1 business day (but usually a response comes via SMS within 2-3 hours after submission).
After reviewing the petition for obtaining a temporary residence permit for a business immigrant, there are two possible outcomes:
- The temporary residence permit is issued;
- The issuance is refused. If, unfortunately, this result occurs, it is necessary to go to the Public Service Center (Tson) to obtain an explanation of why the temporary residence permit was refused. If there are questions, you can contact the Inspector who issued the refusal. To do this, you need to go to the migration police office for that district and find the inspector.
Obligations and Responsibilities of Business Immigrants and Hosting Parties
After obtaining a temporary residence permit, migrants still have obligations to regulatory authorities. Foreign businesspeople must constantly notify if the address of their enterprise or the entrepreneurs themselves changes. Additionally, it is necessary to carefully monitor the deadlines for extending the temporary residence permit. Even in the case of obtaining a long-term permit (12 months), an application must be submitted in advance to extend the term.
Certain responsibilities are also imposed on those who rent housing to migrants. They are required to use a contract that includes only current data about the tenants, updating information if the place of residence of the foreigners with a temporary residence permit changes.
Certain responsibilities are also imposed on those who rent housing to migrants. They are required to use a contract that includes only current data about the tenants, updating information if the place of residence of the foreigners with a temporary residence permit changes.
Conclusion
A temporary residence permit for business immigrants is a mandatory and clearly regulated procedure. Without it, legal conditions for doing business in Kazakhstan are limited. To avoid problems and work successfully in the country, foreign entrepreneurs need to know the current requirements, accurately follow all steps, and cooperate with state bodies.
To obtain the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to the official sources of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, study the laws, and consult with experienced lawyers.
To obtain the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to the official sources of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, study the laws, and consult with experienced lawyers.
FAQ
Certificate of no criminal record: where is it issued?
What to do if you did not manage to register a Limited Liability Partnership (TOO) within 90 days?
Can I get a C5 visa instead of a temporary residence permit and for whom is it intended?
Полное руководство по оформлению РВП бизнес-иммигранта в Казахстане
Disclaimer
All service pricing and information provided on vitaliberta.kz are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a public offer under Article 395 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
While the website has been prepared with due regard to current legislation and relevant case law, LLP “Vita Liberta” does not guarantee the absolute accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content. For definitive guidance, please consult with our team directly.
All service pricing and information provided on vitaliberta.kz are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a public offer under Article 395 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
While the website has been prepared with due regard to current legislation and relevant case law, LLP “Vita Liberta” does not guarantee the absolute accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content. For definitive guidance, please consult with our team directly.