Work Visa Extension in Kazakhstan
Updated: October 2026
Documents for a visa extension are filed no earlier than 30 and no later than 5 working days before the visa expires. A C3 work visa is extended only with a valid work permit — so the permit is extended first, then the visa.
How a C3 visa is extended
- The petition is filed by the employer that issued the invitation for the initial visa.
- A valid permit to hire foreign labour is required, if a permit is required by law.
- If the worker works in another region, the employer also provides a secondment order, an agreement or a contract.
- The visa is extended for the term of the permit, but for no more than 3 years. For AIFC and Astana Hub participants — up to 5 years.
- An extension is processed by issuing a new visa of the same category.
Order: permit first, then visa
The permit and the visa have different filing windows:
| What is extended | When to file |
|---|---|
| Work permit | 60–30 calendar days before expiry |
| C3 visa | 30–5 working days before expiry |
If the permit and visa expire at the same time, there is about a month for everything, and any delay with the permit puts the visa at risk. See Work permit extension for how to extend the permit.
Other visas that can be extended in Kazakhstan
Visas are not extended except in cases expressly provided for by the rules. Those that can be extended include:
- C2 — family reunification. At the request of the inviting person, if they confirm funds of at least the minimum wage per family member per month, housing that meets space standards and medical insurance.
- C4 — independent employment. For the term of the employment contract in the specialty stated in the qualification certificate, up to 3 years.
- A5 — investor. Up to 3 years; for AIFC investment residents and their families — up to 5 years.
- B2 — business. Once and for no more than 30 days.
What happens if you are late
If the visa has expired and no extension has been processed, the foreigner is in Kazakhstan unlawfully. This means a fine and, in the worst case, deportation and an entry ban. An employer that fails to ensure that the foreigners it invited comply with the rules may be placed on lists that lead to refusals of new invitations.
How Workmigration helps
We extend the permit and the visa as one chain: we file for the permit at the start of its window so there is plenty of time for the visa. We track the deadlines of all your workers and warn you in advance.
Let's discuss your case
Message us — we'll tell you free of charge what your case requires and how long it will take.
Message us on WhatsAppFAQ
When should documents for a visa extension be filed?
No earlier than 30 and no later than 5 working days before the visa expires.
Can a C3 visa be extended without a work permit?
No, if a permit is required by law. A C3 visa is extended only with a valid permit.
For how long is a work visa extended?
For the term of the permit, but no more than 3 years; for AIFC and Astana Hub participants — up to 5 years.
Who files the extension petition?
The employer that issued the invitation for the initial visa.
Can a tourist visa be extended?
As a rule, no: only visas expressly listed in the rules are extended.
More guides
Changing Employer and Visa CategoryWhat happens to the work permit and C3 visa when a foreigner changes employer, which visas can be changed to a C3 work visa without leaving Kazakhstan, and which other changes are possible.
Work Permit for Foreigners in KazakhstanWhat a permit to hire foreign labour is, who needs it, how long it is valid and what happens if a foreigner works without one. Full-service processing in Astana and other regions.
Foreign Worker Categories and Permit TermsThe four categories of foreign workers, seasonal workers and intra-corporate transfers: who belongs where, how long a permit is issued for and how many times it can be extended.