Work Permit Extension
Updated: October 2026
A permit to hire foreign labour can be extended only within a strict window — no earlier than 60 and no later than 30 calendar days before it expires. Miss the window and the permit can no longer be extended: a new permit has to be obtained from scratch.
Who can extend a permit
| Category | Extension |
|---|---|
| First — heads and deputies | for 1, 2 or 3 years |
| Second and third — heads of units and specialists | 12 months at a time, up to 3 times |
| Fourth — skilled workers | not extendable |
| Seasonal workers | not extendable |
| Intra-corporate transfer | once, for 12 months |
More on categories on the Foreign worker categories page.
How the new term is counted
The extended permit takes effect from the day the previous one expires. Applying at the start of the window therefore costs nothing: no days are lost, and the employer keeps a safety margin in case something goes wrong.
What is checked on extension
An extension is not a formality. The authorities check again:
- the share of Kazakhstan citizens on staff — 70% among managers and 90% among specialists and workers;
- the company's violations in state databases;
- that the foreigner works in exactly the position stated in the permit.
For an intra-corporate transfer, the employer again chooses one of the special conditions — training Kazakhstan staff or creating jobs.
Extension fee
The extension fee is charged at the same rates as issuance. Payment must be confirmed within 10 working days of approval, otherwise the permit ceases to be valid. Rates are on the Work permit fee page.
What happens if the deadline is missed
- The extension window has closed — the permit cannot be extended. A new permit is needed: the vacancy must be posted again, 15 days must pass, and the quota and local-staff checks must be passed.
- The permit has expired — the foreigner cannot continue working. Work without a permit means the company gets no new permits for 12 months.
- The visa depends on the permit. A C3 work visa is extended only with a valid permit, so a delay with the permit drags the visa with it. See Work visa extension.
How Workmigration helps
We keep a deadline calendar for each of your workers, remind you about extensions in advance and file at the start of the window. We extend the permit and the visa together so that there is no gap between them.
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 I apply to extend a permit?
No earlier than 60 and no later than 30 calendar days before the permit expires.
Can a permit be extended after it expires?
No. After it expires, as after the extension window closes, a new permit must be obtained.
How many times can a specialist's permit be extended?
For the second and third categories — up to three times, 12 months each. Extension is not available for the fourth category or seasonal workers.
Do I have to pay the fee again?
Yes, the extension fee is charged at the same rates as issuance.
From what date is the extended permit valid?
From the day the previous permit expires.
More guides
Reissuing a Work PermitWhen a permit to hire foreign labour can be reissued to another worker, after a passport change or company reorganisation, and why it cannot be transferred to another employer.
Work Permit Fee in 2026: Rates and Amounts in TengeFee rates for issuing and extending a permit to hire foreign labour from 1 January 2026, by category and industry, in MRP and tenge.
C3 Work Visa for KazakhstanWhat the C3 work visa is, how it relates to the work permit, how long it is issued for, where it is processed and what family members of a foreign worker receive.