C3 Work Visa for Kazakhstan
Updated: October 2026
The C3 work visa gives a foreigner the right to enter and stay in Kazakhstan in order to work. It is closely tied to the work permit: without a permit issued to the employer, a C3 visa will not be issued or extended.
Who needs a C3 visa
A C3 visa is issued to foreigners travelling to, or already in, Kazakhstan for the purpose of employment, and to their family members. It is based on a petition from the inviting party — the employer — holding a permit to hire foreign labour. If a permit is not required by law, documents confirming this are needed instead.
Validity and entries
- The C3 visa is multiple-entry: the holder can leave Kazakhstan and return.
- It is valid for up to 3 years and is extended for the term of the permit. For participants of the AIFC and Astana Hub — up to 5 years.
- Processing takes up to 5 working days; visa documents are cleared with the national security authorities.
- No interview is required for a C3 visa.
Where the C3 visa is issued
The initial C3 visa is issued by the migration police at the place of the employer's registration. If the worker works in another region, extensions and other visa procedures take place at their place of temporary residence.
If the worker is already in Kazakhstan on another visa, in many cases it can be changed to a C3 without leaving the country — for example, a B2 or B3 business visa, a C9 student visa or a C2 family reunification visa. See Change of employer and visa for which changes are possible.
Family members
Family members and dependants of the worker receive or extend a visa for the term of the main holder's visa. However, this visa does not give them the right to work. For a spouse to work as well, a separate basis is needed — for example, their own permit and their own work visa.
Permit and visa: which comes first
- The employer obtains a permit to hire foreign labour — see Work permit.
- Based on it, the employer petitions for a C3 visa.
- The visa term is tied to the permit term: when the permit is extended, the visa is extended too. See Work visa extension.
If the permit is terminated or revoked, the basis for the visa falls away.
How Workmigration helps
We handle the permit and the C3 visa as one project: we align the timelines so that the worker arrives and starts work without downtime, and the permit and visa extensions go together. We work with employees from many countries, including Thailand and Laos.
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Message us on WhatsAppFAQ
Who files for the C3 visa — the worker or the employer?
The petition is filed by the inviting party — the employer that obtained the permit to hire foreign labour.
How long is a work visa issued for?
Up to 3 years, within the term of the permit. For AIFC and Astana Hub participants — up to 5 years.
Can the worker's spouse work on their visa?
No. Family members receive a visa for the term of the worker's visa, but without the right to work.
How long does it take to get a C3 visa?
Usually up to 5 working days after the documents are filed.
Can I leave Kazakhstan with a C3 visa?
Yes, the C3 visa is multiple-entry.
More guides
Work Visa Extension in KazakhstanHow and when a C3 work visa is extended, why it cannot be extended without a valid work permit, and which other visas can be extended in Kazakhstan.
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.