The Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia plays a key role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. The embassy facilitates a wide range of services for both Kazakh nationals in Russia and Russian citizens who wish to visit or work in Kazakhstan. These services include business visa assistance, travel visa processing, and work visa issuance. Additionally, the embassy supports trade relations and promotes cultural exchange between the two countries.
This guide provides an overview of the visa services and business assistance offered by the Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia, with a focus on business, travel, and work visas.
1. Business Visas for Russian Citizens
Kazakhstan has a growing economy, and the Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia plays a significant role in facilitating trade, business partnerships, and investment between Russian and Kazakh companies. The embassy helps Russian nationals who wish to visit Kazakhstan for business purposes by issuing business visas.
Types of Business Visas
- Single-entry Business Visa: This type of visa is for Russian citizens visiting Kazakhstan for a single business trip. It typically allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended if necessary.
- Multiple-entry Business Visa: For Russian nationals who frequently travel to Kazakhstan for business, the embassy can issue a multiple-entry business visa. This allows the holder to enter and exit Kazakhstan multiple times during the visa’s validity period.
Business Visa Application Process
- Complete the Visa Application Form: The visa application form is available online via the embassy’s website. Applicants need to fill out the form with accurate details about the trip and their business activities in Kazakhstan.
- Gather Required Documents: Documents required for a business visa typically include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- A letter of invitation from a Kazakh business partner or company.
- Proof of business activity (such as business registration, contracts, or meeting invitations).
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings and accommodation details).
- Proof of financial means (bank statements or employment details).
- Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted at the Kazakhstan Visa Application Center in Moscow or directly at the embassy.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The fee for a business visa depends on the type of visa and the processing time.
- Processing Time: Standard processing for a business visa takes about 5-7 business days, though it may vary depending on the type of visa and the complexity of the application.
- Collect the Visa: Once the visa is approved, applicants can collect their passport from the embassy or visa center.
Business Visa Extensions
For those on a short-term business visa, an extension may be possible. However, it is essential to apply for an extension well in advance of the visa’s expiration, and the embassy will require documentation showing the need for the extension.
2. Travel Visas for Russian Citizens
Kazakhstan is a popular travel destination for Russian citizens, offering a rich cultural history, stunning landscapes, and unique tourist attractions. The Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia processes tourist visas for Russian nationals wishing to visit Kazakhstan for sightseeing, leisure, or family visits.
Types of Travel Visas
- Single-entry Tourist Visa: For Russian citizens traveling to Kazakhstan for tourism purposes. This visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days.
- Multiple-entry Tourist Visa: For tourists who plan to visit Kazakhstan multiple times over a longer period. This visa allows multiple entries within a specified validity period.
Tourist Visa Application Process
- Complete the Visa Application Form: The form is available on the embassy’s website, where applicants need to provide personal information and details about their travel plans.
- Gather Required Documents: Documents for a tourist visa typically include:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Kazakh host.
- Travel itinerary (including return flight booking).
- Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies during the trip.
- Submit the Application: Submit the application form and supporting documents at the Kazakhstan Visa Application Center or the embassy.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing time.
- Processing Time: The processing time for tourist visas typically takes about 5-7 business days. It is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date.
- Collect the Visa: Once approved, the visa can be collected from the embassy or visa center.
Visa-Free Travel
Russian citizens can travel to Kazakhstan without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism and business purposes. However, travelers must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
3. Work Visas for Russian Citizens
For Russian nationals planning to work in Kazakhstan, the Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia issues work visas that allow foreign nationals to live and work in Kazakhstan for a defined period. Work visas are typically issued for skilled workers, professionals, or those employed by a Kazakh company.
Types of Work Visas
- Temporary Work Visa: For short-term employment in Kazakhstan, typically issued for a duration of up to one year. This visa allows the holder to work for a specific employer in Kazakhstan.
- Long-term Work Visa: For long-term employment with a Kazakh employer, typically issued for a period of up to two years. This visa may be renewable.
Work Visa Application Process
- Obtain a Job Offer: Before applying for a work visa, Russian applicants must secure a job offer from a registered employer in Kazakhstan. The employer will submit a work permit application on the applicant’s behalf to the Kazakh authorities.
- Complete the Visa Application Form: Once the work permit is issued, the applicant must complete the visa application form provided by the embassy.
- Gather Required Documents: Required documents for a work visa include:
- A valid passport.
- Job offer letter from a Kazakh employer.
- Work permit issued by the Kazakh Ministry of Employment.
- Medical certificate confirming the applicant is free of contagious diseases.
- Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country.
- Employment history and qualifications related to the position.
- Submit the Application: Submit the visa application and required documents to the embassy or the Kazakhstan Visa Application Center.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Work visa fees vary depending on the duration and type of visa being applied for.
- Processing Time: Processing times for work visas can vary but generally take 2 to 4 weeks. The applicant should apply well in advance of the expected employment start date.
- Collect the Visa: Once approved, applicants can collect their work visa from the embassy or the visa center.
Work Visa Extensions
Work visas can be extended if necessary. However, extensions require the approval of the Kazakh Ministry of Employment and must be processed before the visa’s expiration.
4. Trade and Business Support
In addition to visa issuance, the Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia offers trade and business support to Russian entrepreneurs and companies interested in entering the Kazakh market. The embassy facilitates connections between Russian and Kazakh businesses and provides information about trade regulations, opportunities, and legal requirements in Kazakhstan.
Key Areas of Business Support
- Trade Relations: The embassy promotes trade in energy, natural resources, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. It provides market insights and facilitates business partnerships in various sectors.
- Investment Promotion: The embassy helps Russian investors navigate Kazakhstan’s investment climate, offering guidance on the legal framework, tax incentives, and business regulations in Kazakhstan.
- Business Matchmaking: The embassy organizes business delegations, trade missions, and business forums to foster networking and partnerships between Russian and Kazakh companies.
- Visa Assistance for Business Travelers: The embassy assists Russian business owners and executives with visa applications for business travel to Kazakhstan, ensuring the necessary documentation is prepared for smooth travel and business meetings.
5. How to Contact the Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia
For more information on visa applications, business support, or trade relations, you can contact the Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia using the following details:
- Address:
Embassy of Kazakhstan in Moscow
121069, Moscow,
8, Tverskaya Street,
Building 1, Suite 34 - Phone: +7 (495) 937-58-90
- Fax: +7 (495) 937-58-93
- Email: info@kazembassy.ru
- Website: www.kazembassy.ru
The embassy’s website provides detailed information on visa processes, business initiatives, and cultural events organized by the embassy.
Conclusion
The Kazakhstan Embassy in Russia is a vital institution that facilitates visa issuance, business support, and trade relations between Kazakhstan and Russia. Whether you’re a Russian citizen seeking a business visa, a tourist planning to visit Kazakhstan, or a business professional exploring opportunities in Kazakhstan, the embassy offers the necessary services to help you navigate these processes. By promoting diplomatic relations, trade cooperation, and cultural exchange, the embassy plays a key role in strengthening the ties between the two countries.