Brief overview for work permit in Kazakhstan

BRIEF OVERVIEW FOR WORK PERMIT IN KAZAKHSTAN

Foreign citizens can work in Kazakhstan with work permit only. The procedure for obtaining a work permit is less complicated and could be characterized as with medium level in terms of passing all criteria and results. Usually it takes from two month up to six month to pass all procedures and receive work permit for foreign employee from the early start and preparation of documents.

In this review, we would like to highlight main features for obtaining work permit for foreign employees.

Exemptions for obtaining work permit

According to Kazakhstan Governmental Decree #802¹, following cases are described as exemptions for obtaining work:

● future employee already has Belarus or Russia citizenship;

● future employee will be a manager or director in branch or representative offices located in Kazakhstan;

● artists, movie producers;

● and others according to above-mentioned decree.

According to the Rules², there are four types of employees who need a work permit in Kazakhstan:

● first type – directors and their deputies;

● second type – directors of structural units;

● third type – specialists;

● fourth type – qualified workers.

The procedure of obtaining work permit

Employer should provide statement through distance online services or called as e-license with full package of documents. As example, following documents should be submitted:

1. a statement according to approved form;

2. an information about company and employees (how many Kazakhstan citizens work);

3. a notarized copy of legalized documents about education with translation;

4. a copy of work experience with translation;

5. a notarized copy of passport of an employee;

6. constitutional and corporate documents of company (charter, certificate of incorporation and etc.)

With submitting documents, a company need to pay state fee. State fee depends on category of employee, type of business activity and approximately ranges from 900 to 1,670 US dollars.

Please note that Kazakh employment regulations is subject of permanent changes and we recommend checking any information in advance.

The Synergy Partners team in corporate and employment law practice prepared this review.

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¹ Kazakhstan Government Decree No. 802 dated December 15, 2016 Regarding exemptions for obtaining work permit for foreign citizens

² Rules and conditions for work permits issued by employer