General Information
Due to the fact that changes to the RoK territory entering/leaving procedure can be made in a short time, arriving foreign citizens are recommended to check the current situation before traveling.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Frontier Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Passport and visa information in this section applies to regular passport holders. For holders of diplomatic, official, special, and service passports, special rules may apply.
A visa entitles the visa recipient to stay legally in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan for a time and under the conditions stated in the visa.
Single-entry visas entitle the visa recipient to a single entry, multiple-entry visas – to multiple entries under the conditions stated in the visa.
Passport: must be valid at least 3 months beyond visa expiry, with 2 blank pages.
Arrival of foreign employees, family, or guests in NU housing must be reported to OISSS with the address.
Border crossing: Hosts must notify the Migration Service about foreign citizens within 3 working days of arrival via Egov/Eqonaq.
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
TRP is issued to foreigners or stateless persons temporarily staying in Kazakhstan for up to one year, with possible extension.
- CIS citizens staying over 30 days
- EAEU citizens (Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan) staying over 90 days
Documents: passport, labor contract/enrollment certificate, IIN, insurance, rental agreement, fingerprinting certificate (16+).
TRP must be obtained during the visa-free period.
Letter of Invitation (LOI)
LOI is issued by NU to invite a foreigner to Kazakhstan. Apply at least 1 month before travel.
Needed documents: labor contract/enrollment certificate, scanned passport, visa support form, marriage/birth certificates for dependents.
Processing: ~10 business days, after which the applicant applies at a KZ embassy for a visa.
Visa Extension in Kazakhstan
Visa extension is required when an NU contract is renewed. Submit documents at least 30 business days before visa expiry.
Documents: passport, copy of passport and visa, photo, application form, labor contract, fingerprinting certificate.
Visa Cancellation Procedure
To cancel a visa (B16 exit visa), submit: passport, copies of passport and current visa, decision on termination/expulsion. Fee: 0.5 MCI.
Penalties for overstaying: fine, ban on entry up to 5 years, possible jail.
Cost of visas and state duties
In 2025, 1 MCI = 3,932 KZT.
- Invitation letter: 0.5 MCI
- Multiple entry visa issuance/extension: 30 MCI
- Exit visa (cancellation): 0.5 MCI
- Extension under visa-free regime: 7 MCI
Obtaining an IIN (Individual Identification Number)
IIN is needed for bank accounts, income, property, work, etc. Apply at Public Service Center (TSON).
Documents: passport and notarized translation if required.
Apostille and legalization of documents
Foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized to be valid in Kazakhstan. Apostille certifies authenticity.
Institutions authorized to affix apostille: Ministry of Justice, Education, Internal Affairs, etc.
Minsk Convention countries do not require legalization.
Contact us
Unit of International Students and Scholars Services
Address: 53 Kabanbai batyr ave., Astana
Email: oiss@nu.edu.kz
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30
