Keep up to date with the latest news from Kazakhstan and the team at Kazopp.
Posted 18/01/2016
Even the eagle eyed among you may have missed a report by TengriNews published on Christmas Day 2015 confirming the latest on visa requirements for Kazakhstan! If you were too busy tearing open the wrapping paper or keeping watch over how the turkey was cooking, here’s a quick round up.
Posted 27/07/2015
Hot on the heels of the recent announced extension of the relaxed visa pilot scheme, introduced in July last year, it now looks as though visa- free travel to Kazakhstan could be introduced within the next 18 months.
In July last year, the President of Kazakhstan announced the pilot, which removed visa requirements for UK (among other countries) citizens. That scheme was due to come to an end on 15 July this year, but was recently extended – evidence perhaps that the government’s objective of creating more favorable conditions for foreign business and investment is beginning to reap dividends.
The original scheme was aimed at those countries which had the highest record of investment in Kazakhstan or the best potential to invest in the future. Since July 2014, UK citizens with a valid passport have been able to enter, exit and travel through Kazakhstan on multiple occasions without a visa for up to 15 days at a time. Business travel requiring a longer length of stay have been open to permission upon application.
However, on July 9th, the First Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed that the country has plans to bring in visa-free travel for OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries from the beginning of 2017. In addition to the 34 OECD countries, (which include Britain) Malaysia and Singapore are also included in the new scheme.
This makes it a great time for potential exporters to the Kazakhstan to seize upon improved export conditions and the vast array of export opportunities the oil/gas and construction industries have given rise to there. For those seasoned exporters looking to expand to new markets, it is also good news and makes business and recreational travel, which the Kazakh government have been working to promote, a much easier proposition.
For more details as to how we can help, get in touch!
Posted 18/08/2014
Posted 17/06/2014
Visa-free travel pilot unveiled
The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev last week announced a pilot scheme to remove visa requirements for the citizens of 10 countries, including the UK. The move is further evidence of the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral partnerships and establishing more favourable conditions for foreign business and investment.
This visa-free regime will run from 15th July 2014 until 15th July 2015 and is aimed at those countries which have the best record of investment in Kazakhstan or greatest potential to invest in the future. During the pilot period, UK citizens with a valid passport will be able to enter, exit and transit through Kazakhstan on multiple occasions without a visa for up to 15 days at a time. Longer stays for business travel may be permitted upon application.
At the conclusion of the one year pilot, the system will be reviewed by officials, as to whether it should continue.
Watch out for further details of the pilot which are expected to be publicised within the next few weeks.
This makes it a great time for potential exporters to the country to seize upon the vast array of export opportunities the oil/gas and construction industries have given rise to in Kazakhstan.
Could your business become the next big export success story?
Find out more about how we can help by contacting us today.
Posted 03/06/2014
What the Guide books won’t tell you…!!
- Before you go: Make sure you pack plenty of mosquito repellant – Atyrau has a high population of mosquitos and good repellant is essential. Despite the heat, long sleeves provide further protection when mosquito levels are high.
- Take a copy of your passport/visa/photo, notarised if possible to keep in your hotel safe on arrival.
- When flying to Aktau, go via Russia or Baku for cost effective flights.
- On arrival: When passing through immigration, get two stamps on the immigration/landing card handed to you on the plane. Keep this clipped to your passport in the visa page (good idea to take a paperclip for this)
- Keep your luggage retrieval labels (attached to your boarding card) as you will need this to leave the airport arrivals area.
- During your stay:Keep your passport with you at all times, together with your visa.
- Always agree taxi fares before getting into cabs – if you don’t speak Kazakh or Russian, avoid being fleeced as a foreigner by asking your hotel or host organisation to call a taxi from reception, establishing the fare first. (N.B. current rates in Atyrau are 500-1500 tenge (£2-£5), depending on the length of the journey and time of the day). When arriving for the first time, ensure your hotel or host orders you the taxi and they meet you at the airport.
- Currency – You can only get Tenge in country, so if travelling for the first time, take dollars and get the hotel to book you the place and add to your bill, as you can often get cash in the hotel.
- Be attentive after dark – there are many uneven road surfaces In Kazakhstan, potholes and bumps!
- When leaving the country, use the toilet before travelling to the airport – toilets in Departures are often fall short – don’t get caught short!
Posted 11/10/2013
Kazakhstan is a great place to do business, but be prepared for a more bureaucratic approach than you may be used to here in the UK.
Recent changes mean that British Citizens can no longer expect to obtain a business visa at the airport in Kazakhstan – you’ll need to apply well in advance of your visit, and include a letter of invitation from your business contact. Our experience is that the more formal approach doesn’t necessarily mean that you can be sure when documents will be processed. Our up-to-the-minute knowledge means that we can help you understand what’s likely to happen when, and how you can make sure everything goes to plan.
At the moment, UK businesses can wholly own locally-registered companies, although it’s always been worthwhile working closely with a local partner. With extensive natural assets in Kazakhstan, it’s understandable that the government are looking for ways to secure investment, while also developing local jobs. Major companies in Kazakhstan have to report their spend on local content, with ownership of their contractors being a factor.
Based on discussions with our local contacts, we have taken the view that it is likely that new businesses in Kazakhstan will increasingly need a locally-based majority shareholder with a shareholding of at least 50% in order to satisfy government targets. We anticipate Kazakhstan following the middle-eastern model where at least 51% of shares must be locally-owned. Our experience of the middle eastern model has been that it is realistic to expect to be able to secure a local sponsor who will hold a majority of shares in trust, while the international investor holds the beneficial interest and generates revenue through items supplied directly and management fees and royalties for the support they provide.
Let us know if you would like to get out to visit potential customers in Kazakhstan, or if your next step is to set up in country.
