Kazakhstan

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Kazakhstan, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Kazakhstan

Capital

Astana

Main Cities

Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda

Local Languages

Kazakh and Russian

Currency

Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT).

Climate

Mild Temperatures

General Visa Requirements:

Kazakhstan offers a visa-free regime for citizens of many countries, allowing entry for a limited period.

Required Documents:

For countries not included in the Visa Waiver List, a Business Visa is required. This visa (B1, B2, B3) can be issued for various purposes, including:

Participation in conferences, symposiums, forums, exhibitions, concerts, cultural, scientific, and sports events.
Engagement in meetings, roundtable discussions, and expert consultations.
Installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment.
Provision of consulting or auditing services.
Conducting negotiations and concluding contracts.

Required Documentation:

Photo: Color or black-and-white, 3.5×4.5 cm in size.
Valid Foreign Passport: Must not raise doubts about its authenticity or belonging to its holder. It must have at least 2 blank pages for visas and an expiration date no earlier than 3 months after the requested visa’s expiration.
Copy of the Passport Page: With the applicant’s basic details.
Original Receipt: For payment of the consular fee.
Invitation: Petition from the inviting party, approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, with the visa support number.
Vaccination Certificate: Proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Customs Regulations: Be aware of strict rules regarding goods you can take into or out of Kazakhstan.
Currency Limits: There are limits on how much foreign currency you can bring into or take out of Kazakhstan. Contact the State Revenue Department for specific questions.

The visa is issued at the embassies and consulates of Kazakhstan in the applicant’s country.
To obtain an electronic visa, please register on the Visa and Migration Portal at www.vmp.gov.kz (the portal is available in three languages).

Visa Application Process:

Kazakhstan offers a visa-free regime for citizens of many countries, allowing entry for a limited period. For the complete list of eligible countries and specific terms of the visa-free regime, please visit Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Citizens of 109 countries can apply for an electronic visa to Kazakhstan. The e-Visa permits a single-entry Business Visa; however, a Work Visa is not available through this option.

To apply for an e-Visa, foreign nationals must obtain an invitation from a Kazakhstani party, such as a travel agency for tourism purposes. The invitation is valid only for the visa recipient and does not extend to accompanying persons, nor can it be renewed while in Kazakhstan.

Upon arrival, your hotel or host must register your presence with Kazakh authorities within three working days. More information on this process can be found here.

Processing Time:

Consideration and approval of the visa invitation by the Migration Service takes an average of 5-7 working days. This period can be extended up to 30 calendar days if necessary. An additional 5 working days are required for visa stamping at the consulate of Kazakhstan in the foreigner’s country of residence. The processing time for an e-Visa application on the portal is approximately 30 minutes.

Cost:

Single Entry Visa: $80 USD Multiple-Entry Visa (up to 1 year): $200 USD Multiple-Entry Visa (up to 2 years): $400 USD Multiple-Entry Visa (up to 3 years): $600 USD Multiple-Entry Visa (up to 5 years): $1,000 USD

Accreditation Requirements:

Accreditation is not required for organizing the filming of a feature film in Kazakhstan. However, foreign media representatives must obtain permanent or temporary accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan to carry out journalistic activities within the country.

Required Documents:

To obtain temporary accreditation, media outlets must submit an application for the temporary accreditation of journalists (media representatives). The application must meet the following criteria:

Format: The application should be in the form specified in Appendix 3 of the relevant regulations.
Signature: It must be signed by the editor-in-chief and/or the owner of the media outlet.
Identification: Include a copy of the identity document of the journalists (media representatives) to be accredited for identification purposes.
Consent: The application must also include the consent of the journalist (media representative) to the use of their personal data in accordance with Kazakhstan’s law on Personal Data and Their Protection.

Processing Time:

The processing time for accreditation varies based on the sites the journalists plan to access, ranging from 2 to 10 working days. Under previous regulations, accreditation could take up to two months, and it’s unclear if the new timelines are consistently applied across all cases.

Cost:

There is no payment required for the accreditation process.

Issuing Organization:

In Kazakhstan, there are no specific legislative acts or established rules governing the issuance of film permits. Industry colleagues report that accreditation is generally not required, and permission is often unnecessary. However, for large-scale projects involving a significant number of specialists or extended filming periods (more than 30 days), particularly in national nature parks, it is advisable to seek preliminary approval from the Ministry of Culture.

Required Documents:

Application Submission: An application for filming permission must be submitted to the appropriate government authority, usually the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
Filming Purposes: The application should clearly specify the purposes and timelines of the filming, as well as the proposed filming locations.
Special Permits: Additional permits may be necessary for filming in specific locations, particularly in historical or protected areas.
Liability Insurance: In some cases, proof of insurance for potential accidents or property damage may be required.

Processing Time:

The process of obtaining permits can take anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and local requirements.

Cost:

There is no payment required for obtaining filming permits.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

There is no standardized process for obtaining permission to film at private locations in Kazakhstan. Each arrangement is highly individualized, and filmmakers must negotiate directly with property owners or managers to secure filming rights.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

There are no uniform rules for determining the cost of filming at private locations. Pricing is also highly individualized and can vary over time, even for the same property owner.

Drone Regulations:

In Kazakhstan, operations with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are categorised into three groups: Open, Specific, and Certified, each with distinct requirements.

The procedure for registering an imported drone is lengthy. It involves submitting a registration declaration, and after obtaining it, an application for registration must be submitted. This can be done online through the portal eotinish.kz, but it must be completed by a company registered in Kazakhstan that possesses an electronic digital signature (EDS).

Drone Importation Regulations:

There are no special requirements for the temporary import of drones into Kazakhstan; the rules are the same as for importing any other equipment.

To apply for a permit in the Specific category, particularly for filming over densely populated areas, the following documents are required:

An application in the established form.
A copy of the identity document.
A certificate of the UAV operator, category 1.

Even if a visiting foreign drone operator holds professional certification from their home country, they must undergo training and obtain certification in Kazakhstan. For filming in the Specific category outside the city, training can be done online, but it is conducted only in Russian. For filming within the city, offline training is required (also in Russian or Kazakh). Hiring a local drone operator with a registered drone and appropriate certification is advisable.

Permit Issuance:

The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK) is responsible for issuing drone permits.

Timing:

The process can take between 30 to 45 working days.

Cost:

No payment is required for the application process.

Carnet Status:

Yes, Kazakhstan participates in the Carnet system.
Apply for an ATA Carnet in the home country through an authorized organization (e.g., Chamber of Commerce).
Present the ATA Carnet at customs upon entry, where it is registered without duties.
After registration, use the equipment as per temporary import rules. Upon completion of use, present it for inspection to confirm export.

Required Documents:

Customs declaration, invoice, contract, transport documents, ownership proof, and any necessary permits or certificates.

Issuing Organization:

The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance handles customs clearance, with private customs brokers available for assistance.

Timing:

1-5 working days for correct submissions, longer if additional verification is needed.

Cost:

Customs duties typically range from 0%-15% of equipment value. Broker services may cost $200-$500, leading to a total clearance cost of $500-$1,500 or more.

General Overview:

Terrorism:

Remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas.

Protests:

Unauthorized protests can lead to arrests; avoid demonstrations.

Crime:

Violent crime, including robbery, occurs in major cities; avoid walking alone and secure transport.
Pickpocketing is common; keep valuables secure.
Be cautious of scams and bank card fraud.

Cultural Respect:

Always carry identification and respect local customs.

Alcohol and Smoking Laws:

Restrictions on sales and public consumption exist; violations can result in fines.

Photography Restrictions:

Avoid taking photos near military and government buildings.

Security Requirements:

Security guards in certain areas identified by local team.

Rebates/Incentives:

VAT: 12% for services like equipment rental and permits. Creative industry companies often apply lower tax rates (8% or 3%).
Rebates: There is no well-established rebate system in Kazakhstan. Legislative efforts exist, but implementation has not been successful.

Meet our Local Team

Kazakhstan

Ana

An experienced journalist, producer and fixer specializing in documentaries and current affairs. Ana has worked on productions for Vice News, international broadcasters and documentary teams, securing high-profile interviews, conducting in-depth investigations, and managing complex productions in challenging environments.

Ana

Kazakhstan

Inna & Liya

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Services We Provide in Kazakhstan

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

News from the Region

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Production Support Kazakhstan

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The Overview

Production support for international shoots across expansive natural terrain, modern urban centers, and strategically positioned Central Asian landscapes.

Kazakhstan offers large-scale cinematic environments combined with improving production infrastructure and growing international collaboration. Our Film Production Services in Kazakhstan are structured for international crews navigating regional permitting systems, remote terrain logistics, and cross-border coordination within Central Asia.

From sweeping steppe landscapes and mountain ranges to futuristic cityscapes and industrial zones, the country provides visual scale rarely matched in the region. Successful production here depends on detailed logistical planning, regional authority coordination, and realistic scheduling aligned with geographic distances.

Whether the project involves feature films, commercials, streaming series, automotive campaigns, or documentary productions, we build operational frameworks that maintain control across vast terrain and varied climate conditions.

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Why Film in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan offers visual scale that feels cinematic by default. Endless steppe plains, dramatic mountain backdrops near Almaty, desert terrain, industrial complexes, Soviet-era architecture, and contemporary city skylines coexist within a single national territory.

Almaty provides access to alpine environments, lakes, forests, and snow-covered terrain within short travel distances. Astana presents futuristic architecture, wide boulevards, and modern government buildings suitable for high-production urban visuals. Western regions introduce desert and oil-field landscapes, while southern areas offer cultural heritage sites and Silk Road influences.

Geographically positioned between Europe and Asia, the country provides strategic access for international productions seeking distinctive Central Asian settings without excessive cross-border complexity.

The scale is not just visual. It is logistical. Productions often operate across large distances, making structured planning essential for maintaining schedule efficiency.

Production Support Kazakhstan

Delivering effective Production Support Kazakhstan requires coordination across regional authorities, municipal offices, and private land stakeholders. Filming permissions may vary depending on location type, particularly when operating in public urban zones, near infrastructure sites, or within protected natural areas.

Our approach focuses on early planning, detailed documentation, and realistic distance-based scheduling.

Pre-Production

Thorough groundwork ensures smoother execution.

Location research across regions
Technical recces in remote terrain
Budget forecasting aligned with transport distances
Permit application coordination
Regional authority liaison
Risk and safety planning
Equipment import preparation
Climate and seasonal assessment

Remote filming often requires evaluation of road access, terrain stability, and infrastructure support availability. Advance planning mitigates delays caused by travel distance or environmental conditions.

Production

Principal photography in large-scale environments demands clear operational sequencing.

Local crew sourcing and coordination
Equipment rental and freight management
On-site production supervision
Traffic coordination where required
Drone operation planning
Regional stakeholder communication

Filming in open landscapes may require additional planning for weather shifts, road transport reliability, and communication coverage. Urban filming introduces municipal coordination and potential traffic management procedures.

Post & Wrap

Closing operations require administrative precision.

Temporary import reconciliation
Customs clearance
Vendor settlements
Location restoration confirmation
Final compliance documentation

Each phase is designed to maintain administrative clarity across regional jurisdictions.

Film Fixers in Kazakhstan

Experienced Film Fixers in Kazakhstan understand the importance of navigating both urban bureaucratic processes and remote regional coordination. Productions often engage with local authorities, landowners, municipal offices, and, in some cases, industrial operators.

Local knowledge is essential when filming in mountainous terrain, desert landscapes, or near industrial infrastructure. Access permissions, safety standards, and environmental considerations vary by region.

Our network of coordinators supports transparent communication, realistic scheduling, and practical solutions aligned with geographic realities. This reduces operational risk and supports smooth collaboration between international crews and regional stakeholders.

Filming Regulations & Permits

Filming in Kazakhstan typically requires permits depending on the nature of the location and level of public impact. Urban filming may involve municipal approvals, particularly when affecting traffic or public infrastructure.

Drone operations are regulated and subject to authorization. Flight planning, equipment specifications, and operating zones may influence approval processes.

Filming in protected natural areas or near strategic infrastructure may require additional review and documentation. Early authority engagement ensures compliance and minimizes production delays.

Equipment imports follow established customs procedures. Temporary import documentation should be prepared in advance to prevent clearance bottlenecks.

Structured regulatory planning protects production continuity across both urban and remote environments.

Landscape & Terrain Logistics

Kazakhstan’s geographic scale introduces logistical considerations distinct from smaller territories. Travel time between regions can influence scheduling decisions significantly.

Productions operating in mountainous areas near Almaty must account for elevation changes, road conditions, and seasonal weather variability. Desert and steppe regions may introduce wind conditions and limited infrastructure access.

Vehicle fleet planning, fuel logistics, and communication systems must align with terrain realities. Satellite communication solutions may be advisable in remote locations with limited mobile coverage.

Advance route assessments and contingency planning reduce operational exposure.

Urban Filming Environments

Kazakhstan’s urban centers provide distinct visual identities that support varied creative briefs.

Astana offers futuristic architecture, large civic plazas, government complexes, and wide, symmetrical boulevards suited to automotive campaigns, corporate films, and large-scale commercial productions. The structured layout of the capital allows for controlled compositions and wide-lens framing.

Almaty presents a different visual tone. Tree-lined avenues, Soviet-era buildings, contemporary business districts, and mountain backdrops create layered visual depth. The proximity of alpine terrain to urban infrastructure makes it possible to capture multiple visual environments within a compact production schedule.

Urban filming typically requires coordination with municipal offices when operating in high-traffic areas or conducting controlled activity in public spaces. Advance documentation and defined crew footprints support smoother approvals.

Desert, Steppe & Remote Terrain Operations

The scale of open steppe landscapes provides visual minimalism and cinematic scope. These environments are often selected for automotive shoots, fashion campaigns, and feature productions seeking isolation without extensive set construction.

However, remote filming introduces logistical planning requirements:

Road condition assessments
Vehicle redundancy planning
Mobile power generation
Communication coverage solutions
Environmental risk mitigation

Wind conditions across open terrain can influence sound recording and equipment stabilization. Structured pre-production testing supports realistic equipment planning.

Where filming occurs in desert zones, water supply logistics and crew welfare planning become critical components of daily operations.

Mountain & Alpine Production Considerations

The mountain ranges near Almaty offer dramatic elevation changes, alpine lakes, forested slopes, and snow coverage during winter months. These landscapes support everything from winter sports campaigns to narrative productions requiring dramatic natural backdrops.

Mountain filming requires:

Terrain access assessment
Seasonal weather monitoring
Safety supervision planning
Controlled vehicle movement
Backup transport sequencing

Rapid weather shifts at elevation can influence shooting windows. Contingency days and alternative location mapping provide operational flexibility.

Industrial & Infrastructure Locations

Kazakhstan’s industrial sectors, including oil fields, mining sites, rail yards, and large-scale infrastructure projects, provide unique visual textures that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Filming in industrial zones often requires additional safety documentation, access agreements, and operational briefings. Coordination with site operators is essential to align filming activity with working schedules and compliance standards.

Structured planning ensures production does not interfere with operational output while maintaining safety protocols.

Cross-Border & Regional Coordination

Strategically positioned between Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan can function as a production base for wider regional shoots. Projects that extend into neighboring territories may leverage the country’s logistical infrastructure as a staging point.

Air connectivity through major hubs supports equipment freight and crew movement. Productions operating across multiple territories benefit from coordinated customs planning and synchronized transport scheduling.

Cross-border considerations should be integrated into early budgeting and documentation frameworks to prevent administrative delays.

Incentives & Investment Landscape

Kazakhstan has developed incentive frameworks aimed at attracting international productions. Eligibility criteria and application processes may vary depending on project scope, spend thresholds, and content alignment with national objectives.

Understanding the application timeline and documentation requirements early in development supports financial planning. Incentive programs often require structured reporting and local spend verification.

Productions seeking to leverage available support mechanisms should integrate incentive strategy into early budgeting conversations.

Equipment & Technical Capacity

Primary cities provide access to camera, lighting, and grip departments with experience across commercial and narrative formats. Equipment rental providers operate in key hubs, with freight solutions supporting regional shoots.

For remote productions, equipment redundancy planning is advisable. Backup generators, vehicle-mounted camera rigs, and terrain-adapted grip systems may be required depending on the location profile.

Technical scouting remains essential for assessing infrastructure capacity in remote zones.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

Remote and large-scale landscapes introduce unique risk considerations. Structured safety planning should address:

Extreme temperature exposure
Terrain hazards
Limited medical access in remote areas
Vehicle safety standards
Emergency evacuation protocols

Insurance documentation and risk assessments must align with both urban and rural operational environments.

Clear safety briefings and defined chain-of-command structures protect crew welfare and production continuity.

Film Production Services in Kazakhstan

Productions operating in Kazakhstan benefit from aligning creative ambition with geographic and administrative realities. Large distances between regions can influence call sheet design and transport budgeting.

Advance engagement with regional authorities improves approval timelines, particularly when filming near infrastructure or protected natural areas.

Route mapping, fuel logistics, accommodation clustering, and communication infrastructure planning form the backbone of remote production sequencing. These frameworks reduce reactive decision-making during principal photography.

By integrating logistical foresight with creative objectives, productions can unlock cinematic scale while maintaining operational control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to film in Kazakhstan?

Most professional productions require permits, particularly when filming in public spaces, urban centers, or protected areas.

Are international crews allowed to work locally?

International crews may operate in collaboration with local production partners who facilitate permits and regulatory compliance.

Can drone filming be approved?

Drone operations require authorization and may be subject to location-specific restrictions.

Are incentives available?

Incentive programs may be available depending on project scope and eligibility criteria.

Is filming in remote areas complex?

Remote terrain requires structured planning, transport sequencing, and safety coordination. With proper preparation, projects can operate efficiently.

Plan Your Production

From alpine landscapes to vast open steppe and modern urban architecture, filming in Kazakhstan offers cinematic scale supported by structured planning.

If you are preparing a project in Kazakhstan, our team can build a compliant, efficient production framework aligned with regional regulations and geographic realities.

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Film Locations in Kazakhstan

This guide was prepared by the Hoodlum Film Fixers team using official government resources and consultation with trusted local production partners. Our combined operational knowledge ensures international producers receive accurate, up-to-date guidance when planning film production in Kazakhstan.