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.

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.