Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated On - May 4, 2026
Kazakhstan is home to over 35,000 Indian students, most of them enrolled in MBBS programmes at universities like Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Astana Medical University and Kazakh National Medical University. Every one of these students needs a C9 student visa — the only visa category that allows Indian nationals to legally study in Kazakhstan for the full duration of their course.
What most guides skip is the detail that actually matters: the C9 visa is not a one-time process. It is issued for one year at a time and must be renewed every year for the entire duration of your course. There is also a mandatory migration registration requirement within 3 calendar days of every arrival in Kazakhstan — including after short trips back to India. Missing this deadline carries a fine.
Conversion Note: 1 USD = INR 94.88 (as of May 4, 2026)
Kazakhstan Visa Rules for Indian Students- What Changed and What Still Applies
Indian citizens can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 14 consecutive days per visit, with a maximum cumulative stay of 42 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business and private travel only — not for study purposes.
This visa-free regime was introduced under Government Decree No. 464 dated July 7, 2022, and confirmed by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in New Delhi. It does not apply to students. If you are going to Kazakhstan to study, you need a C9 student visa regardless of the visa-free arrangement.
| Purpose of Travel | Visa Required? | Maximum Stay | Applicable Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism / Business / Private visit | No (visa-free) | 14 days per visit / 42 days per 180 days | Government Decree No. 464, July 2022 |
| Study (MBBS or any degree programme) | Yes — C9 Student Visa required | 1 year (renewable annually) | Kazakhstan Migration Law |
| Internship / Research | Yes — C9 Visa required | 1 year (renewable) | Kazakhstan Migration Law |
The visa-free arrangement is useful for one specific situation: if you have received your admission letter and need to travel to Kazakhstan to complete formalities before your C9 visa is processed. In that case, you can enter visa-free for up to 14 days. However, you cannot begin studying on a visa-free entry — your C9 must be in place before classes start.
Important note from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in New Delhi: Indian nationals visiting Kazakhstan for more than 5 days are required to register with the local migration police. For students on a C9 visa, this registration is handled by the university within 3 calendar days of arrival.
Kazakhstan C9 Student Visa — Types, Validity and Fees
The C9 is the only visa category for students in Kazakhstan. It is issued as either a single-entry visa (valid for up to 90 days) or a multiple-entry visa (valid for up to 1 year). For MBBS students studying a 6-year programme, the multiple-entry C9 is the correct and practical choice.
| Visa Type | Validity | Entries Allowed | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C9 Single Entry | Up to 90 days | 1 entry | USD 80 | INR 7,590 | Short-term study / initial entry only |
| C9 Multiple Entry | Up to 1 year | Multiple entries and exits | USD 200 | INR 18,976 | All MBBS and long-term students |
The multiple-entry C9 visa allows you to travel in and out of Kazakhstan freely during its validity period — including trips back to India during semester breaks. This is the visa type all MBBS students should apply for. The single-entry C9 is only useful if you need to enter Kazakhstan once for a short period before your full academic year begins.
The C9 visa is issued at the location of the educational institution where you are enrolled — not at your place of residence. This means the visa is processed through the Kazakhstan Embassy in India before you travel, and renewed in Kazakhstan through your university's international office each year.
Visa Invitation Letter fee: Before applying at the Embassy, your university must obtain a Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) from the Kazakhstan government on your behalf. The VIL fee is half of the Monthly Calculation Index (MCI) — approximately KZT 1,846 (INR 379) plus a bank commission of KZT 150 (INR 31). This is paid by the student to the university.
Kazakhstan Student Visa Documents Required-Complete Checklist for Indian Students
The C9 visa application requires two sets of documents: one set submitted to your university to obtain the Visa Invitation Letter, and a second set submitted to the Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi. Both sets must be complete before the Embassy will process your application.
Step 1 — Documents for Visa Invitation Letter (submitted to your university)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport copy (identification page) | Must not expire earlier than 3 months from the date of visa expiry. Must have at least 2 blank pages. |
| Admission letter from university | Issued by your Kazakhstan university. Verify all personal details match your passport exactly. |
| Address of residence in Kazakhstan | University hostel address or confirmed private accommodation address. |
| Address of Kazakhstan Embassy in India | Embassy of Kazakhstan, 47B Hanuman Road, New Delhi 110001. |
The university submits these documents to the Kazakhstan government and receives the VIL within approximately 14 working days. Submit your documents to the university's international office at least one month before your intended travel date.
Step 2 — Documents for C9 Visa Application (submitted to Kazakhstan Embassy, New Delhi)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Original passport | Valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiry date. Minimum 2 blank pages for visa stamps. |
| Copy of passport (identification page) | Self-attested copy. |
| Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) | Obtained from your university. Original copy required. |
| Visa application form | Fully completed and signed. Available from the Kazakhstan Embassy or vmp.gov.kz. |
| Admission letter from university | Original letter confirming enrolment. All details must match passport. |
| Passport-size photograph | 1 photograph, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, recent, white background. |
| Travel medical insurance | Valid for the duration of your stay in Kazakhstan. |
| Proof of accommodation | University hostel confirmation or private rental agreement. |
| Bank statement or financial proof | Demonstrating sufficient funds for the duration of study. |
| Copy of flight itinerary | Confirmed booking to Almaty or Astana. |
| Visa fee payment receipt | USD 200 for multiple-entry C9 (INR 18,976). USD 80 for single-entry (INR 7,590). |
All documents must be submitted in person at the Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi. The Embassy does not accept postal applications. Book an appointment in advance through the online booking system at gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-delhi.
Embassy contact details (Kazakhstan Embassy, New Delhi):
Address: 47B Hanuman Road, New Delhi 110001
Phone: +91 11 4555 5110 / 4555 5112
Email: delhi@mfa.kz
Ambassador: Azamat Yeskarayev (since April 2025)
Step-by-Step Kazakhstan Student Visa Application Process for Indian Students
The C9 visa process has 6 steps and takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish. Begin the process at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid delays.
| Step | Action | Timeline | Who Does It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Receive the official admission letter from your Kazakhstan university | After admission confirmation | University |
| Step 2 | Submit passport copy and admission letter to university's international office to request Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) | At least 6 weeks before travel | Student + University |
| Step 3 | University applies to Kazakhstan government for VIL on your behalf | Up to 14 working days | University |
| Step 4 | Collect VIL from university. Prepare all Embassy documents (checklist above). Book appointment at Kazakhstan Embassy, New Delhi. | 1–2 weeks | Student |
| Step 5 | Submit application in person at Kazakhstan Embassy, New Delhi. Pay visa fee (USD 200 for multiple-entry). | On appointment date | Student |
| Step 6 | Collect passport with C9 visa stamped. Visa processing time: 5 working days. | 5 working days after submission | Embassy |
The Embassy processes visa applications from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Results are issued from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Wednesday is not a working day at the Embassy. Plan your appointment accordingly.
Note: Going to the wrong consulate, failing to book an appointment in advance, or submitting incorrect documents will delay your visa. This is your personal responsibility — the university cannot intervene once the Embassy application is submitted.
What Happens After You Land in Kazakhstan — Migration Registration Explained
Arriving in Kazakhstan with your C9 visa is not the end of the process. All foreign students must complete migration registration within 3 calendar days of crossing the Kazakhstan border. This applies every single time you enter Kazakhstan — including after short trips back to India during semester breaks.
| Requirement | Detail | Who Handles It | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migration registration (first arrival) | University notifies the Migration Service of your arrival | University international office | Within 3 calendar days of border crossing |
| Re-registration (every re-entry) | Required after every exit from Kazakhstan, even for a few hours | University international office | Within 3 calendar days of each re-entry |
| Change of address notification | If you move from hostel to private apartment or change address | Student must inform university international office | Immediately upon change |
| Penalty for late registration | Fine imposed by migration authorities | Student's responsibility | Applies if 3-day deadline is missed |
The university's international office handles the migration registration on your behalf — you do not need to go to the Migration Service yourself. However, you must inform your international coordinator before every trip out of Kazakhstan so they can arrange re-registration upon your return.
At the border: When crossing into Kazakhstan, show your passport and C9 visa to the immigration officer. State that you are entering for educational purposes. You may be asked to show your admission letter as a supporting document. Carry a printed copy of your admission letter every time you travel.
Student insight from Reddit (r/Kazakhstan): "I got a student visa multiple-entry for my entire time as part of my invitation letter. The university handled the migration registration — I just had to tell them every time I was leaving and coming back."
Kazakhstan Student Visa Annual Renewal — What Indian Students Must Do Every Year
The C9 multiple-entry student visa is valid for one year and must be renewed every year for the full duration of your course. For a 6-year MBBS programme, this means 5 renewals after the initial visa. The renewal is processed in Kazakhstan through your university — not at the Embassy in India.
| Renewal Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Original passport | Must not expire earlier than 3 months from the new visa expiry date. Minimum 2 blank pages. |
| Copy of passport identification page | Self-attested copy. |
| Passport-size photograph | 1 photograph, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm. |
| Completed visa application form | Available from your university's international office. |
| Enrolment confirmation letter | Letter from your university confirming you are a current student. Available from the Student Service Centre. |
| Visa fee payment receipt | Paid to the university accounts office. Annual renewal fee is approximately KZT 120,000 (INR 24,600). |
| Dactyloscopy certificate | Fingerprint certificate. Required for in-Kazakhstan visa issuance. |
| RCA code of residential address | Residential address code. Your university international office will assist with this. |
Submit renewal documents to your university's international office at least 30 working days before your current visa expires — and no later than 14 working days before expiry. Do not wait until the last week. Visa renewal processing takes time and a lapsed visa creates serious legal complications.
Annual renewal cost: The visa renewal fee in Kazakhstan is approximately KZT 120,000 per year (INR 24,600). This is separate from the initial Embassy visa fee paid in India. Budget for this cost every year of your course.
Kazakhstan Student Visa — Key Timelines and Cost Summary for Indian Students
Planning your visa timeline correctly prevents the most common problems Indian students face: delayed departure, lapsed visas and migration registration fines. The table below summarises all key timelines and costs in one place.
| Action | Timeline | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submit documents to university for VIL | At least 6 weeks before travel | — | — |
| VIL processing by Kazakhstan government | Up to 14 working days | VIL fee ~USD 0.50 (KZT 1,846 + 150) | INR ~410 |
| C9 multiple-entry visa fee (Embassy, India) | Paid at Embassy appointment | USD 200 | INR 18,976 |
| C9 single-entry visa fee (if applicable) | Paid at Embassy appointment | USD 80 | INR 7,590 |
| Embassy visa processing time | 5 working days after submission | — | — |
| Migration registration after arrival | Within 3 calendar days of every entry | — | — |
| Annual visa renewal (in Kazakhstan) | Submit 30 working days before expiry | ~USD 259 (KZT 120,000) | INR ~24,600 |
| Total visa cost over 6 years | Year 1 Embassy fee + 5 annual renewals | ~USD 1,495 | INR ~1.42 lakh |
The total visa cost over a 6-year MBBS programme is approximately INR 1.42 lakh — a recurring cost that most budget guides do not include in their total cost calculations. Add this to your 6-year financial plan.
Common Mistakes Indian Students Make with the Kazakhstan Student Visa
Most visa problems faced by Indian students in Kazakhstan are avoidable. The following are the most frequently reported issues, sourced from Reddit threads and official university guidance.
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Applying for a single-entry C9 instead of a multiple-entry | Cannot travel back to India and return without a new visa | Always apply for multiple-entry C9 (USD 200) |
| Not informing the university before leaving Kazakhstan | Re-registration not arranged — fine on return | Inform international office before every trip out of Kazakhstan |
| Missing the 3-day migration registration deadline | Fine from the migration authorities | University handles this — but you must arrive during working hours and inform them immediately |
| Submitting renewal documents too late | Visa lapses — illegal stay, possible deportation | Submit renewal documents 30 working days before expiry |
| Passport expiring during the course | Visa becomes invalid — must renew passport and reapply | Check passport validity before each annual renewal. Renew passport in India during summer break if needed. |
| Going to wrong Embassy or consulate | Application rejected or delayed | Apply only at the Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi (47B Hanuman Road) |
| Assuming visa-free entry covers study purposes | Studying on a visa-free entry is illegal | C9 visa must be in place before classes begin |
Note from Reddit: "After leaving Kazakhstan for any period of time — even for a few hours — you must re-register. I missed this once after a day trip and had to deal with the migration office. The university helped but it was stressful. Always tell your international coordinator before you leave."
Kazakhstan Student Visa vs Other MBBS Abroad Destinations — How It Compares
The Kazakhstan C9 visa process is more involved than most other MBBS abroad destinations because of the annual renewal requirement and the mandatory migration re-registration after every re-entry. The table below compares the visa process across the top MBBS abroad destinations for Indian students.
| Country | Visa Type | Initial Fee (INR) | Annual Renewal | Processing Time | Re-registration on Re-entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | C9 Student Visa | INR 18,976 (USD 200) | Yes — every year (INR ~24,600) | 5 working days | Yes — within 3 days of every entry |
| Russia | Student Visa | INR 7,590–15,180 | Yes — annually | 4–8 weeks | Yes — within 7 days |
| Georgia | Student Residence Permit | INR 3,000–5,000 | Yes — annually | 2–4 weeks | No re-registration required |
| Bangladesh | Student Visa | INR 2,000–4,000 | Yes — annually | 2–4 weeks | No re-registration required |
| Philippines | Student Visa (9F) | INR 4,000–8,000 | Yes — annually | 2–6 weeks | No re-registration required |
Kazakhstan's visa process is manageable but requires more active tracking than Georgia or Bangladesh. The annual renewal cost of INR 24,600 and the 3-day re-registration requirement after every re-entry are the two aspects that catch students off guard most often.
FAQs
Ques. What is the C9 visa for Kazakhstan?
Ans. The C9 is the student visa category for Kazakhstan. It is issued as a single-entry visa (valid up to 90 days) or a multiple-entry visa (valid up to 1 year). For MBBS and other long-term students, the multiple-entry C9 is the correct choice. It allows multiple entries and exits from Kazakhstan during its validity
Ques. How much does the Kazakhstan student visa cost for Indian students?
Ans. The C9 multiple-entry student visa costs USD 200 (INR 18,976) at the Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi. The single-entry C9 costs USD 80 (INR 7,590). In addition, the Visa Invitation Letter fee is approximately KZT 1,846 plus KZT 150 bank commission (INR ~410 total), paid to your university. Annual renewal in Kazakhstan costs approximately KZT 120,000 (INR 24,600) per year.
Ques. How long does the Kazakhstan student visa take to process?
Ans. The Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi processes C9 visa applications in 5 working days after submission. Before that, your university needs up to 14 working days to obtain the Visa Invitation Letter from the Kazakhstan government. The total process from submitting documents to your university to receiving your visa takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Begin at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Ques. Where do Indian students apply for the Kazakhstan student visa?
Ans. Indian students apply in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in New Delhi. The address is 47B Hanuman Road, New Delhi 110001. Phone: +91 11 4555 5110. Email: delhi@mfa.kz. Applications must be submitted in person — postal applications are not accepted. Book an appointment in advance through the online booking system at gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-delhi.
Ques. Does the Kazakhstan student visa need to be renewed every year?
Ans. Yes. The C9 multiple-entry student visa is valid for one year and must be renewed annually for the full duration of your course. For a 6-year MBBS programme, this means 5 renewals after the initial visa. Renewal is processed in Kazakhstan through your university's international office — not at the Embassy in India. Submit renewal documents at least 30 working days before your current visa expires.
Ques. What is the migration registration requirement for Indian students in Kazakhstan?
Ans. All foreign students must register with the Kazakhstan Migration Service within 3 calendar days of every entry into Kazakhstan — including after short trips back to India. The university's international office handles this registration on your behalf. You must inform your international coordinator before every trip out of Kazakhstan so they can arrange re-registration upon your return. Failure to register within 3 days results in a fine.
Ques. Can Indian students enter Kazakhstan visa-free for study purposes?
Ans. No. The visa-free arrangement for Indian citizens (Government Decree No. 464, July 2022) allows a maximum stay of 14 consecutive days per visit and 42 days within any 180-day period — for tourism, business and private purposes only. Studying on a visa-free entry is not permitted. A C9 student visa must be in place before classes begin.
Ques. What documents are needed for the Kazakhstan student visa application?
Ans. The key documents are: original passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond visa expiry, minimum 2 blank pages), Visa Invitation Letter from your university, completed visa application form, admission letter from your Kazakhstan university, one passport-size photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation, bank statement and copy of flight itinerary. All documents must be submitted in person at the Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi.
Ques. What is the total visa cost for a 6-year MBBS programme in Kazakhstan?
Ans. The total visa cost over a 6-year MBBS programme is approximately INR 1.42 lakh. This includes the initial C9 multiple-entry visa fee of USD 200 (INR 18,976) paid at the Embassy in India, plus 5 annual renewals in Kazakhstan at approximately KZT 120,000 (INR 24,600) each year. This recurring cost is not included in most consultancy fee estimates and must be budgeted for separately.
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