Do we need a visa to film in Kazakhstan?
Crews enter on a C3 work visa, and the stay is not limited by visa-free days. Even with many shooting days and several blocks, the visa covers the whole project. Actors and directors don't need a separate work permit.
| C3 work visa | Timing |
|---|---|
| Single-entry | up to 90 days |
| Multiple-entry — for several shooting blocks | for the length of the project |
| If the shoot runs over | extended in Kazakhstan, without leaving |
Visa-free for scouting and meetings
The director and producer can fly in to choose locations without a visa. Working on set on visa-free entry is not allowed.
| Citizenship | Visa-free entry | 180 days in total |
|---|---|---|
| India | up to 14 days | up to 42 days |
| China | up to 30 days | up to 90 days |
| South Korea | up to 30 days | up to 60 days |
We arrange invitations and visas for cast and crew — allow 8–12 weeks. Everyone aged 16 and over gives fingerprints when applying for the visa.
How do we get there?
Most crews fly into Almaty on a direct flight.
- Delhi — about 3.5 h
- Mumbai — about 4.5 h
- Seoul — about 6.5 h
- Beijing — about 5 h
- Urumqi — about 2 h
- Shanghai — direct flights since 2026
The schedule changes with the seasons.
What filming permits do we need?
Depends on the place. We handle all the permits.
- City streets. Street and road closures are agreed with the city administration and police, 15 days in advance.
- National parks. Professional filming is done under a contract with the park administration and is usually paid. For our clients the location is free: we take care of the contract and fees.
- Military vehicles and sites — through the Ministry of Defence, 15–30 days.
- Planes, helicopters, stations — through the Ministry of Transport, 15–30 days.
- Border and restricted zones — with a pass, 15–30 days.
Can we film with drones?
Yes, but the drone must be registered. Registration is required for drones over 250 g and for any drone with a camera; the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan processes it within up to 10 working days.
Without a separate permit you can fly in daytime, within line of sight, away from populated areas: at least 8 km from airfields and 100 m from people and buildings, no higher than 50 m in controlled and 200 m in uncontrolled airspace. Flying over cities, at night or for aerial filming requires a permit. Flying over government buildings, military units and strategic sites is not allowed.
The fine for flying an unregistered drone is 173,000 ₸ for an individual and 432,500 ₸ for a company. We handle registration and permits. We can provide a drone with an operator, or you can bring your own.
How do we bring in film equipment?
With an ATA Carnet: Kazakhstan has accepted them since 2017. Equipment is imported temporarily, free of duties and taxes, and taken out after the shoot. The carnet is issued by your country's chamber of commerce.
From China, gear is easy to send as cargo across the land border — we handle shipping and clearance, 15–30 days. Much of it you don't need to bring: cameras, lights, cranes and special vehicles we hire in Kazakhstan at partner rates.
When is the best time to shoot?
A sharply continental climate: hot summers and cold, snowy winters. We pick the season for the look you want.
- Mountains (Shymbulak, Kolsai, Assy): green from June to September, snow from November to April.
- Canyons and desert (Charyn, Altyn-Emel): April–June and September–October; summers are hot.
- Steppe: green in May–June, golden in August–September.
Daylight in Almaty — about 15 h 20 min at the end of June and about 9 h at the end of December.
Is there state support for foreign productions?
Yes. Foreign productions can apply for a rebate of up to 30% of their spend in Kazakhstan. The programme is run by the State Center for Support of National Cinema under the Law “On Cinematography” and Order of the Minister of Culture No. 206 of 22 July 2019.
Applications take a long time — sometimes more than six months — and there is no annual budget or application window. So we don't build the rebate into your budget as a promise, but we will help you apply.
FAQ
How is the crew insured?
We insure the local crew, equipment and locations. The foreign crew needs its own travel medical insurance. If you don't have it, we'll arrange it in Kazakhstan.
Which currency do we work in, and how do you pay?
Budget and contract in US dollars or euros. Payment by bank transfer to the company's account in Kazakhstan or in cash: an advance before prep starts, the rest in stages.
Will the contract be in English?
Yes. The contract is bilingual, in English and Russian, and can be signed electronically.
How much does a shooting day cost?
It depends on the crew, locations and equipment. Send a brief: within 12 hours we'll reply with first locations and a ballpark budget.
Can we bring our own prop weapons?
Bringing in any weapon, even a blank-firing or prop one, requires permits and takes weeks. It's faster and cheaper to work with our licensed armourers: blank-firing weapons and replicas are available locally.
How much prep time do we need?
Scouting and standard permits — 2–4 weeks. Military sites, transport and border zones — 15–30 days. If the crew needs work visas, allow 8–12 weeks.
Who will be our contact?
A coordinator who speaks your language — from the first email to the crew's departure.