Kazakhstan

Introduction

Kazakhstan, Hoodlum provides top-tier film fixer services with a robust presence in Kazakhstan, ensuring international film production teams receive expert support in this dynamic and visually striking region. Our extensive experience covers every aspect of production logistics, from location scouting and permit acquisition to sourcing local crews, ensuring your project flows smoothly from start to finish. Kazakhstan, with its dramatic landscapes ranging from vast steppes and deserts to the towering Altai and Tian Shan mountains, offers filmmakers a stunning and unique backdrop for any production. Whether you’re working on a commercial, feature film, TV series, or documentary, Hoodlum’s dedicated team on the ground is your trusted partner for efficient and hassle-free film production logistics.

Planning to film in Kazakhstan? Let Hoodlum manage all the details—permits, locations, and more—so you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact Hoodlum today to learn how we can help make your Kazakhstan film production a success.

Country Overview

Situated in Central Asia, Kazakhstan boasts a diverse landscape featuring vast steppes, towering mountains, and rich cultural heritage. As the world’s largest landlocked country, Kazakhstan serves as a vital bridge between Europe and Asia, making it an increasingly attractive location for international film and TV productions.

Main Cities

• Astana: The capital city, known for its modern architecture and strategic significance.
• Almaty: The largest city and commercial hub, offering a blend of urban life and natural beauty.
• Shymkent: The third-largest city, recognized as a cultural center with a vibrant local scene.
• Karaganda: An industrial city famous for its coal-mining activities.
• Aktobe: A key player in the oil and gas industry.

Bordering Countries

• Russia: to the north
• China: to the east
• Kyrgyzstan: to the southeast
• Uzbekistan: to the south
• Turkmenistan: to the southwest

Kazakhstan’s strategic location enhances its role as a key destination for film and television projects, combining accessibility with a rich cultural backdrop.

Local Languages

Kazakh and Russian are the official languages, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural landscape.

Local Currency

Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT).

Weather / Seasons

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures averaging 10-20°C (50-68°F), with unpredictable weather.
• Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching 30-40°C (86-104°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F).
• Winter (December to February): Cold, with harsh winter conditions.

Visa Information

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.

Business Visa Requirements

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.

Please note that if you are directly involved in main labor activities, a Work Visa will be necessary.

e-Visa Information

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.

Required Information / Documentation for Application

To apply for a visa, the following documentation is required:

Visa Application Form

Arrival Registration

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.

Timings

• 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

Visa Application Link

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).

International Crew Accreditation in Kazakhstan

General 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 Information / Documentation for Application

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.

Timings

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.

General Film Permit

What Organization Issues the Permits?

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.

Timings

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

Required Information / Documentation for Application

To obtain filming permits, the following documentation is typically required:

• 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.

Cost

There is no payment required for obtaining filming permits.

Private Locations

General Process

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.

Cost

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 Permits in Kazakhstan

Drone Regulations

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

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.

Issuing Organization

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

Required Documentation for Local Drone Operation

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.

Required Documentation for Drone Importation

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).

Timings

The process can take between 30 to 45 working days.

Cost

No payment is required for the application process.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Process:

Is it a Carnet Country?

Yes, Kazakhstan participates in the Carnet system.

General Process:

Obtain ATA Carnet:

Apply for an ATA Carnet in the home country through an authorized organization (e.g., Chamber of Commerce).

Entry Procedures:

Present the ATA Carnet at customs upon entry, where it is registered without duties.

Usage and Export:

After registration, use the equipment as per temporary import rules. Upon completion of use, present it for inspection to confirm export.

Non-Carnet Process:

Documentation Preparation:

Gather essential documents (description, invoice, purpose).

Complete customs declaration.

Permits and Duties:

Obtain necessary permits (if applicable).

Pay any required temporary duties or taxes.

Customs Procedures:

Present documents at customs upon entry.

Register equipment, which may include a physical inspection.

Export:

Follow the export procedure by submitting an application and getting the equipment inspected again.

Required Documentation:

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

Customs Authority:

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.

Costs:

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.

Film Rebates and Tax 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.

Safety & Security

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.