Korean business in Kazakhstan: why interest is growing, the numbers and which status you need

The ties between Kazakhstan and Korea go beyond big brands: September 2026 brought a state visit to Korea and a business forum in Almaty. Headlines still need separating from data. Trade is stable, figures on companies and investment rest on official speeches, and working in the country requires the right status.

What the numbers show

Note that $12 billion is an accumulated total, not an annual inflow. The goal of doubling trade remains an intention: 2025 growth was modest, so forecasts should not be read as facts. We found no independent check of the company count.

Where the interest comes from

Large players are already present. The president named Samsung, Kia, Hyundai, Lotte, Doosan Enerbility and Shinhan Bank, covering cars, electronics, retail, energy and finance. For smaller firms, this means clear precedents and possible demand for suppliers and contractors.

A market wider than one country. Kazakhstan belongs to the EAEU, so companies consider it a base for working with its neighbours. See our guide to entering the EAEU market through Kazakhstan.

New projects. At the Almaty forum, for example, the sides agreed on a joint food production project. At $1.3 million it is small, but it shows interest beyond the largest groups.

Which status fits

• Short trip. Korean citizens enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Check the cumulative limit over 180 days before travelling, as the publications we found differ. The basics are in our visa-free entry overview.
• Negotiations and business trips. Compare B1, B2 and B3 business visas.
• Employment. Permit documents and a C3 work visa are required.
• Your own business. Consider the C5 business immigrant visa.

Choosing a form of presence

If a Korean company only wants to study the market, a representative office may be enough. To sell and sign contracts, compare a branch or representative office with a separate LLP. Calculate the tax burden early: base rates since 2026 are 16% VAT and 20% corporate income tax.

Practical points

Translation and documents. Korean corporate documents for use in Kazakhstan usually need translation and proper certification. Allow time before your trip, since the visa-free stay is short.

Several trips. If negotiations drag on, track your cumulative days and do not plan on-site work under visa-free entry.

Local partner. A partner helps with the market but does not replace checking the contract, authority and tax consequences.

Team. Plan staff transfers from Korea together with the company launch: permit documents and visas take time, and work cannot begin before they are issued.

Where to begin

Define the purpose of your first trip and a one-year plan: sales, production or moving a team. Visa and permit decisions rest with state bodies, so allow extra time. Visa Navigator helps with company registration and stay documents: tell us about your task and we will suggest a suitable route.

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and practice change — verify the current requirements as of the date you apply.