Quick answer
To apply for a business visa to Afghanistan, you must complete the online application form and submit the required documents to the nearest Afghan embassy or consulate [2][3][8]. Required documents include a nationality certificate, completed online form, visa product delivery receipt, and for businessmen, a valid written license from relevant ministries [5][7][10]. The visa is issued for a period of one month to one year and can be renewed [11]. For applicants under 18, a written request from parents or legal guardian is required [9]. Alternatively, business visas can be obtained on arrival at Kabul International Airport or through an official invitation from a registered Afghan company . The visa validity starts from the issue date .
Key facts
Am I eligible?
Foreign Investor Starting from Scratch
- Must not have an existing company in home country
- Must apply to the Investment Directorate of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce
- Must undergo initial evaluation of investment proposal
- Must pass security and identity check
- Must register in the central investment system
- Must pay legal fees
- Must obtain investment license with specified validity
- Must follow guidance for next steps such as company registration, work permits, land acquisition, etc.
Foreign Investor with Parent Company Abroad
- Must have an established company in home country
- Parent company must submit all legal documents in accordance with international standards and Afghan regulations
- Documents must be official, valid, and officially translated
- Must provide Business Incorporation Certificate, Articles of Association, Board Resolution, Audited Financial Report, List of Shareholders and Board of Directors
- Documents must be certified in issuing country, translated into English, Dari, or Pashto, and authenticated by Afghan Embassy
- Must provide office agreement, Interpol clearance, valid business plan, bank account, TIN, and completed registration form
Domestic Investor
- Must be Afghan national or legal person
- Must obtain investment or trade license from Ministry of Industry and Commerce
- Must submit official application with completed forms and required documents
- Must undergo review and verification by ministry
- Must pay official license fee at a private bank
- Must be registered in central ministry system and receive TIN
- Must have company details published in official gazette
- Must obtain final trade or investment license
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
Duly completed and signed visa application form.
One standard passport-size photo.
A valid passport or travel document.
A letter from your employer in Afghanistan confirming your employment or business.
Proof of your current address.
Visa fee varies by duration and entry type. Payment by card only.
Documents you'll need
- Nationality certificate [1]
- Completed online application form [1]
- Visa product delivery receipt [1]
- Valid written license from ministries of trade or relevant departments (for businessmen) [1]
- Valid passport and travel documents [6]
- For invitation-based visa: official invitation letter from Ministry of Industry and Commerce [8]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Complete the online visa application form [1]
- 2
Prepare required documents: nationality certificate, completed form, visa product delivery receipt, and business license if applicable [1]
- 3
Attend the political representation or consulate and present the necessary documents [1]
- 4
Pay the designated fees and receive a receipt [1]
- 5
For visa on arrival: proceed to Kabul International Airport Investment Desk [8]
- 6
For invitation-based visa: obtain official invitation letter from Ministry of Industry and Commerce, then apply via embassy or on arrival [8]
Frequently asked questions
What licenses are required for foreign investors to legally commence business activities in Afghanistan?
Foreign investors must acquire either a Commercial or Investment Activity License issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, or a Work Permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs for specialists, consultants, project managers, or technical staff.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
- Two standard photos (5x4) (the background of the photo must be white and no more than 6 months have passed since the applicant's photo)
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
### **How to Apply** **In Person** - Prepare the required documents - Book an appointment - Applicant must be present at the time of submission ### **What documents you need to apply** - Duly complete
Business Visa – The Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
• The Investment Directorate, considering the request and supporting documents, collects the required fee of AFN 2,000, and sends the request through an official letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affa
Entry of Foreign Investors and Obtaining Business Visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Business visa validity and renewal
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
Required documents for business visa
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
Application process steps
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Visa issuance for minors
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
Visa validity starts from issue date
Business Visa – The Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Business visa purpose
Business Visa – The Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
Visa issued on valid passports
Business Visa – The Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
Alternative visa methods
Entry of Foreign Investors and Obtaining Business Visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
Visa on arrival process
Entry of Foreign Investors and Obtaining Business Visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
Invitation letter process
Entry of Foreign Investors and Obtaining Business Visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
Visa renewal process
Entry of Foreign Investors and Obtaining Business Visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
Business visa pathways
Entry of Foreign Investors and Obtaining Business Visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
FAQ about business visa
Entry of Foreign Investors and Obtaining Business Visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Afghanistan's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Afghanistan's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.