FAQ

How do I get to Afghanistan?

The easiest way to travel to Afghanistan is by air.  Afghanistan is served by the following carriers: Kam Air, Pamir, Fly Dubai, Ariana and Safi who offer regular, scheduled flights into Kabul.  It is important to obtain a visa prior to embarking on your journey, and to bring an additional two, passport-sized photographs with you, for registration with the Department of Interior.  This registration occurs at the airport, immediately after passport control, and is free.

What are the visa and registration requirements?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for issuing visas to visitors. Depending on the purpose of the visit, different types of visa will be issued.

The Major visas currently being issued are:

• Tourist Visa
• Entry Visa for Work Permit
• Resident Visa
• Transit Visa
• Multiple Entry Visa
• Diplomatic Visa
• Service Visa
• Exit Visa.

For further information on visas, please visit www.mfa.gov.af/visa.asp, where downloadable English and Dari application forms are available.
 
Where is the Ministry of Mines, the Afghan Geological Survey and the Investment Promotion Department?

The Ministry of Mines is located at Pashtonistan Watt, across from the Ministry of Finance in Kabul.  The Afghan Geological Survey is located at the Afghanistan Geological Survey building on Jalalabad Road, District 9, Kabul.  The Investment Promotion Department is located on the 5th floor of the Afghan Geological Survey building.

What are the laws regulating the mining industry in Afghanistan?

The mining sector is being regulated through the Minerals Law of 2008. However, the Ministry has recently drafted a revision to that law and which will amend the existing law and significantly increase the attractiveness of Afghanistan as a destination for foreign direct investment in the mining sector. The new draft law is currently going through the legislative process and is expected passed through parliament in early 2011.

The revised law will give mineral rights holders the automatic ability to transfer an exploration license to a development license, if the licensee fulfills their legal obligations. The license holders will also have the right to transfer their license to another competent company. The revised law also suggests setting royalty rates at globally competitive levels, therefore making investment in Afghanistan’s mining industry that much more attractive.

How do I register a company?

The registration of a company in Afghanistan takes seven days and currently costs about US $135. The basic steps are:   

• Register at the Afghanistan Central Business Registry (ACBR) and obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Pay registration and publication fees at Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) branch
• Obtain business license from AISA
• Receive inspection (AISA)
• Further information is at www.aisa.org.af/english/licensing.html

What taxes and royalties apply to mining projects?

There a number of payments and taxes from mining projects that must be paid to the government of Afghanistan. Royalties are collected by MOM and paid to the State Treasury. Surface rents are collected by the Mining Cadastre Department and paid to the State Treasury. A third category is personal and business income tax, with a [current] top bracket of 20% and there is a separate category for customs tariff of imported and exported goods.
 Under Afghanistan’s customs tariff, a one percent import duty is levied on raw materials and a two percent import duty is levied on capital goods.  Export of marble is subject to a three percent duty. Other taxes, in accordance with the provisions of the Minerals Law and other applicable law can be found at www.mof.gov.af/?p=info.

What steps can be taken to mitigate personal security risks in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan is currently considered to be predominantly safe in the central and northern parts.  Southern areas are subject to considerable tensions.  Clearly there are significant security risks associated with working in Afghanistan, and the visitor would be well advised to discuss these risks with their embassy. 

The government has formed a mines protection force with a specific mandate of protection to state sanctioned, mining operations.