In November 2024, Kazakhstan announced the introduction of a visa for digital nomads. Find out what requirements will be placed on remote workers and why a foreigner should move to Kazakhstan

As of November 1, 2024, Kazakhstan introduced the Neo Nomad visa for digital nomads to attract foreign remote workers to the country. It will be possible to stay in Kazakhstan on the basis of a permit for up to 12 months.

The main requirements of the Kazakhstan visa for digital nomads, as well as the features and advantages of expat life in Kazakhstan, are discussed further in this article.

Who can get Kazakhstan visa for digital nomads?

 The new Kazakhstan visa is aimed at foreigners who work in various fields:

- Software development

- Marketing

- Finances

- Consultations

- Electronic commerce

It is important that the remote worker has a contract with the company and clients located in other countries.

What are the requirements for Kazakhstan digital nomad visa applicants?

  To obtain a Neo Nomad visa to Kazakhstan, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

- Have an income of at least $3,000 outside of Kazakhstan.

- Provide a certificate of no criminal record.

- Take out a health insurance policy.

  - Have a foreign employer – applicants must work for a non-Kazakhstan company to ensure that local jobs remain intact.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan reported that the new visa will be valid for up to 12 months. They plan to issue about 500 visas per year.

Benefits for digital nomads in Kazakhstan

Obtaining a Neo Nomad Visa of Kazakhstan will provide an expat with a number of advantages:

- Right to stay in Kazakhstan: digital nomads can now stay in Kazakhstan for up to one year.

- A simplified permit process that will facilitate entry into Kazakhstan.

- Stable environment – ​​Kazakhstan offers a stable and secure environment for remote work.

- Cultural experience – the country boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

- Living in a modern country – such big cities as Almaty and Astana offer modern conveniences and a high quality of life. Also, the cities of Almaty and Astana have already entered the top 150 cities attractive for neo-nomads.

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In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

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Is Kazakhstan suitable for the life of a foreigner?

For most Western travelers, Kazakhstan and the surrounding region is still an unexplored corner of the world, so there are many misconceptions about what to expect from a trip here.

Before moving to Kazakhstan, it is important for an expat to understand that:

- The native language in Kazakhstan is Kazakh. Not many local residents know English, it is generally spoken only in large cities and wealthy regions. Russian is also quite common here.

- Travelers can stay in one of two large cities - the old capital Almaty and the shiny new capital Astana. This is where most nomads will find everything they need to do their jobs and have the best quality of life. Both cities also have international airports.

- The best areas to live in Almaty are Dostyk, Al-Farabu, Seifullin and Makataev, all of which are located near parks and have many bars and cafes. In Astana, look at Mangilik El and any area near the botanical garden.

- The cost of living is affordable, but a little higher than many expect, more or less on par with Brazil. The local currency is the Kazakh tenge, and 1 US dollar is worth approximately 500 tenge. Numbeo estimates that one person can live on as little as $500 a month, although digital nomads should expect to pay more given the need to rent a home.

- The cost of food is also affordable, but only if you eat locally and seasonally.

- The level of security is high - the main threats include pickpocketing.

- About 65% of the locals are Muslim, there is also a large Orthodox Christian community, so expect people to be quite conservative.

- Remember respect for elders, which is considered fundamental, also consider that traditional gender biases are still quite strong in society.

- The level of development of the health care system is average. However, dental care is excellent and Kazakhstan is expected to become one of the next destinations for dental tourism.

 What to see in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is an interesting country full of interesting places. There is something to do here, regardless of which part of the country you are in.

- Be sure to visit two Kazakh capitals - Almaty and Astana. The old capital of Almaty looks like a European city with a Kazakh twist and is probably the best place to experience the rich local culture. Astana is a shiny new capital full of incredible skyscrapers and modern shopping centers.

- Traveling by train between Almaty and Astana through the steppes to admire the fabulous landscapes of Kazakhstan can be a wonderful experience.

- During the winter months, Kazakhstan is great for skiing with gentle family slopes and affordable prices. The best tracks in the Chimbulak region.

- In the summer, go to Lake Tuzkol, about 6 hours away from Almaty. The lake is very salty and is located at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level.

- The Ustyurt Plateau is also a must-visit, because here you will have the impression that you are the last person on earth. You can combine a trip here with a visit to the ancient city of Shahr-i-Wazir, Beleweli fortress, Allan fortress, as well as a visit to ancient mausoleums and underground mosques.

Kazakhstan expects that the Neo Nomad visa will attract a significant number of international professionals and contribute to the development of local tourism and related sectors. The new permit is projected to generate $7.3 million annually. Expats will have the opportunity to live in a country that is an attractive center for digital nomads, because the level of economic development in Kazakhstan is high. The state also impresses with the beauty and heritage of Central Asia.

We will remind you! Kazakhstan hires foreign workers within the established quotas. We have already told how many specialists will be able to find employment in the country in 2025 and when to apply.

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Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To simplify the employment procedure in Kazakhstan, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Kazakhstan;

Legal advice on immigration to Kazakhstan;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Kazakhstan;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.