Kazakhstan digital nomad visa & residency (2026)

Launched as a pilot in March 2025 for foreign IT specialists who wish to relocate permanently. Grants a 10-year residence permit with no minimum income threshold; applicants submit a CV, portfolio, and motivation letter via the Astana Hub portal and receive a Ministry of Digital Development petition. Kazakhstan issued its first permit in September 2025 to a senior BI/analytics engineer; over 270 applications from 20+ countries had been filed by that date.

A multiple-entry tourist-category visa for remote workers with income sourced abroad, valid 1 year and extendable on-territory (up to 4 years total). Requires 6-month bank statements confirming ≥ USD 3,000/month, a tax return, health insurance, and a criminal record certificate. Announced November 2024, in force from early 2025.

A parallel permanent-residence pathway for high-demand non-IT professionals (medicine, science, innovation, education, creative industries), also introduced in early 2025 alongside the digital nomad tracks. Provides a 90-day single-entry visa transitioning to a multiple-entry permit.

Approved 30 April 2025, effective 10 May 2025, with applications opening 1 June 2025. Requires a minimum USD 300,000 investment in the charter capital of a Kazakh company or in listed local securities. Grants a 10-year residence permit with access to health insurance, social security, and retirement entitlements; citizenship possible after 5 years of continuous legal residence.

Both the B9-1 and B9 visa preliminary approvals can be obtained fully online via the egov.kz / e-migration portal before travelling to Kazakhstan; processing takes up to 45 calendar days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa classification page lists all current categories. A unified QazETA digital platform including an e-Residency module is planned.

Kazakhstan applies a flat 10% personal income tax. Non-residents (present fewer than 183 days/year) are taxed only on Kazakhstan-sourced income, meaning remote workers whose earnings originate abroad may not incur Kazakh income tax. B12-1 Neo Nomad visa holders on short stays may preserve non-resident status; B9-1 long-term residents will likely become tax residents subject to worldwide income taxation.