Kazakhstan Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply for Neo Nomad Visa

In November 2024, a new region of the world officially welcomes remote workers with the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa! 

Officially known as the Neo Nomad Visa, or B12-1 visa, Kazakhstan’s president, K.K. Tokayev, introduced plans to implement this new digital nomad visa. Kazakhstan is the first country in Central Asia to launch a digital nomad visa, hopefully setting off a chain reaction for neighboring countries. Today, more than 50 countries offer digital nomad visas. 

As of now, we know that the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa will be valid for one year with an option to renew for an additional year.

There also has been no mention of taxes for digital nomads in Kazakhstan. However, non-residents are only taxed on income earned in Kazakhstan, while residents are taxed on worldwide income at a flat rate of 10%. We hope the government addresses these tax issues before officially launching the visa. 

Main applicants may include a spouse and dependents to live in Kazakhstan with them. However, this does not give spouses the right to work locally.

Nomads Embassy will update this article as more information is released about the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa and when you can apply for it. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to temporarily move to a foreign country to live and work remotely. 

Freelancers, employees, and business owners who can work remotely 100% of the time and meet set income requirements can apply for digital nomad visas worldwide. Some digital nomad visas even lead to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship. 

While a majority of digital nomad visas allow applicants to bring family members, others only allow single applicants. 

The most important thing to know about digital nomad visas is that they do not allow applicants to engage in local economic business activity. You may not seek employment in the local job market when you have a digital nomad visa. 

Kazakhstan Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Some of the requirements for the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa have been released, but we expect more information and requirements to come out. 

To be eligible for the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa, you must meet the following criteria.

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the visas validity and have at least two blank pages
• Work Remotely – You must work 100% remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner
• Earn $3,000 USD per month – You must meet the minimum income requirement
• Clean Criminal Record – You must submit a clean criminal record from your country of residence
• International Health Insurance – You must have an international health insurance policy that provides coverage in Kazakhstan for the duration of your visa

How to Apply for the Kazakhstan Digital Nomad Visa

To apply for the Kazakhstan Neo Nomad Visa, you must visit a consulate to submit your documents and visa application.

Step 1: Gather Documents

The most important part of applying for the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa is gathering the necessary documents. When applying, you must submit the following documents:

• Copy of Passport
• Passport Photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) – no smiling, sunglasses, hats, or head coverings except for religious or ethnic reasons against a white or grey background
• Letter of Request (if you are not a national of one of the countries listed below)*
• Bank Statements from the last 6 months
• Tax Return from your country of citizenship
• Criminal Background Check
• International Health Insurance Policy showing coverage in Kazakhstan for the duration of the visa
• Completed Visa Application

Step 2: Request Visa Appointment

You must find a Kazakhstan consulate and request a visa appointment to officially apply for the Neo Nomad Visa. Each consular mission has its own processes, but a majority of them have an online booking system where you can reserve your appointment.

Step 3: Attend Visa Appointment

When you attend your visa appointment, you will bring all of your documents and visa application. The consulate will take your documents for processing.

During this appointment, you will pay a visa fee. The fees may vary depending on the consulate where you’re submitting your application. You can expect to pay a visa fee of around $220 USD.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

The good news about the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa is that processing time takes just 5 business days.

You will be notified of approval and receive the visa, likely in your passport. Once the visa is approved, you may enter Kazakhstan and stay for one year with the option to renew.

How to Visit Kazakhstan Without a Digital Nomad Visa

Based on past experience, it can take countries quite a while to launch and accept applications for a digital nomad visa. Luckily, digital nomads can still visit Kazakhstan now—though they won’t be able to stay as long as if they had a digital nomad visa. 

Kazakhstan for Digital Nomads

Kazakhstan is an emerging hotspot for digital nomads seeking a mix of modern amenities and rugged natural beauty. Its capital, Astana, and the largest city, Almaty, both have fast-growing coworking spaces, reliable internet, and affordable living options, which make them ideal for remote workers. 

Almaty, in particular, has a lively expat community, a great café culture, and is surrounded by stunning mountains, offering a balanced blend of work and recreation. 

Astana, on the other hand, is known for its futuristic architecture and cultural events, making it an exciting yet less conventional choice for nomads. 

The cost of living is low compared to Western standards, with budget-friendly apartments, meals, and transport, all of which help remote workers stretch their budgets.

Kazakhstan boasts vast landscapes ranging from the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan mountains to the steppes and deserts, offering ample opportunities for adventure and exploration. Nature lovers can take weekend trips to scenic spots like Lake Kaindy, Charyn Canyon, or the Altai Mountains.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s rich history, with roots in the Silk Road and ancient nomadic cultures, adds depth to the experience, especially in places like Turkistan, where ancient mausoleums and mosques capture a different side of Central Asia. 

Apply for Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide with Nomads Embassy

Applying for a digital nomad visa and moving to a new country isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes time, research, and navigating foreign bureaucracy. In many cases, digital nomads give up halfway through the application process!

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads changes that with our streamlined process, hand-selected local immigration lawyers, and innovative platform. 

We have scouted for the best, most reliable immigration lawyers worldwide to assist our members with their digital nomad visa applications. 

Sit back and relax knowing that a professional lawyer is working on your behalf with Nomads Embassy. 

Join our newsletter for the latest news about the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa and when you can apply for it, today! 

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