Kazakhstan is launching a digital nomad visa: Find out if you qualify and how to apply

Kazakhstan is launching a digital nomad visa: Find out if you qualify and how to apply

If you're a digital nomad and have been wanting to add Central Asia to your list of destinations, you might want to consider Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is stepping into the spotlight for remote workers with the launch of its new Neo Nomad Visa, officially announced on November 1, 2024.

This initiative marks Kazakhstan as the first country in Central Asia to offer a visa specifically designed for remote workers, allowing you to live and work in the country for up to one year.

The initiative aims to attract skilled professionals from various fields, including programming, marketing, finance, consulting, design, and e-commerce.

While the visa is now officially available, details regarding its application process and potential renewals are still being finalized.

According to sources, to qualify for the Neo Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid at the time of application.
  • Remote Work: You must work 100% remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner.
  • Income Requirement: A stable monthly income of at least $3,000 from sources outside Kazakhstan is necessary.
  • Health Insurance: Proof of international health insurance is required.
  • Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must submit a certificate confirming they have no criminal record.

Yerbol Myrzabosynov, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, noted that this visa program is expected to generate significant economic benefits. "The economic effect of introducing the Neo Nomad visa could amount to approximately 3.6 billion tenge (around $7.3 million) annually if 500 people obtain the visa", he stated.

This approach will allow foreign professionals to contribute to Kazakhstan's economy without competing in the local labor market.

As Myrzabosynov pointed out, "cities like Almaty and Astana already ranked among the top 150 destinations for modern nomads", so Kazakhstan's new visa program is expected to position Kazakhstan as a key player for the digital nomad movement in Central Asia.

The Neo Nomad Visa draws on the successful experiences of over 50 countries that have implemented similar programs post-pandemic and this list is only expected to grow in the upcoming months.

Official sources to monitor for new updates

Visa Migration Portal: https://vmp.gov.kz/en/
Ministry of Tourism & Sport Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turizm.sport?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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Luca Mussari
Written by Luca Mussari

Marketer and digital nomad. After leaving his 9-to-5 corporate job in London, he co-founded Freaking Nomads to inspire others to embrace unconventional paths and find happiness wherever they go.

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