Thinking about making Kazakhstan your next digital nomad base? This emerging remote work destination has now opened its doors to remote professionals worldwide through its dedicated digital nomad visa.
If you like the idea of working remotely with wide-open steppe views, developing city skylines and visiting places like Almaty, Astana, Charyn Canyon or the Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan might be right up your street. And with the Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) – sounds funky and futuristic, right? – it’s now a lot easier for digital nomads to actually base themselves in the country.
Here’s a closer look at the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa, including how it works and what applicants can expect along the way.
In this Kazakhstan digital nomad visa guide
What exactly is the Neo Nomad Visa?
Introduced in late 2024, Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa opened the door for remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs to live in the country while continuing to work for companies or clients overseas.
The visa gives digital nomads the opportunity to stay in Kazakhstan for an extended period and work remotely from one of Central Asia’s most unique and fast-changing destinations. It also highlights the country’s wider push to attract international talent and establish itself as a welcoming hub for location-independent professionals.
Eligibility for Kazakhstan's digital nomad visa
What do you need to apply?
How to apply for the Kazakhstan Neo Nomad Visa
The application for Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa is submitted in person through the official consular process, with documents prepared in advance.
- Book an appointment
Applicants must first schedule an appointment at the relevant consular section using the official online booking system. This can be found by clicking here. - Complete the visa application form
Applicants must fill out the official visa application form in block letters. All information should be accurate and complete, as incomplete forms may be rejected. - Prepare and collect required documents
You will need to gather all supporting documents, including your valid passport, recent passport-style photograph, bank statements for the last six months, tax return, criminal record certificate and proof of medical insurance. Depending on your nationality, a letter of request may also be required. Submit your application at the consular office
Applications must be submitted in person at the relevant consular section. A visa fee of approximately GBP £170 is payable for a multiple-entry visa, and this fee is non-refundable once paid.- Wait for processing
Processing typically takes around five business days from the moment the Consular Section receives your documents. You may be contacted if additional information is required. - Collect your visa
Once approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the issued Neo Nomad Visa, allowing multiple entries and stays of up to one year.
How long can you stay, and can the visa be renewed?
The Kazakhstan Neo Nomad Visa is issued for a multiple-entry stay of up to one year. After this initial period, it may be extended for an additional year, subject to approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
If you wish to extend your stay, the application must be submitted while you are still in Kazakhstan. You may be required to provide updated supporting documents, such as proof of continued remote income and financial stability. It is generally recommended to begin the extension process well in advance of your visa’s expiry.
Extension approval is not automatic and depends on meeting the ongoing requirements of the Kazakhstan digital nomad visa, including maintaining income from foreign sources and compliance with visa conditions.
What about paying taxes in Kazakhstan?
As a holder of Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa, your tax obligations depend on your individual residency status under Kazakh tax law. If you spend 183 days or more in Kazakhstan within a 12-month period, you may be considered a tax resident.
Tax residents in Kazakhstan are generally taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxed on income sourced within Kazakhstan. Whether you become a tax resident depends on your length of stay and other personal circumstances.
Because tax residency rules can be complex and vary by country, it is advisable to review your situation carefully or seek professional tax advice to understand your obligations in both Kazakhstan and your home country.
Do you even need a visa?
Short visits to Kazakhstan are often straightforward, with many nationalities able to enter visa-free or on a short-stay arrangement, depending on their country of citizenship. For example, UK citizens can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes.
However, if you plan to stay for an extended period while continuing remote work, a standard tourist stay won’t cover it. In this case, Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa provides a legal route for remote professionals to live in the country while continuing their work.
Further assistance
If you have questions about the required documents for the Kazakhstan Neo Nomad Visa, you can contact the Consular Section directly for assistance. They can provide clarification on eligibility, paperwork and the application process.
For document-related enquiries, you can email consuluk@mfa.kz or call +44 (0) 207 925 7532.
