Kazakhstan has issued the first digital nomad visa

June 26, 2025 — Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan has officially announced that an IT specialist from Algeria has become the first holder of a Digital Nomad visa Abdelmajid Belmekki.

✨ Key details of the program

• Digital Nomad Visa (B9‑1) is designed for IT professionals from countries that require a visa to enter Kazakhstan
• No minimum income required, the cost of registration is $300
• Digital Nomad Residency is valid for citizens of visa—free countries with the prospect of permanent residence and was issued in January 2025
• The submission is simplified, with selection through Astana Hub, the country's key technology park

What the first owner says

• The process was rated 10 out of 10 — describes it as "simple and straightforward"
• He considers the program promising for attracting global IT talents and developing the startup ecosystem
• Gave recommendations for improving the online portal ‑ add information on taxes, business registration and legislation

Other visas for digital professionals

1. Neo Nomad Visa (B12‑1) — launched on November 1, 2024:

• valid for up to 1 year, renewable for another year;
• requires a monthly income of $3,000, insurance and a certificate of no criminal record
• you can apply for a family visa, work in Kazakhstan is prohibited.

1. Permanent Residence Visa (B9) — for highly qualified specialists, with an initial visit of up to 90 days and a possible transition to permanent residence

Applications and statistics

• As of June 2025: more than 152 applications from IT specialists from 21 countries have been reviewed
• Neo Nomad has already issued visas to several foreigners, including those from the USA, Great Britain, Latvia, Singapore and South Korea

Possible risks and difficulties

• Some program participants complain about scattered information resources, technical failures on portals and bureaucratic delays
• At the same time, the process remains "new and evolving," and agencies are working to simplify it.

✅ Why is this important

• Kazakhstan strives to become a regional hub for IT and digital specialists by creating new visa solutions
• The first visa recipient is an important step that signals the real launch of the initiative.
• The programs attract specialists and stimulate digital development, including through the Astana Hub and startup support

Kazakhstan is taking a serious step in attracting remote IT professionals. The launch of Digital Nomad and Neo Nomad visas, as well as the first successful issuance, indicate a new government strategy aimed at developing the knowledge economy. If you work online and want to change your environment, you should take a closer look at Kazakhstan.