Neo Nomads might find Kazakhstan as their preferred destination, according to the Deputy Minister's assertion.
Kazakhstan Launches Neo Nomad Visa to Attract Remote Workers
ASTANA, Kazakhstan — Kazakhstan has introduced a new visa program aimed at digital nomads and remote professionals, offering them a one-year stay in the Central Asian country with the potential for extension. The Neo Nomad Visa was unfolded in November, with Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerzhan Yerkinbayev, expressing his belief that Kazakhstan can become a "favorite place" for digital nomads.
Yerkinbayev assumed his role in November 2023. Photo credit: The Astana Times
In an interview with The Astana Times, Yerkinbayev outlined the inspiration behind the visa, stating that Kazakhstan is eager to cater to foreign nationals drawn to its cities, who, due to existing visa restrictions, are limited to staying for only a month. Conversations with foreign professionals already residing in the country played a significant role in the decision to launch the visa.
A visit to Almaty further reinforced the necessity for a long-term visa option, as local creative professionals expressed their desire to extend their stays beyond the one-month limit imposed by current visa regulations.
"Many [professionals] said, 'we have foreign friends who are living and enjoying Almaty because it is so comfortable and affordable for them to stay here.’ They are designers, content creators, and [people working in] consultancy services. They are staying and living in Almaty, but they are so sorry. They want more than one month to be able to stay, so they are combining working and travel," Yerkinbayev explained.
The Neo Nomad Visa is specifically designed for professionals and digital entrepreneurs seeking to live and work remotely in Kazakhstan while earning foreign income. The visa is multiple-entry, valid for up to one year with the possibility of an additional year Extension. Family members can also apply for visas for the same duration, though work and religious activities are restricted under this scheme.
Applicants must meet several requirements, including a stable monthly income of at least $3,000, a lack of criminal record, and comprehensive medical insurance. The application process takes approximately five days.
In addition to the Neo Nomad Visa, Kazakhstan also offers the Digital Nomad Visa and a visa for permanent residence, catering to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers seeking long-term opportunities.
For those interested in viewing the full interview, it is available on The Astana Times YouTube channel.
With this new visa framework, Kazakhstan joins an increasing number of countries recognizing the economic and cultural benefits of attracting global talent. Yerkinbayev believes that the combination of nomadic culture, safety, modern urban centers, affordable living, and friendly locals make Kazakhstan an attractive destination for remote professionals.
For those planning to explore Kazakhstan's evolving digital landscape, the Neo Nomad Visa represents an opportunity to do so while immersing themselves in the rich cultural and natural wonders Kazakhstan has to offer, including its unique blend of nomadic heritage and modern urban centers, as well as its proximity to stunning natural landscapes.
While the income requirement may serve as a barrier for some applicants, the Neo Nomad Visa offers a desirable opportunity for digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs seeking a vibrant, affordable, and culturally immersive base for their travels and careers.
Digital nomads seeking a destination that offers a blend of cultural experiences, modern urban centers, and natural beauty may find Kazakhstan an attractive option with the introduction of the Neo Nomad Visa. This visa enables professionals to live and work remotely in Kazakhstan for up to a year, with the possibility of extension, and to immerse themselves in home-and-garden and travel experiences that the country offers, such as its unique nomadic heritage and stunning landscapes.
