Digital Nomad Residency

The Digital Nomad Residency (visa category B9-1) is a pilot program launched in March 2025 that provides foreign IT professionals with a simplified path to permanent residency in Kazakhstan for up to 10 years. The program targets highly skilled specialists in fields such as programming, cybersecurity, UI/UX design, DevOps, artificial intelligence, big data, and automation. Unlike the companion Neo Nomad Visa, this program has no minimum income requirement but requires applicants to demonstrate in-demand IT qualifications verified by Astana Hub. It is available to citizens of 109 countries eligible for electronic visas.

• Must hold qualifications in an in-demand IT specialty (programming, cybersecurity, UI/UX design, DevOps, AI, big data, automation, or related fields)
• Educational diploma and professional portfolio required
• Must pass IT qualification verification by Astana Hub, which may include an online interview
• Must obtain a petition from Astana Hub confirming IT specialist status
• Must be a citizen of one of 109 countries eligible for Kazakhstan's electronic visas
• Criminal record certificate from country of citizenship or permanent residence (legalized)
• No minimum income requirement

• Valid passport (minimum 180 days remaining validity)
• Certified passport translation
• CV/resume
• Professional portfolio
• Motivation letter
• Criminal record certificate (legalized)
• Colour photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Kazakhstan Individual Identification Number (IIN) and Electronic Digital Signature (EDS), obtainable remotely before applying

The program follows a three-stage progression. First, a single-entry electronic visa valid for up to 1 year is issued. This can be converted to a multiple-entry visa for up to 1 year through the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Finally, holders can obtain a permanent residence permit valid for up to 10 years. The first 10-year residence permit under this program was issued in September 2025.

Holders who obtain permanent residency and reside in Kazakhstan for more than 183 days per calendar year are considered tax residents, subject to a flat 10% personal income tax on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Kazakhstan-sourced income.

1. Obtain a Kazakhstan Individual Identification Number (IIN) and Electronic Digital Signature (EDS) remotely
2. Submit an application through the Astana Hub portal (astanahub.com) with passport copy, CV, portfolio, motivation letter, criminal record certificate, and photograph
3. Astana Hub reviews the application within 45 calendar days and may conduct an online interview
4. If approved, Astana Hub issues a petition confirming IT specialist status
5. Register on the eGov.kz portal, upload the petition and supporting documents, and sign using EDS
6. Apply for the electronic B9-1 visa via the Visa-Migration Portal (vmp.gov.kz) — consular fee is USD 80
7. Travel to Kazakhstan (entry only through international airports with e-visas)
8. Complete in-person requirements: biometric registration, medical certificate, proof of accommodation, and submission of original documents to migration police

The overall process takes approximately 25-40 calendar days in practice.

The B9-1 visa is designed for IT professionals seeking to work in Kazakhstan's tech sector. A separate C3 work permit may be required for employment with Kazakh entities. This differs from the Neo Nomad Visa, which restricts holders to remote foreign employment only.

The initial electronic visa is single-entry and permits entry only through international airports. Overland border crossings are not possible with an e-visa. Upon arrival, the host party must notify migration services within 3 working days. Mandatory fingerprinting registration applies since January 2024. Kazakhstan has also rolled out QazETA, a new electronic travel authorization platform (launched January 2026), which becomes mandatory for eligible travellers from 25 August 2026 — applicants should check whether it applies to their nationality and route.