Kazakhstan introduces visa for “digital nomads”

To obtain such a visa, a foreigner must have an income outside the republic of at least $3,000 per month and a certificate of no criminal record. Thanks to the innovation, the Ministry of Tourism plans to receive a profit of 3 billion tenge annually

Kazakhstan has introduced a new type of visa, Neo Nomad, for “digital nomads” — visitors who combine remote work and travel, the press service of the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic reported. To obtain such a visa, a foreigner must have an income outside of Kazakhstan of at least $3,000 per month.

As specified by the ministry, the experience of 50 countries that have already launched such programs after the covid-19 pandemic was used when introducing the new visa . With the Neo Nomad visa, foreign citizens can stay in Kazakhstan for up to a year, maintaining their jobs in foreign companies.

Among the requirements for obtaining a Neo Nomad, in addition to a minimum income, is the presence of HEALTH insurance and a certificate of no criminal record. According to the Ministry of Tourism, thanks to the introduction of such a visa, the department will annually receive a profit of 3 billion tenge ($6.8 million) if at least 500 people receive the visa.

After the start of the special operation in Ukraine and the announcement of partial mobilization, Kazakhstan became one of the most popular countries for Russian relocates. As of the end of 2023, about 80 thousand of the 400 thousand Russians who entered the republic in 2022 remained in the country, said Dmitry Turaev, Russian Consul General in Almaty.

Currently, Russians can stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 90 days in every 180 days. Previously, it was possible to reset the stay by leaving the country. But from January 27, 2023, the "visa run" stopped working. Now, those who want to legally extend their stay in Kazakhstan for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit. It is not specified whether holders of a "digital nomad" visa will need such a permit.