Kazakhstan Launches “Neo Nomad” Visa to Attract Remote Workers
Kazakhstan has introduced a new "Neo Nomad" visa to attract remote-working tourists, or "modern nomads," by presidential order. Designed for travelers who blend work and leisure, the visa will allow foreign citizens to live in Kazakhstan for up to one year while working remotely for employers abroad.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports highlighted that the Neo Nomad visa builds on the success of similar post-pandemic initiatives in over 50 countries. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a stable income of at least $3,000 from sources outside Kazakhstan, as well as provide proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record. The visa targets professionals across fields such as programming, marketing, finance, consulting, design, and e-commerce.
The Neo Nomad visa aims to generate significant economic benefits, with officials estimating an annual boost of approximately 3.6 billion tenge (about $7.6 million) if at least 500 individuals take advantage of the program. This approach allows foreign professionals to contribute to the local economy without competing for domestic jobs, as they remain employed by companies outside Kazakhstan.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Erbol Myrzabosynov noted that collaboration among several government agencies has positioned Kazakhstan as a new destination for the world’s estimated 35 million digital nomads. “With cities like Almaty and Astana already ranked among the top 150 destinations for modern nomads, we are prepared to create an appealing environment for these travelers,” Myrzabosynov said.
