Kazakhstan, in an effort to attract the growing number of remote workers around the world, has introduced its new visa category, the Neo Nomad visa. This visa is designed specifically for “digital nomads” – foreign tourists who work remotely while travelling. The move was announced under the directive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and aims to position Kazakhstan as a key destination for remote workers seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and productivity.
The Neo Nomad visa is being introduced as part of Kazakhstan’s plan to diversify its economy. The government has announced that digital nomads can live in the country for up to one year while being employed by their foreign companies. These individuals, many of whom are involved in fields like software development, marketing, finance, consulting, and e-commerce, now have the flexibility to choose their work location and lifestyle. Kazakhstan hopes to capitalise on this trend by offering a visa that allows them to stay for up to one year.
The visa is not just about allowing travellers to stay in Kazakhstan; it’s also about making sure that these visitors do not compete with locals for jobs. A key condition for applicants is that they must be employed by a foreign company. Additionally, applicants must meet a few basic requirements to qualify for the Neo Nomad visa. First, they must prove they have a steady income of at least USD 3,000 outside of Kazakhstan. Visa applicants also need to provide proof of health insurance and a document certifying a clean criminal at the time of application.
Beyond the economic impact, the Neo Nomad visa is part of a larger vision to make Kazakhstan a prominent destination for digital nomads, who now number over 35 million worldwide. Yerbol Myrzabossynov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, emphasised that this initiative is a step toward placing Kazakhstan firmly on the travel map for modern nomads. The government is working to ensure that cities like Almaty and Astana, already ranked among the top 150 destinations for remote workers, become even more attractive to this demographic.
The launch of the Neo Nomad visa is expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a desired destination for global travellers, offering not just scenic landscapes and cultural experiences, but also a stable environment for work and productivity.
Originally Published at TIMESOFINDIA
