Two weeks were all that it took for Sertac Yener, a British citizen, to become the first holder of Kazakhstan’s new digital nomad visa, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
With the introduction of this scheme, the government aims to generate approximately USD 7.3 million, granted that 500 remote workers successfully apply for the program over the next year.
Yener learned about the launch of the “Neo” visa for skilled IT professionals in early November and wasted no time—he started the application process right away.
Unfairly, this country—which borders Russia to the north and China to the east—might not be top of mind of most remote workers.
But not for Yener. Not only does he have a special interest in Kazakhstan’s language and culture, but his own daughter is also an expert in the Kazakh language and Central Asian studies.
“Kazakhstan is an amazing country!” Yener said. “With the Neo Nomad Visa program, I have the opportunity to stay in this country for up to one year. The visa will allow me to work remotely in my company and get to know Kazakhstan, immersing myself in nature, a friendly atmosphere, cuisine, music, traditions, and language. Thanks to my daughter, I’ve been enjoying the melody and richness of the Kazakh language for some time now.”
The first holder of Kazakhstan’s digital nomad visa is an expert in energy and finance, among other fields. That brings us to the next question:
Who Can Apply for the Kazakhstan Neo-Visa?
Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible to apply for the Kazakhstan Neo Visa. It is specifically designed for digital nomads and remote workers in fields like finance, programming, marketing, e-commerce, consulting and other IT-related sectors.
Applicants must demonstrate earnings of at least USD 3,000 per month, with clients or employers based outside the country.
Additionally, a comprehensive health insurance plan and a clean criminal record are required to qualify for this visa.
What Are the Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Kazakhstan?
The answer depends on your personal preferences, but two cities stand out as top choices for remote workers: Almaty and Astana.
As the former capital, Almaty is a popular destination surrounded by mountains and nature, yet brimming with coffee shops and other venues ideal for digital nomads.
Meanwhile, Astana, the current capital, is often regarded as a futuristic hub due to its cutting-edge architecture and tech-driven developments.
So, don’t think twice—give this beautiful country a chance!