Articles on: Asia and the Middle East

Kazakhstan — Digital Nomad Visa (B9-1): everything you need to live and work remotely in Central Asia

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder at QUESTRAVEL

Why Kazakhstan?

Between the alpine vibe of Almaty, the futuristic skyline of Astana, and a cost of living well below Western Europe, Kazakhstan has quietly become a smart base for remote professionals. In 2023 the country formalized a Digital Nomad Visa (category B9-1)—part of a broader push to attract international tech talent and remote workers.


What is the B9-1 Digital Nomad Visa?

The B9-1 “Digital Nomad Visa” is an entry visa tied to residence for digital nomads (IT specialists). It is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens working remotely for foreign employers/clients who intend to reside in Kazakhstan. Official guidance describes B9-1 as a single-entry e-visa valid up to 1 year; once in the country, a multiple-entry paper visa can be issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the basis of the e-visa. (eGov Казахстан)

Fresh development (2025): Kazakhstan announced the first 10-year “Digital Nomad Residency” permit holder—part of the country’s expanding digital-talent track. Details are still rolling out, but it signals a long-term pathway beyond the 1-year visa. («Отандастар қоры» | «Фонд Отандастар»)


Who manages it?

  • Visa/e-visa framework: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) + the Visa & Migration Portal for applications.
  • On-shore issuance/records: Ministry of Internal Affairs / Migration Service (multiple visa issuance, residence procedures). (Government of Kazakhstan)

Official e-visa info and the application flow are published by MFA; the Visa & Migration Portal is the government gateway you’ll use to apply.


Kazakhstan’s government classifies B9 and B9-1 visas under its official visa taxonomy; B9-1 is explicitly titled “Digital Nomad Visa” for IT specialists traveling to obtain residence status. (eGov Казахстан)


Duration & renewals

  • B9-1 e-visa: single-entry, up to 1 year.
  • Follow-on multiple visa: up to 1 year, issued domestically on the basis of the e-visa.
  • Long-term prospects: A government communication in 2025 referenced a 10-year digital-nomad residency track now in motion. (Government of Kazakhstan)


Core eligibility (what authorities look for)

  • Non-Kazakh, non-EAEU nationals working remotely for foreign employers/clients.
  • In-demand tech/IT profile (the category is explicitly targeted at IT specialists).
  • Proof of sufficient income/funds, valid health insurance, clean criminal record, valid passport, and Kazakhstan address after arrival (rental/host letter).

(Exact document lists are set by MFA/Migration Service and may vary by mission.) (eGov Казахстан)


Step-by-step application (practical)

  1. Check category & docs on the MFA e-Visa page and your nearest Kazakh mission page.
  2. Apply for the B9-1 e-visa via the Visa & Migration Portal (create account, complete form, upload scans, pay fees).
  3. Enter Kazakhstan with your approved e-visa.
  4. Convert to a multiple visa (if needed) and complete migration registration/biometrics with the Ministry of Internal Affairs / Migration Service. (Government of Kazakhstan)
  5. Residence track: If you intend to transition into the longer “digital nomad residency,” follow the Migration Service’s instructions as the 2025 program guidance rolls out. («Отандастар қоры» | «Фонд Отандастар»)

Processing time & fees: These are published in the portals and can vary by nationality and mission. Always rely on the portal and your consular page for the current numbers.


Advantages

  • 1-year legal stay with a clear on-shore path (multiple visa) and emerging long-term residency option. (Government of Kazakhstan)
  • Lower living costs vs. Western Europe; excellent coffee/coworking scene in Almaty and Astana.
  • Great connectivity within Central Asia and to Europe/Asia hubs.



QUESTRAVEL’s take (how we help)

What typically causes delays:

  • Submitting a non-tech profile under B9-1 without clear IT evidence.
  • Income/insurance proof that doesn’t match consular formats.
  • Missing steps after arrival (migration registration, multiple-visa issuance).

How we work with clients:

  • Map your profile to B9-1 (or an alternative route if you’re not strictly IT).
  • Prepare income/insurance documents in consular-friendly format.
  • Plan the arrival-to-residence sequence (registration, multiple visa, renewals).

💡 Thinking of basing yourself in Almaty or Astana? Book a 1:1 with QUESTRAVEL and we’ll ship a checklist + timeline tailored to your passport, dates, and family plans: fromquestravel.com.

Updated on: 04/11/2025