Ways to live in Kazakhstan
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Digital nomad visa Digital nomad visas →
Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1)
Multiple-entry visa for remote workers and freelancers earning from outside Kazakhstan. Valid up to one year and can be extended inside the country for up to one more year.
- What you need
- Income of at least $3,000 a month from outside Kazakhstan (6 months of bank statements), home tax return, criminal record certificate, health insurance, form and photo. No work for Kazakh employers.
- Income
- from about $3,000 a month
- How long
- Up to 1 year, multiple entry; extendable for up to 1 more year via the Interior Ministry
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- £170 at the London embassy; varies by consulate
- Processing time
- About 5 working days
- How to apply
- In person at a Kazakh embassy or consulate abroad
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Tax
- Official guidance: holders do not pay tax in Kazakhstan, since their income source is abroad.
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Investor visa ("golden visa")
Since 2025, foreigners investing at least $300,000 in Kazakh companies or local listed securities can apply online for a residence permit of up to 10 years.
- What you need
- Investment of at least $300,000 in the capital of Kazakh companies or listed securities. A broader 'Altyn Visa' with tax benefits is due by 31 December 2026.
- Savings
- about $300,000
- How long
- Residence permit up to 10 years
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Online application
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| One-bedroom flat | $310 |
|---|---|
| Two-bedroom flat | $570 |
| Bills | $40 |
| Typical local salary | $720 |
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Almaty is the expat favourite: leafy streets, a strong cafe scene and ski resorts minutes from the city. Astana offers bold architecture and business life. Hospitality is generous and the landscapes are huge.
Day to day
Long distances mean flights or overnight trains between cities. Private clinics in big cities are decent. Banking apps are highly advanced and cards work almost everywhere. Russian dominates daily life alongside Kazakh.
Trade-offs
Winters are harsh, especially in windy Astana. Almaty sits in a seismic zone and suffers winter smog. English is still uncommon outside international circles.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States30 days
United Kingdom30 days
Australia30 days
Canada30 days
New Zealand30 days
Switzerland30 days
Norway30 days
Singapore30 days
Japan30 days
South Korea30 days
Israel30 days
United Arab Emirates30 days
Hong Kong14 days
South AfricaVisa-free
Mexico30 days
Brazil30 days
Questions
Does Kazakhstan have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Kazakhstan offers: Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1).
How can I move to Kazakhstan?
The routes we have checked are: Digital nomad visa, Investment and golden visa.
When was this information checked?
The residence routes for Kazakhstan were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.
Sources and last check
Residence routes for Kazakhstan were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.
- Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK — Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1)
- Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK — Information about visa
- MFA Kazakhstan — New visa options for skilled professionals and digital nomads
- MFA Kazakhstan — Kazakhstan introduces new investor visa
- MFA Kazakhstan — Golden Visa and tax incentives (2026 decree)
- Otandastar Qory (oq.gov.kz) — Neo Nomad visa
- https://egov.kz/cms/en
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.