Move Over Bali, Kazakhstan Has a Digital Nomad Visa
If Kazakhstan wasn’t on your remote work radar… that’s about to change.
Because this Central Asian country quietly launched a digital nomad visa!
And it’s got something most other nomad schemes don’t: a no-nonsense, fast-track path to stay, work, and explore a country that’s (honestly) way cooler than most people think.
So if your dream remote office has a bit more adventure than the usual European suspects, and if your laptop needs a break from overpriced lattes and coworking clichés, Kazakhstan might just be your next stop.
Let’s break it down.
1. First things first: Why Kazakhstan?
Okay, I get it. Kazakhstan probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of digital nomad hubs.
But hear me out:
It’s got modern cities like Almaty and Astana with lightning-fast internet (we’re talking 100Mbps+ fast).
Insanely affordable cost of living, like, you’ll rethink every meal you’ve paid $18 for in Lisbon.
Ski slopes, desert canyons, and surreal mountain lakes, all within a few hours.
And people? Warm, hospitable, and low-key obsessed with feeding you.
Now combine that with a new visa that welcomes remote workers and freelancers?
You’ve got a recipe for what might be the most underrated remote work destination of 2025!
2. So… what’s the deal with the visa?
The official name is the Kazakhstan Digital Nomad Visa (creative, I know).
It was introduced in 2024 and is part of Kazakhstan’s push to attract international remote workers who can contribute to the local economy without taking local jobs.
Here’s what you need to know:
It’s a 12-month visa. Renewable. So you’ve got time to settle in, explore, and maybe even extend if you fall in love with the place.
It’s for remote workers only. That means you must be employed or freelancing for companies located outside Kazakhstan.
You need to earn at least $3,000/month. Which, let’s be honest, goes a long way in a country where rent can be as low as $500.
Only certain nationalities are eligible (for now). These include citizens from the U.S., UK, Australia, most of the EU, and a few others. Check before booking that flight.
Registration is fully online. You apply through Kazakhstan’s official digital portal. No embassy visits, no long appointments.
3. Why remote workers should actually care
Let’s talk real benefits.
So many countries have slapped together “nomad visas” that are just glorified tourist extensions.
They look cute on paper but are packed with red tape, crazy income requirements, and unclear renewal processes.
Kazakhstan’s version is designed for modern remote workers: freelancers, solopreneurs, startup teams, and full-time employees working async.
So whether you’re a software engineer, UX designer, marketer, writer, or just someone tired of feeling like an Airbnb price tag, this could be your ticket out.
4. The cost of living will blow your mind
You can live in Almaty—a city with mountains literally in the background—for less than $1,200 a month. That’s including rent, co-working, and a social life that includes actual nights out.
Breakdown?
🏠 Rent (1-bed city center): ~$500
🍛 Meals out: $5–10
🚇 Public transport: $0.25 a ride
💻 Coworking: $100/month or less
Compare that to trying to make it work in Amsterdam or NYC as a freelancer and… yeah. You do the math.
Oh, and they’ve got 5G in the city and free public WiFi in parks. Not joking.
5. The vibe: underrated, untapped, unforgettable
Kazakhstan is not “the next Chiang Mai.” And that’s a good thing.
It’s not trying to be a TikTok-perfect nomad hotspot where every café has oat milk and Instagrammable neon signs (although I’m not saying I don’t like those either!).
What it does offer:
Hikes that will wreck your knees but heal your soul
Food that blends Soviet, Turkish, and Central Asian flavors (hello, plov and lagman)
Cities that balance Soviet architecture with shiny modern towers
Wild, wild nature that hasn’t been filtered into a travel blog yet
It’s weird, beautiful, and fascinating. And if you’re a remote worker who thrives off fresh energy, you’ll love it here.
6. What about the downsides?
Now, the realistic part.
Yes, you’ll need to adjust. It’s not all soy lattes and yoga brunches.
Not everyone speaks English (Google Translate will be your BFF)
Local bureaucracy can be confusing (but the digital nomad visa app process is refreshingly clear so this might have saved you maaany headaches)
Winters in Astana? Brutal. Like, “your eyelashes might freeze” brutal.
But that’s the trade-off for being ahead of the curve, not just following the next digital nomad trend.
7. Who is this visa perfect for?
This isn’t for the person who wants to hop cities every 2 weeks and be surrounded by expats.
This is for you if:
You want a more grounded, affordable, quietly epic place to live
You’re building a business or deep in a client project
You want nature and city
You’re over the overpriced hustle of Europe’s “remote work capitals”
You actually want to experience a new place, not just Instagram it
Final thoughts: Is Kazakhstan the next big thing?
Look, I’m not saying this is for everyone.
But if you're remote-curious or remote-exhausted from the same places showing up in every “best nomad cities” blog…
Kazakhstan might just be the reset you need, think about it.
It’s affordable. It’s welcoming. It’s weird in the best way. And it’s opening its arms to remote workers who want something real.
Don’t sleep on it.
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
(btw, if you’re also looking for a fully remote role that will allow you to travel to Kazahkstan, the Remote Rebellion Community will be your oasis in the middle of fake remote jobs and high competition! You’ll find CV and Cover letter templates, and new remote first roles every. single. week. YOU’RE WELCOME.)
FAQs
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Yes. Almaty and Astana are considered safe, especially for foreigners. Just use the usual precautions as you would anywhere.
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Nope! As long as your income comes from outside Kazakhstan, you won’t be taxed locally.
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Not officially part of the program yet. But there’s a workaround through dependent visas. Check with local legal experts before moving.
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You’ll need a passport, proof of income ($3,000+/month), and remote work verification. Apply through Kazakhstan’s official visa platform online.
This week’s article is sponsored by PowerToFly. PowerToFly helps highly skilled professionals advance their careers and supports companies in building inclusive, thriving workplaces. Whether you're growing your skill set or looking for your next opportunity, PowerToFly is here to connect you with teams that truly value diverse talent.