A new type of visa has been introduced in Kazakhstan.

This visa is designed for so-called modern nomads—foreign tourists who combine work and leisure by traveling and working remotely.

The new visa regime takes into account the international experience of over 50 countries that have successfully implemented similar programs following the pandemic.

To obtain the Neo Nomad visa, a foreign citizen must demonstrate a stable income of at least $3,000 outside of Kazakhstan.

Additionally, besides the basic income requirements, foreign applicants will need to provide proof of medical insurance and a certificate of no criminal record.

The visa is aimed at tourists working remotely in various fields, from programming and marketing to finance, consulting, design, and e-commerce.

Foreign tourists will be able to stay in Kazakhstan for up to one year, while remaining employed by their overseas companies.

As noted by the authorities, this will not only allow them to immerse themselves in the culture and life of the country but will also bring economic benefits to Kazakhstan.

It is expected that the economic impact from the introduction of the visa will amount to approximately 3.6 billion tenge annually if 500 people obtain the visa. Foreigners who take advantage of the Neo Nomad visa will live and spend money in Kazakhstan without taking jobs in the domestic labor market, which is an important aspect of this program, the ministry explained.

"As a result of the collaborative efforts of the ministries of tourism and sports, foreign affairs, internal affairs, and several other interested government agencies, Kazakhstan has now become part of the travel map for modern nomads. Their number worldwide exceeds 35 million, and we aim to create all conditions to attract them to our country. Moreover, the cities of Almaty and Astana are already among the top 150 cities appealing to neo-nomads," said the Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov.

Information about the implementation of such a visa in Kazakhstan first appeared in May of this year, when the former head of the agency, Yerbek Marzhikpaev, discussed how to attract foreign tourists to the country during a government meeting. He mentioned the Neo Nomad visa and emphasized the need to enhance the visa and migration regime through digitalization and simplification of visa application procedures.

It was also noted that South Korea previously launched a new visa for "digital nomads," allowing foreigners to stay in the country for nearly two years.

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