Overview
The visa is “open to citizens of all countries who work remotely and have a permanent income from foreign sources”. Applicants file six months of bank statements showing at least US$3,000 a month, a tax return from their country of citizenship, a criminal-record certificate, and medical insurance covering the visa's validity. Citizens of 48 listed countries — including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and most of the EU — need no invitation letter.
The visa does not permit employment in Kazakhstan; spouses and dependants receive visas for the same period.
Editor's note — Almaty is one of the cheapest large cities with a serious tech scene, and Kazakhstan's flat 10% personal income tax keeps residency simple — but registration with the migration police after arrival and the in-country extension both require paperwork in Russian or Kazakh.
Who is eligible
- Any nationality; remote work with permanent income from foreign sources.
- Bank statements for the past six months confirming a stable monthly income of at least US$3,000.
- Tax return issued by the competent authority of your country of citizenship.
- Criminal-record certificate from your country of citizenship or permanent residence.
- Medical insurance covering the entire validity of the visa; an invitation letter unless you are from one of the 48 exempt countries.
Income & financial requirements
Shown over six months of statements.
From your country of citizenship.
Medical cover for the visa period.
For citizens of 48 listed countries.
The official instructions ask for a “bank statement from the past six months, confirming a stable monthly income of at least $3,000”, plus a home-country tax return that corroborates it. Employment or client contracts are useful supporting evidence but the bank record is decisive.
Costs & fees
- Consular fee for a category B visa, which varies by mission and nationality.
- Medical insurance for the full year.
- Translations (Russian or Kazakh) for the in-country extension and registration.
Taxes
More than 183 days in any 12-month period makes you a Kazakh tax resident, taxed on worldwide income at a flat 10%. Kazakhstan has treaties with many nomad home countries; non-residents are taxed only on Kazakh-source income.
How to apply
Gather the documents
Six months of statements, tax return, criminal record, insurance and (if needed) invitation.
Apply at a Kazakh embassy or consulate
Submit in person or per the mission's procedure.
Receive the visa
Issued within five working days on approval.
Extend in Kazakhstan
Apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs before expiry for up to one additional year.
Duration & renewal
Up to one year, multiple entry, with one extension of up to one year granted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs — two years in total. The visa does not lead to permanent residence.
Bringing family
Spouses and dependants of the primary holder are issued visas valid for the same duration.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Open to all nationalities
- Five-day consular decisions
- Flat 10% income tax
- Very low costs in Almaty and Astana
Considerations
- Tax-return requirement trips up some freelancers
- Extension bureaucracy in Russian/Kazakh
- No employment or PR route
- Winters and distance from Western hubs