Visas for Kazakhstan

If you’re planning to visit, the first step should be securing the right visa for Kazakhstan. Thanks to an expanded e-visa programme, new agreements for visa-free travel, and special permits for digital nomads, it’s easier than ever to live in this vast and beautiful country.

Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, EU nations, Japan, and South Korea, can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. Kazakhstan also recently granted 14-day visa-free access to Indian citizens and entered a mutual visa-free agreement with China, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

If you need a visa, you’ll find a range of options, including tourist visas (B12), private visit visas (B10), and the new Neo Nomad Visa for remote workers. Each has specific requirements, so checking with your nearest Kazakh embassy is essential. Land border crossings, particularly with Kyrgyzstan, can experience long wait times.

If you’re moving for work, you’ll need to obtain a work permit.

Finding a Job and Working in Kazakhstan 
Work Permits for Kazakhstan

Visitor visas for Kazakhstan

If you don’t qualify for visa-free entry, you’ll need a visitor visa for Kazakhstan. The B12 Tourist Visa and B10 Private Visit Visa are the most common choices. Kazakhstan’s e-visa system allows travellers from the US, UK, EU, India, China, Turkey, and select ASEAN nations to apply online. E-visas are valid for 30 days, but entry is restricted to international airports in Almaty and Astana (Nur-Sultan).

The e-visa process is relatively straightforward, with approvals typically taking five to ten days. Some travellers have reported occasional delays due to technical glitches, so apply well in advance. Carry a printed copy of your e-visa and confirmation email, as border officials may request them upon arrival.

If your nationality is not eligible for an e-visa, you must apply for a standard visitor visa at a Kazakh consulate. Some travellers still need an invitation letter from a host or travel agency, so confirm your requirements in advance.

B12 Tourist Visa

If you’re travelling to Kazakhstan for leisure, the B12 Tourist Visa is the standard option. Both types are available in single- and multiple-entry formats and are valid for 90 days. A single-entry visa allows a 30-day stay, while a multiple-entry visa lets you leave and re-enter, provided no single stay exceeds 30 days.

If you plan to stay beyond 30 days, you must register with the migration police within three days of arrival.

Frequent border crossings on a multiple-entry visa may attract scrutiny from immigration officials. If they suspect you’re working without a permit, you could face questioning or even denial of re-entry.

Neo Nomad Visa

Introduced in 2024, the Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) caters to remote workers and digital nomads who earn an income from foreign sources. It’s valid for a duration of one year and can be extended if necessary. This visa lets you live in Kazakhstan without a local employment contract, ideal for freelancers and remote professionals.

To be eligible, you need to demonstrate a consistent foreign income that meets a designated threshold, have private health insurance covering your stay, and submit a criminal background check.

B10 Private Visit Visa

If you’re visiting family or friends in Kazakhstan, you’ll need a B10 Private Visit Visa. Some nationalities must provide an official invitation letter issued through the Migration Police, including the host’s full name, address, and identification details. A notarised copy of the host’s residence permit or passport is also required.

The B10 visa is available as a single- or multiple-entry permit. A single-entry visa is valid for 90 days, while a multiple-entry visa allows repeated visits for up to three years. Each entry is capped at 90 days, but some visitors extend their stay by briefly exiting and re-entering the country.

Useful links

• Kazakhstan Visa Portal

Residence permits for Kazakhstan

You’ll need to get a residence permit for Kazakhstan if you plan to live in the country for the long term. Whether you’re relocating for work, business, or family reasons, Kazakhstan offers various residency options for foreigners.

A residence permit enables you to live in Kazakhstan legally for the long term and gives you the option to request permanent residency after five years. You must demonstrate financial stability, obtain a local address, and provide medical and police clearance documentation.

The application process can be bureaucratic, with processing times ranging from 30 to 60 days. Some expats report a smoother experience in major cities like Almaty and Astana, while smaller cities may have slower processing times.

Requirements for obtaining a residence permit

To apply for a residence permit in Kazakhstan, you have to fulfil specific eligibility requirements and provide the right documentation. The core prerequisites are:

• A valid passport with enough remaining validity.
• Evidence of financial stability (usually an employment contract, proof of business ownership, or savings).
• A clean criminal record from your country of origin.
• Medical certificate confirming no infectious diseases.
• Registered residential address in Kazakhstan.

You will also need to submit:

• Completed residence permit application form (available from the Kazakhstan Migration Services).
• Proof of income, such as a bank statement or employment contract.
• Notarised lease agreement or property ownership papers for address registration.
• Police clearance certificate from your home country.

Applications must be submitted at the local Migration Service Centre, and in some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview. Processing fees vary depending on the visa type and category.

Permanent residency in Kazakhstan

If you intend to make Kazakhstan your long-term home, there are pathways to permanent residency (PR) and citizenship.

• You can apply for PR after five years of living in Kazakhstan on a temporary residence permit.
• Investment-based PR: If you invest in Kazakhstan’s economy (such as through business ownership or real estate), you may qualify sooner.
• Spouses of Kazakh citizens can apply for PR after three years of marriage.

Digital Nomad Residency Programme

IT specialists can now secure permanent residency in Kazakhstan through the Digital Nomad Residency Programme. This initiative aims to attract foreign tech talent to boost the country's digital economy.

To apply, you'll need to obtain a Kazakh Individual Identification Number (IIN) and Electronic Digital Signature (EDS) first. With these documents, submit your application through the Astana Hub portal. Officials will review your credentials against the list of required IT professions to determine eligibility.

The application review takes up to 45 calendar days. Once approved, you can travel to Kazakhstan and complete your registration at a local Citizen Service Centre. This streamlined pathway to permanent residency bypasses many of the usual requirements of the standard five-year residency period.

Visa and residency regulations are subject to change. You should always check with the Kazakhstan embassy or consulate for the latest updates.