Comparison guide
Central Asia and the Caucasus: Low-Tax and Nomad Relocation Options
Newer, lower-cost relocation options across Central Asia and the Caucasus - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Georgia.
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Remote workers and IT professionals seeking a low-cost baseFounders who want a simple company-and-residence setupPeople comparing newer frontier relocation optionsWhat does Central Asia and the Caucasus: Low-Tax and Nomad Relocation Options compare?
Newer, lower-cost relocation options across Central Asia and the Caucasus - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Georgia. It compares Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1), IT Visa (IT Park founders and specialists), Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment, Visa-Free 365-Day Stay (remote workers), with each route linked to its primary government source.
Verified against Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 1 June 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for each route covered in this comparison. Click any visa for the full guide.
| Country | Route | Sponsor? | Duration | Leads to PR? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) | No | Issued for up to around a year with the possibility of in-country extension; it is a stay route, not a settlement route. | No |
| Uzbekistan | IT Visa (IT Park founders and specialists) | No | A multiple-entry route issued for an extended period (commonly up to a few years) and renewable; confirm the current validity on the official page. | No |
| Armenia | Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment | No | Temporary status can be granted for up to one year and renewed under the current procedure; check the filing-date rules. | Yes |
| Georgia | Visa-Free 365-Day Stay (remote workers) | No | Up to 365 days from the date of entry for eligible nationalities; it is an entry status, not a renewable permit. | No |
Detailed comparison
Kazakhstan offers two remote-worker routes: the Neo Nomad Visa (which does not lead to permanent residence) and an IT-focused Digital Nomad Residency via Astana Hub that can lead to permanent residence.
Uzbekistan has rapidly opened up, with a new Golden Visa (effective 1 June 2025) and an IT Visa that lets IT Park specialists work without a separate work permit.
Armenia has no formally named digital-nomad visa; remote workers and founders typically use an entrepreneur or work-based residence, which pairs with a low (around 1%) turnover-tax regime for small IT businesses.
Georgia lets citizens of many countries live and work remotely visa-free for up to a year, and is known for a 1% small-business tax regime - though long absences and tax-residence rules matter, so take professional advice.
Full guides for each route
Each link takes you to the complete visa guide — eligibility, step-by-step pathway, fees, processing time, and FAQs.
Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1)· Republic of Kazakhstan
For you if you work remotely for clients or an employer outside Kazakhstan: the Neo Nomad Visa (category B12-1) lets you live in Kazakhstan while keeping your foreign income - but please read the honesty note, because this one does not lead to permanent residence.
No sponsorship needed · Issued for up to around a year with the possibility of in-country extension; it is a stay route, not a settlement route.
IT Visa (IT Park founders and specialists)· Republic of Uzbekistan
For you if you are an IT founder or specialist: Uzbekistan's IT Visa, linked to IT Park, lets you live and work in the country without needing a separate work permit - a real simplification over the standard work route.
No sponsorship needed · A multiple-entry route issued for an extended period (commonly up to a few years) and renewable; confirm the current validity on the official page.
Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment· Republic of Armenia
Temporary residence based on evidenced business activity in Armenia; registration, immigration permission and tax treatment are separate.
No sponsorship needed · Temporary status can be granted for up to one year and renewed under the current procedure; check the filing-date rules.
Visa-Free 365-Day Stay (remote workers)· Georgia
Citizens of around 95 countries can enter Georgia visa-free and remain for up to 365 days - the de-facto route remote workers use, though it is visa-free entry, not a residence permit.
No sponsorship needed · Up to 365 days from the date of entry for eligible nationalities; it is an entry status, not a renewable permit.
Source basis
This comparison is based on the official government portals and primary route sources for the visas named on this page. Open each full guide for eligibility, fees, processing time and action links.
Reviewed
Primary sources
- eGov.kz - services for foreigners
Migration Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs (Kazakhstan) - verified
- my.gov.uz - services for foreigners
Government Services Portal / Ministry of Internal Affairs (Uzbekistan) - verified
- Migration and Citizenship Service
Migration and Citizenship Service (Ministry of Internal Affairs, Armenia) - verified
- Public Service Development Agency
Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) - verified
- eGov.kz - Visa classification to stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan - verified
- IT-Visa Uzbekistan - official IT Park portal
IT Park Uzbekistan - verified
- Migration and Citizenship Service - residency application
Migration and Citizenship Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs (Armenia) - verified
- Migration / Residence Permits - State Services Development Agency
Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) - verified
Frequently asked questions
Which of these has the simplest setup for a remote worker?+
Georgia is often the simplest for a quick start - many nationalities can stay visa-free for up to a year - while Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan offer formal nomad and IT routes, and Armenia is popular for a low-tax entrepreneur setup. Confirm the current rules and any tax-residence implications on each official page.
Do these routes lead to permanent residence?+
It varies: Kazakhstan's IT Digital Nomad Residency can lead to permanent residence while its Neo Nomad Visa does not; Armenia and Georgia have their own residence-to-citizenship timelines. Check each official immigration authority for the current pathway.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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