Republic of Kazakhstan · skilled migration · Leads to settlement
Digital Nomad Residency (IT specialists, via Astana Hub)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For you if you are a foreign IT specialist: the Digital Nomad Residency is a route, run through Astana Hub, that can lead to a permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan - and that is the key difference from the Neo Nomad Visa.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. There is a defined review period after you submit through Astana Hub, followed by completion at a Citizen Service Centre in Kazakhstan; confirm current timing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. Government fees apply at the residence stage; refer to the official page for current amounts.
- Typical duration
- Designed as a long-horizon route for IT talent that can lead to a permanent residence permit; confirm the current validity terms on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Digital Nomad Residency is Kazakhstan's route for attracting global IT talent, launched in 2025 and run through the Astana Hub technology park. You apply on the Astana Hub portal to receive an endorsement confirming you work in an in-demand IT profession, then register the service on egov.kz to seek prior approval for a permanent residence permit. Honesty box - please read: this is the IT route that CAN lead to permanent residence, unlike the separate Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1), which is a stay-only route. Good to know: you need an Individual Identification Number (IIN) and an electronic digital signature to apply, and the qualifying IT fields are defined by the authorities. Confirm the current criteria on the official egov.kz and Astana Hub pages.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You are a foreign IT specialist working in a profession on the in-demand list defined by the authorities.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
- ✓You obtain an endorsement through the Astana Hub portal confirming your IT qualifications and status.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
- ✓You hold an Individual Identification Number (IIN) and an electronic digital signature to apply.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
- ✓You complete the prior-approval and registration steps for the permanent residence permit on egov.kz.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
Common blockers
- !Working in a field that falls outside the in-demand IT professions the authorities recognise.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
- !Confusing this route with the Neo Nomad Visa, which is stay-only and does not lead to permanent residence.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
- !Being unable to obtain the Astana Hub endorsement or the IIN and digital signature the process needs.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport plus a CV and portfolio demonstrating your IT experience.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
- ·A motivation letter and the Astana Hub endorsement of your IT profession.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
- ·A criminal-record (police clearance) certificate and a passport-style photograph.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
- ·Your Individual Identification Number (IIN) and electronic digital signature for the egov.kz steps.Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Check you work in an in-demand IT profession and that you want a route towards permanent residence.
Build the evidence pack
Apply on the Astana Hub portal for the endorsement and gather your CV, portfolio and police clearance.
Submit through the official channel
Register the service on egov.kz and seek prior approval for the permanent residence permit.
After approval
After approval, travel to Kazakhstan and finalise registration at a Citizen Service Centre.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Digital Nomad Residency (IT specialists, via Astana Hub) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Digital Nomad Residency (IT specialists, via Astana Hub).
Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan · verified
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare Republic of Kazakhstan with
Related routes
Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1)
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.
Work Permit and Residence (employer-sponsored)
For you if a Kazakhstani employer has offered you a job: this is the standard route into paid work in Kazakhstan, where your employer secures a work permit for you and you then hold a temporary residence permit to live there.
Permanent Residence Permit
For you if you want to settle in Kazakhstan long term: the permanent residence permit confirms your right to live there indefinitely, and a central requirement is showing that you can financially support yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the Neo Nomad Visa?+
The big difference is the destination. The Digital Nomad Residency is the IT route that can lead to a permanent residence permit, while the Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) is a stay-only route for remote workers and does not lead to settlement. This route is run through Astana Hub and is aimed at IT specialists in in-demand fields, so check the qualifying professions on the official page.
Do I have to be in Kazakhstan to start?+
A large part of the process is designed to be done remotely. You apply through the Astana Hub portal and seek prior approval for the residence permit on egov.kz before you travel. You then come to Kazakhstan to finalise registration at a Citizen Service Centre. You will need an Individual Identification Number and a digital signature, so confirm the current steps on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →