Digital Nomad - The Times Of Central Asia

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digital economy

Kazakhstan Aims to Boost IT Services Exports to $5 Billion by 2030

Kazakhstan plans to increase its IT services exports nearly fivefold, to $5 billion by 2030, officials and industry participants said at a roundtable focused on positioning the country as a regional hub for international tech talent and digital nomads. According to official data, Kazakhstan exported IT services worth $471 million to 95 countries in the first nine months of 2025. In the final quarter of the year, that figure more than doubled, reaching $1.142 billion as of January 1, 2026. Export revenues also exceeded spending on imported digital solutions by more than 2.6 times, with imports totaling $429 million. The new export target is expected to be supported by workforce expansion and talent attraction initiatives. Representatives of Astana Hub said the country plans to train 10,000 specialists in AI by 2030. At the same time, Kazakhstan is promoting its Digital Nomad Residency program, launched in January 2025, aimed at attracting foreign IT professionals. To date, more than 700 applications from 30 countries have been submitted under the program, with over 120 specialists granted residency status. “Human capital development is the foundation on which Kazakhstan’s growth as a digital hub is built,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev. “We aim to make the Digital Nomad process fully digital, transparent, fast, and convenient. The arrival of highly qualified professionals is not just a statistic, it brings international experience, new competencies, and links to global markets. Our goal is to create conditions where talented IT professionals can realize their potential here and contribute to Kazakhstan’s economy.” Participants at the roundtable, including engineers and analysts from international companies, also shared their relocation experiences and proposed improvements to digital services. Following the meeting, stakeholders agreed to continue work through a permanent working group to better adapt the program to the needs of the IT community. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed establishing a regional center for cooperation with Japan in digital transformation and artificial intelligence in Astana.

Remote Working

Kyrgyzstan Launches Online Platform for Digital Nomad Applications

Kyrgyzstan has officially launched an online platform allowing foreign citizens to apply for Digital Nomad status, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration announced this week. The service is available via the Government Services portal. The Digital Nomad status grants eligible foreign nationals the legal right to reside in Kyrgyzstan while working remotely. Initially valid for 60 days, the status can be extended for one year and renewed annually for up to 10 years. Applications can now be submitted entirely online, making the process faster, more secure, and user-friendly. The move is part of the government’s broader digitalization and economic modernization efforts. The Digital Nomad framework was introduced in November 2024, when President Sadyr Japarov signed legislative amendments establishing a legal basis for foreign professionals working in fields such as information and communication technologies (ICT), software development, creative industries, and other digital sectors. Those granted Digital Nomad status are exempt from mandatory local registration and may obtain a personal identification number (PIN). They are not required to obtain separate work permits and are permitted to engage in entrepreneurial activity either as individuals or through registered legal entities. Digital Nomads are also eligible to open bank accounts in Kyrgyzstan. The initiative is designed to attract global talent and foster the growth of Kyrgyzstan’s digital economy. Government officials hope the policy will encourage innovation, create jobs, increase tax revenues, and stimulate tourism. Neighboring Kazakhstan has launched similar efforts to attract mobile professionals. The country recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa for IT specialists, offering both single-entry electronic and multiple-entry paper formats. Kazakhstan also rolled out a Neo Nomad Visa targeting remote workers with a verified monthly income of at least $3,000. Applicants must provide proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record. With these policy shifts, both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are positioning themselves as emerging hubs for remote work and digital entrepreneurship in Central Asia.

Digital Nomad

Kazakhstan Issues First Residence Permit Under Digital Nomad Residency Program

Kazakhstan has issued its first residence permit under the newly launched Digital Nomad Residency program, a key component of the country’s strategy to attract global talent in digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry announced that the inaugural 10-year residence permit was granted to Pavel Filatov, a Senior Analytics & BI Engineer. According to the ministry, the program simplifies the process for qualified foreign specialists to obtain permanent residency. Since its launch in January 2025, over 270 applications have been submitted by professionals from more than 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Turkey, and several post-Soviet states. Most applicants work in fields such as programming, cybersecurity, UI/UX design, and DevOps. “The Digital Nomad Residency program provides a truly rare opportunity to combine comfortable living conditions with a dynamically developing technology ecosystem,” Filatov said. “The entire process was convenient and modern. For IT specialists around the world, this program really opens up new horizons. Kazakhstan has huge potential for professional growth and international cooperation, and it is a great honor for me to become the first holder of this residency.” The residency program builds upon Kazakhstan’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced earlier this year along with two other new visa categories: the Neo Nomad Visa and the Residence Visa. Together, these initiatives form part of a broader government effort to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors. The Digital Nomad Visa offers long-term stay options for freelancers, entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and startup founders. The Neo Nomad Visa targets remote workers who travel while working, requiring proof of at least $3,000 in monthly income, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The Residence Visa is aimed at foreign professionals in medicine, science, innovation, education, and the creative industries, allowing stays of up to 90 days. The ministry confirmed that the first Digital Nomad Visas, issued without income requirements, have already been granted to IT professionals from Algeria and Botswana. Visa holders are permitted to work with both foreign and Kazakh companies and may apply for residency during the visa’s validity period. At the same time, Kazakhstan has taken additional steps to attract long-term foreign investment. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, new regulations allow foreign nationals who invest at least $300,000 into Kazakh companies or securities listed on local exchanges to apply electronically for an investor visa. This so-called “golden visa” offers a residence permit valid for up to 10 years and is part of Kazakhstan’s plan to build itself into a regional hub for business and innovation.

Investor Visa

Kazakhstan Introduces Investor Visa

Kazakhstan has approved new regulations allowing foreign nationals to obtain an investor visa, a move aimed at boosting the country’s investment appeal and fostering long-term business partnerships, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under the new framework, foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $300,000 into the charter capital of Kazakh companies or in locally listed securities can apply electronically for an investor visa. This so-called “golden visa” also offers the opportunity to obtain a residence permit valid for up to 10 years. The Ministry highlights that similar visa programs in Europe, the United States, the UAE, and Singapore have proven effective in attracting capital, technology, and business activity. With this initiative, Kazakhstan joins a growing number of countries adopting investment residency schemes. The introduction of “golden visas” aims to create a more favorable and predictable environment for foreign investors by offering legal protections and reinforcing trust in Kazakhstan’s investment climate. The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy of promoting openness, safeguarding capital, and developing sustainable international economic partnerships. Kazakhstan has recently launched several new visa categories, including the Neo Nomad Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Residence Visa, to attract business migrants, skilled professionals, and international visitors. The Digital Nomad Visa provides long-term residency options for freelancers, self-employed entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and startup founders. The Neo Nomad Visa is tailored for remote workers who travel while working. Applicants must demonstrate a verified monthly income of at least $3,000, along with valid health insurance and a clean criminal record. The Residence Visa targets foreign professionals in medicine, science, innovation, education, and the creative industries. It allows recipients to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 15.3 million people visited Kazakhstan in 2024, a 66% increase compared to the previous year.