At a glance
IT specialists with the required official support can apply for Kazakhstan’s B9-1 visa while pursuing permanent residence separately. The related pilot in Astana and Almaty is scheduled through December 31, 2026.
- Who can apply
- IT specialists who meet the official support requirements
- Required support
- A petition from Astana Hub or the authorized government body
- Residency pilot
- Astana and Almaty; scheduled through December 31, 2026
Summary
Kazakhstan’s B9-1 Digital Nomad Visa is for IT specialists who receive the required official support and want to pursue permanent residence through a separate process.
The related Digital Nomad Residency pilot operates in Astana and Almaty and is scheduled to run through December 31, 2026. Check that applications are still being accepted before relying on this option.
Eligibility
The visa requires a formal supporting request, called a petition, from Astana Hub or the authorized government body. An ordinary IT job or an application to Astana Hub is not enough on its own.
The residency pilot has its own professional checks. The published process includes obtaining a Kazakhstan identification number and electronic signature, submitting professional records, and completing screening and an interview before official support is issued.
Confirm the current order of these steps and the documents needed for your case.
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Check the current pilot and screening steps Confirm availability, location, and professional requirements.
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Obtain official support and apply for the visa A petition is required; an Astana Hub application alone is not approval.
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Complete the separate residence process Follow the permanent-residence requirements and any further visa steps.
The visa does not guarantee permanent residence, and the pilot has a scheduled end date.
Check the residence procedure for applications after 2026
Check the residence procedure for applications after 2026
The B9-1 visa and the separate Digital Nomad Residency pilot are different decisions. The current residence pilot in Astana and Almaty is scheduled through December 31, 2026; confirm an extension or replacement procedure for a later application. Existing grants are governed by their own terms.
Timing: The pilot order runs through December 31, 2026. This is not an announcement that the B9-1 visa category or already granted visas or residence permissions expire on that date.
What This Route Allows
The electronic B9-1 visa allows one entry and can be valid for up to one year. Published rules also provide for a separate application inside Kazakhstan for a multiple-entry paper visa, based on an existing electronic B9-1 visa and the required approval.
Permanent residence requires its own application and decision. The pilot’s scheduled end date should not be read as the expiry date of every issued B9-1 visa.
What This Route Is Not
An Astana Hub application, a B9-1 visa, and permanent residence are three different things. None should be treated as approval of the next step.
This is different from the B12-1 Neo Nomad Visa, which is a temporary option for people working remotely with foreign income. Do not assume the B9-1 name gives unrestricted local work rights or lets family members work; check the conditions of the actual visa or later residence permission.
Next Steps
- Confirm the pilot’s current availability, location requirements, and professional screening process with Astana Hub or the responsible authority.
- Complete the required checks and obtain the official petition before applying for the appropriate B9-1 visa.
- Follow the separate permanent-residence process and any in-country visa steps that apply to your plans.
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