Digital Nomad in Kazakhstan: Visas, Costs & Tax (2026)
Reported from the ground: Tugelbay Konabayev is a Kazakh native (born in Aktobe) who has lived 7 years in Almaty and 4 in Astana. About the author .
This is not a travel guide for tourists. This is a feasibility audit for remote workers considering Kazakhstan as a base. Is it actually legal to work here, and for how long? What will you really spend per month? Can you find a decent apartment and stable internet? Can your family come? This guide answers these questions using real pricing from March 2026, official visa details, and practical experience living in the country.
Kazakhstan launched two digital nomad visa programs in 2025: the Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) for all remote workers earning $3,000+/month, and the Digital Nomad Residency (B9-1) for IT professionals with no income requirement and a path to 10-year residence. According to Astana Hub, 270+ applications arrived in the first two months. A single person can live in Almaty for $1,000-1,500/month including rent, food, fiber internet, and coworking. Kaspi Bank enables all payments through one app. 87 MFA passport visa-free entries cover most Western citizens for a 30-day test period first.
Check your eligibility with the free visa checker and budget your move with the Almaty cost calculator.
Question 1: Can You Legally Work Here, and for How Long?
The visa situation is the first hard gate: are you even allowed to be here as a remote worker, and under what terms? Kazakhstan created two distinct programs targeting different worker profiles. Understanding which one fits your situation determines your entire legal residency timeline.
The Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) - For All Remote Workers
Eligibility. You work remotely for a foreign employer (not a Kazakhstan company) and earn $3,000+ per month. That is it. No IT credential required.
Duration. 1 year, renewable once (maximum 2 years total).
Work restrictions. Foreign employers only. You cannot work for Kazakhstan companies, freelance for Kazakhstan clients, or register a business locally.
Application process (according to Kursiv Media):
- Proof of remote income $3,000+/month (employment contract or freelance invoices)
- Valid health insurance covering Kazakhstan
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Apply online through the e-visa portal
- Approval in 5 business days
Best for. Freelancers, remote employees of US/EU companies, contractors with predictable foreign income.
Question 2 to ask yourself. Is my income documentable and above $3,000/month? If yes, move to the B9-1 comparison below. If no, you will need to prove 30-day visa-free entry or negotiate with an immigration lawyer.
The Digital Nomad Residency (B9-1) - For IT Professionals Only
Eligibility. You are a software developer, designer, DevOps engineer, cybersecurity specialist, or other IT professional. No income requirement.
Duration. Starts as a 1-year e-visa. After arrival, converts to a paper visa (1 year, multiple entry). Then you can apply for residence permits: up to 10 years total.
Work restrictions. You CAN work for Kazakhstan companies, freelance locally, and register a business.
Application process (according to Astana Hub and ACSOUR legal):
- Apply online through Astana Hub portal (no need to be in Kazakhstan)
- Document verification and interview: 5 business days
- IT specialization accreditation: 10 business days
- Invitation letter issued: 7 business days after petition
- Receive 1-year e-visa (single entry)
- After arrival: convert to B9-1 paper visa (1 year, multiple entry)
- Then apply for residence permit: up to 10 years
Critical note. This is a pilot program running until December 31, 2025. It may or may not be extended. Apply early if interested.
Best for. Software engineers, designers, DevOps specialists with any income level (including zero initial income).
Comparison: Which Visa Fits You?
| Feature | Neo Nomad (B12-1) | Digital Nomad Residency (B9-1) |
|---|---|---|
| For whom | All remote workers | IT professionals only |
| Income requirement | $3,000/month minimum | None |
| Maximum stay | 2 years (1+1 renewal) | 10 years (via residence permits) |
| Work for KZ companies? | No (foreign employers only) | Yes |
| Local business registration | No | Yes |
| Application time | 5 business days | ~22 business days total |
| Family inclusion | Yes, same visa | Yes |
| Launched | February 2025 | March 2025 (pilot, ends Dec 2025) |
Choose Neo Nomad (B12-1) if you work remotely for a foreign company, earn $3,000+/month, and want a quick 1-year visa without proving IT credentials.
Choose B9-1 if you are a software developer, designer, DevOps engineer, or cybersecurity specialist who wants long-term residency and the option to work for Kazakh companies.
Fallback Option: 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Citizens covered by 87 MFA ordinary-passport visa-free entries can enter Kazakhstan without an advance visa. Most Western readers, including the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, get 30 days. This is your free test period. Use it to apartment-hunt, check coworking spaces, verify internet quality, and decide if Kazakhstan is worth a longer visa.
Question 2: What Does a Month Actually Cost?
Monthly costs determine whether Kazakhstan is cheaper or more expensive than your last nomad base. Real prices from Krisha.kz (Kazakhstan's largest rental platform), Numbeo, and local sources, March 2026.
Single nomad budget (Almaty):
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom, decent area) | $350-450 | $500-650 | $700-1,000 |
| Food (cooking + eating out) | $150-200 | $250-350 | $400-600 |
| Coworking | $15-50 | $50-100 | $100-200 |
| Internet (home fiber) | $10-15 | $15 | $20 |
| Mobile (data) | $5-10 | $10-15 | $15-20 |
| Transport | $20-30 | $40-60 | $80-150 |
| Entertainment | $30-50 | $80-150 | $200-400 |
| Health insurance | $45 | $45-80 | $100-200 |
| TOTAL (single) | $625-850 | $1,000-1,500 | $1,600-3,000 |
Most nomads report. Mid-range Almaty ($1,000-1,500/month) is the equilibrium: not shoestring budget, not luxury apartments, but actual comfort - good WiFi, safe neighborhoods, reliable coworking, food variety.
Rent reality check. Almaty has enormous price variation. The "Golden Square" (Abay, Dostyk, Satpayev, Furmanov) and Dostyk corridor are most expensive. Much of central Almaty is Soviet-era buildings from the 1960s-1980s (25% of housing stock) with outdated plumbing and wiring. Newer buildings with good renovation cost 30-50% more but are worth it for long-term stays. Always view apartments in person before signing.
Food advantage. Stolovaya canteens serve full lunches (soup + main + bread + tea) for 1,500-2,500 KZT ($3-5). Popular Kazakh food is hearty and cheap. Green Bazaar in Almaty has the freshest produce and beats any supermarket price.
Almaty vs Astana for Digital Nomads
| Factor | Almaty | Astana |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, good area) | $500-650 | $350-500 |
| Housing quality | Mixed: 25% Soviet-era | 82% modern, post-2000 |
| Apartment selection | Older stock dominates | New developments everywhere |
| Coworking scene | Larger, more options | Smaller but growing |
| Social life | Late-night bars, cafes | Quieter, more corporate |
| Nature access | Mountains 25 min away | Steppe, no mountains |
| Winter temperature | -5 to -15C | -20 to -35C |
| Summer | Hot (30-38C) | Comfortable (25-30C) |
| Flights | More international routes | Fewer options |
| IT community | Larger freelance scene | Astana Hub HQ |
| Best for | Solo nomads, outdoor access | Families, new housing |
Housing matters most. This is the biggest practical difference. Astana was built mostly after 2000, so apartments are newer with modern layouts, good insulation, elevators, and planned infrastructure (schools, parks nearby). Almaty's center is dominated by Soviet-era buildings with a wide quality range. Finding a quality apartment in Almaty takes more effort and costs more. In Astana, newer buildings with good condition are the default.
Almaty's unique draw. World-class nature is not a weekend trip, it is a 25-minute drive. Medeu (the world's highest Olympic skating rink), Shymbulak ski resort, and Big Almaty Lake are all within 30 minutes of the city center. Finish a Zoom call at 3 PM, take a taxi, and be hiking at 2,500 meters before sunset. The nightlife in Almaty is genuine: rooftop bars, underground clubs, live music venues, Georgian wine bars, Korean karaoke, and hookah lounges packed into the city center. Thursday through Saturday a genuinely local crowd, not the tourist-heavy scene of Bangkok or Bali. Drinks are cheaper and venues more authentic.
Kazakhstan sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Kazakh, Russian, Korean, Uzbek, Uyghur, and other ethnicities create a cultural diversity you simply do not encounter in most nomad hubs. Walking through Almaty feels like being in five different countries at once. It is one of those things that surprises every newcomer and keeps many of them staying longer than planned.
Question 3: Can You Actually Work Here?
Internet speed and reliability is non-negotiable for remote workers. If your fiber is cutting out twice per day, no visa savings matter.
Kazakhstan's urban internet is fast and reliable. Fiber-optic connections deliver 100-500 Mbps in most Almaty and Astana apartments. Prices range from 4,000-8,000 KZT ($9-19)/month depending on speed and provider. According to Digital Business Kazakhstan, average download speeds reach 91 Mbps nationally.
Internet providers and pricing
| Provider | Speed | Price/Month | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beeline | 100-500 Mbps | 4,000-8,000 KZT ($9-19) | Nationwide | Most popular, reliable |
| Meganet | 200-800 Mbps | 5,000-10,000 KZT ($12-23) | Almaty focused | Fastest residential |
| Kazakhtelecom | 100-200 Mbps | 4,000-6,000 KZT ($9-14) | Nationwide | State provider, widest reach |
| Alma-TV | 100-300 Mbps | 4,500-7,000 KZT ($10-16) | Almaty focused | Local focus |
Practical note. Newer buildings (common in Astana, newer districts of Almaty) usually have fiber pre-installed and get the best speeds. Older Soviet-era buildings in Almaty may have lower speeds or require 1-3 business days for installation. Always check with the landlord what provider is available before signing a lease.
Mobile data. Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2 offer unlimited 4G plans for 3,000-5,000 KZT ($6-10)/month. 5G is live in Almaty and Astana. Buy a SIM at any branded store with your passport (5 minutes).
eSIM option. If you want data before arriving, get an eSIM and activate it on your flight in.
Coworking spaces
Almaty has 10+ coworking spaces ranging from $1/hour to $100/month for a dedicated desk. Astana coworking starts even cheaper. Most offer fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, coffee, and 24/7 access.
Almaty coworking:
| Space | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| SmArt.Point | From 500 KZT/hour ($1) | Central location, events |
| FIFTY FOUR | 4,000 KZT/day ($8) | Modern, good community |
| City Hub | ~40,000 KZT/month ($80) | Professional, meeting rooms |
| 28/8 Work | From 500 KZT/hour ($1) | Multiple locations |
| Jas Coworking | Flexible pricing | Startup-friendly |
Astana coworking:
| Space | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bagyt | 1,500 KZT/hr, 50,000/month ($100) | Central, daily options |
| DC Lab | From 7,500 KZT/month ($15) | Cheapest monthly |
| Praktik Office | Premium | 360-degree city views |
| IQ Coworking | Mid-range | Freelancer focused |
| Spaces | Premium | 24/7 access, international chain |
Reality. Most Almaty cafes also work well for remote work. Specialty coffee shops like Coffeedelia, Coffee Boom, and Jas have reliable Wi-Fi and stay open until 22:00-23:00. You do not need a dedicated desk.
Question 4: Can You Build a Business Here?
Astana Hub offers 0% corporate income tax, 0% VAT, and reduced individual income tax for registered IT companies until 2029. This is a material advantage for founders, but requires setting up a legal structure.
According to FExpert tax analysis, 1,700+ companies (350+ foreign) are already registered, generating $1.6 billion in collective revenue.
| Tax | Standard Rate | Astana Hub Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 20% | 0% |
| VAT | 12% | 0% |
| Individual income tax | 10% | Reduced |
| Social tax | 9.5% | 0% for foreign employees |
Who Can Join Astana Hub
Companies whose revenue comes at least 90% from priority IT activities: software development, AI, big data, cybersecurity, automation, fintech, edtech, and other digital services. Registration is free, online, and takes 5 business days for moderation plus 10 business days for commission review.
Important clarifications:
- You do NOT need to be physically in Kazakhstan (extraterritorial registration available)
- Foreign companies from any country can register
- The state share must be less than 50%
- Tax benefits expire January 1, 2029 (plan accordingly)
Source: Astana Hub 2026 tax guide
How Astana Hub Compares to Alternatives
| Hub | Corporate Tax | Cost of Living | Visa Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astana Hub (Kazakhstan) | 0% | $1,000/month | 5 years (C3) |
| Dubai Internet City (UAE) | 0% (free zone) | $4,400/month | 2 years |
| Georgia (IT visa) | 5% (or 1% small biz) | $1,000-1,200 | 1 year |
| Estonia (e-Residency) | 20% CIT | $1,800 | Schengen |
| Uzbekistan (IT Park) | 0% (until 2040) | $800 | Weaker visa |
Kazakhstan saves an estimated $220,000 over 5 years versus Dubai while offering the same 0% corporate tax, according to cost of living comparisons via Numbeo.
Tax for Freelancers Without Astana Hub
Digital nomads on the Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) working for foreign companies are generally not considered tax residents if they stay under 183 days. Those on the B9-1 who become tax residents pay 10% individual income tax on Kazakhstan-sourced income.
Critical note: Individual entrepreneur (IP/ИП) registration is only available to EAEU citizens (Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia) and Tajikistan. All other foreigners must register a TOO (LLP equivalent) to do business locally, according to Alatau City Bank's business guide.
Question 5: How Do You Actually Get Money In and Out?
Kaspi Bank is Kazakhstan's super-app: banking, marketplace, payments, and QR codes accepted at 99% of businesses. This is the practical edge that makes daily life work.
According to Kaspi's official updates, since February 3, 2025, foreigners can get a Kaspi Gold card by visiting any branch in person with their passport and a Kazakh phone number. The card is valid for 1 year.
Steps to Get Kaspi Gold
- Buy a Kazakh SIM card (Beeline, Kcell, or Tele2 at the airport, $2-3)
- Visit any Kaspi Bank branch with your passport
- Staff will help you get an IIN (Individual Identification Number) if you do not have one
- Receive Kaspi Gold card on the spot
- Download Kaspi.kz app and activate
IIN (Individual Identification Number). Required for banking, contracts, and many services. Get it at any TSON (public service center) in 1 business day for free. Since February 2024, it can also be obtained remotely through Kazakh embassies abroad.
EDS (Electronic Digital Signature). Needed for government services and online business registration. Requires IIN first. Must be obtained in person at TSON or through an embassy. Valid for 1 year.
Question 6: Can You Move With Your Family?
A family of four (two adults, two children) can live in Kazakhstan for $2,000-3,500/month including a 2-3 bedroom apartment, kindergarten or school, food, and all utilities.
Kazakhstan is increasingly attractive for families relocating from more expensive countries. Both visa programs (Neo Nomad and B9-1) allow family members.
Kindergartens (Ages 2-6)
| Type | Almaty | Astana | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State kindergarten | 25,000 KZT/month ($58) | 19,700-20,800 KZT ($46-48) | Very affordable, possible waitlists |
| Private (budget) | 70,000-90,000 KZT ($163-209) | Similar range | Basic facilities, Kazakh/Russian |
| Private (mid-range) | 150,000-250,000 KZT ($349-581) | 150,000-210,000 KZT ($349-488) | Better facilities, meals included |
| Private (premium) | 300,000-500,000+ KZT ($698-1,163) | Up to 210,000 KZT/month (Miras) | International curriculum |
State kindergarten fees were frozen in 2026 in Almaty and Astana after the VAT increase to 16%, making them the most affordable childcare option.
Schools (Ages 6-18)
| School | Type | Location | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| State school | Public | Both cities | Free |
| Nova School | Private (Kazakh/Russian) | Almaty | ~$4,700 |
| TAMOS Education | Private (Physics/Math) | Almaty | ~$6,700 |
| QSI International | American curriculum | Almaty | $7,200-8,250 |
| Miras International | IB programs | Both cities | $7,000-17,800 |
| Miras (non-CIS citizens) | IB programs | Both cities | $9,500-28,200 |
| Haileybury | British curriculum | Almaty | $18,000-39,500 |
Sources: Haileybury Almaty, Miras International, School official 2025-2026 fee schedules
Practical advice for families.
- State schools are free but instruction is in Kazakh or Russian. Good option if children speak Russian or are young enough to learn
- International schools (Haileybury, QSI, Miras) teach in English with IB or British/American curricula. Best for temporary stays or families wanting international diplomas
- Private Kazakh/Russian schools ($4,000-7,000/year) are a middle ground: better facilities than state schools, Russian instruction, at a fraction of international school costs
- Most international schools are in Almaty. Miras operates in both cities
Family Budget Comparison
| Expense | Almaty | Astana |
|---|---|---|
| 2-bed apartment (good area) | $700-1,000/month | $530-800/month |
| 3-bed apartment (good area) | $800-1,400/month | $600-1,000/month |
| State kindergarten (1 child) | $58/month | $46/month |
| Private kindergarten (1 child) | $163-581/month | $163-488/month |
| International school (1 child) | $600-3,300/month | Limited options |
| Groceries (family of 4) | $400-600/month | $350-500/month |
| TOTAL (2 kids, state school + state kindergarten) | $1,600-2,600 | $1,300-2,100 |
| TOTAL (2 kids, international school + private kindergarten) | $3,500-6,500 | $2,800-4,500 |
Why Astana wins for families. Newer buildings designed with families in mind (82% post-2000 construction vs mixed in Almaty), lower rents for equivalent quality, planned neighborhoods with schools and parks within walking distance, and cheaper kindergartens. The main tradeoff is Astana's harsh winter (-20 to -35C) and smaller social scene.
Question 7: What Breaks People? (The Real Issues)
Visas and costs look good on paper. Here is what actually stops people from staying.
Language barrier in non-tourist areas
Kazakh is the official state language. Russian is widely spoken in cities. English is limited outside Almaty and Astana. You will hit a wall outside tourist areas. Learn basic Kazakh or Russian phrases, download 2GIS (offline maps, works better than Google Maps), and use Yandex Translate (better for Kazakh/Russian than Google).
Winter in Astana is real
Almaty winters (max -5 to -15C) are manageable with normal clothing. Astana winters (-20 to -35C) are not for everyone. High wind and darkness (December sun sets at 3:30 PM) compound the cold. Families moving to Astana should test this in December first. Many nomads choose Almaty specifically to avoid this.
Housing turnover and landlord expectations
Rental apartments in Kazakhstan often come unfurnished and bare (walls only). Internet is sometimes installed by the landlord, sometimes you install it yourself. Some landlords expect cash-only payment. Read the lease carefully and ask for references from previous tenants. Landlords sometimes ask for 2-3 month deposits. Verify everything in writing.
Safety is good but street awareness needed
Kazakhstan is safe for travelers with crime rates lower than most of Eastern Europe. The Global Peace Index ranks it above Turkey, Brazil, and Mexico. But street awareness matters. Avoid displaying expensive items, do not walk alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep copies of your passport. Petty theft happens in Almaty.
Healthcare: Free emergencies, paid routine care
Emergency medical care is free for everyone, including foreigners. For non-emergency care, digital nomads should get private health insurance. SafetyWing and World Nomads both cover Kazakhstan. Private clinics in Almaty (SOS International, IMC) have English-speaking doctors but charge $50-100+ per visit.
Getting Started: Your First Month Checklist
Your first month in Kazakhstan involves getting a visa, arriving, apartment hunting, opening Kaspi, and joining the local community. Most nomads are fully set up within 3-5 days.
- Month 0 (Before travel). Apply for Neo Nomad or B9-1 visa. Take a 30-day visa-free entry test if you are unsure.
- Day 1. Land at Almaty (ALA) or Astana (NQZ). Get a Beeline SIM ($3) at the airport. Take Yandex Taxi to your Airbnb/hotel ($8-12).
- Day 2. Visit TSON (public service center) to get IIN. Visit Kaspi Bank branch with passport + Kazakh SIM to get Kaspi Gold card.
- Day 3. Search apartments on Krisha.kz (Kazakhstan's Zillow). View 3-5 places. Typical process: view, agree, pay 1-month deposit + 1 month rent.
- Day 4. Set up home internet (Beeline or Meganet, installation within 1-2 days). Visit a coworking space to test your workflow.
- Day 5. Explore your neighborhood. Download 2GIS for navigation. Find your regular stolovaya (canteen) and coffee shop. Join Telegram groups for expats in Almaty.
Useful apps
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Kaspi.kz | Banking, payments, marketplace, QR payments |
| 2GIS | Offline maps, navigation, business directory |
| Yandex Go | Taxi (cheaper than Uber, which does not operate in KZ) |
| Wolt | Food delivery from restaurants, groceries, pharmacy |
| Krisha.kz | Apartment search (the main rental platform in Kazakhstan) |
| InDrive | Budget taxi alternative |
Timezone Overlap: A Hidden Advantage
Kazakhstan runs on UTC+6 year-round with no daylight saving changes. This creates useful overlap windows with Europe, the US, and Asia that is better than most Southeast Asian nomad hubs.
| Your Time (Almaty) | Europe (CET) | US East (EST) | Asia (SGT/HKT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 3:00 AM | 9:00 PM (prev day) | 10:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 7:00 AM | 1:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 10:00 AM | 4:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
For European clients. Your morning (8 AM-12 PM) overlaps with their afternoon. You finish calls by lunch and have the afternoon free. This is better than Bali (UTC+8) where European overlap requires early mornings.
For US clients. Evening overlap (6-10 PM your time = 7-11 AM EST). Works well for async teams with a daily standup.
For Asian clients. Nearly full overlap with Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. Two hours ahead of Bangkok.
Where to Connect: Communities and Events
The digital nomad community in Kazakhstan is small but growing. Key connections:
- Telegram groups. Search "expats Almaty" or "IT Almaty" for active channels
- Coworking events. SmArt.Point and City Hub host regular networking events
- Astana Hub events. Regular meetups, hackathons, and startup events
- Facebook groups. "Almaty Expats", "Foreigners in Kazakhstan"
- GO DIGITAL EURASIA conference (July 2026). Major IT event
For travel inspiration while based in Kazakhstan: explore Charyn Canyon on weekends, take day trips from Almaty, visit Kolsai Lakes, or plan a 7-day itinerary across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a visa to work remotely from Kazakhstan?
- The April 2026 MFA table lists 87 ordinary-passport visa-free entries; most Western readers get 30 days. For longer stays, apply for the Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1, requires $3,000/month income, up to 2 years) or the Digital Nomad Residency (B9-1, IT professionals only, up to 10 years). Both can be applied for online.
- How fast is the internet in Kazakhstan?
- Urban internet in Almaty and Astana delivers 100-800 Mbps via fiber optic for about $10/month. Mobile 4G covers 95% of populated areas. Average national speed is 91 Mbps. Multiple providers (Beeline, Meganet, Kazakhtelecom) compete on speed and price.
- Can I open a bank account in Kazakhstan as a foreigner?
- Yes. Since February 2025, foreigners can get a Kaspi Gold card by visiting any Kaspi Bank branch with their passport and a Kazakh phone number. The card is valid for 1 year. You will need an IIN (Individual Identification Number), which can be obtained at any public service center in 1 business day for free.
- How much does it cost to live in Almaty as a digital nomad?
- A single digital nomad can live comfortably in Almaty for $1,000-1,500/month. This includes rent ($500-650 for a 1-bedroom in a decent area with good renovation), food ($250-350), coworking ($50-100), home internet ($10-20), and transport ($40-60). Cheaper options exist on the outskirts, but central apartments with acceptable condition start around $350-450.
- What is Astana Hub and how does it help digital nomads?
- Astana Hub is Kazakhstan government-backed international technopark offering 0% corporate income tax, 0% VAT, and reduced individual income tax for IT companies until 2029. It has 1,700+ member companies including 350+ foreign ones. Foreign companies can register extraterritorially without being physically present in Kazakhstan.
- Is Kazakhstan safe for digital nomads?
- Yes. Kazakhstan has lower crime rates than most of Eastern Europe. The Global Peace Index ranks it above Turkey, Brazil, and Mexico. Almaty and Astana are modern cities with reliable infrastructure. Emergency medical care is free for everyone including foreigners. Private health insurance is recommended for non-emergency care.
- What language do I need in Kazakhstan?
- Russian is widely spoken in cities and will handle 90% of daily situations. English is growing among young professionals in Almaty and Astana but limited elsewhere. Kazakh is the state language. Download 2GIS for navigation (works offline) and Yandex Translate for Russian/Kazakh translation.
- Can I register a business in Kazakhstan as a foreigner?
- Individual entrepreneur (IP) registration is only available to EAEU citizens (Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia) and Tajikistan. All other foreigners must register a TOO (LLP equivalent). Alternatively, register your foreign company at Astana Hub for 0% tax without needing a Kazakh legal entity.
- Can I move to Kazakhstan with my family and children?
- Yes. Both visa programs allow family members. State kindergartens cost $40-60/month. Private kindergartens range from $150-500/month. International schools (Haileybury, Miras, QSI) charge $7,000-35,000/year. A family of four can live on $2,000-3,500/month. Astana is recommended for families because 82% of housing is modern (post-2000 construction) with better infrastructure for children, and rents are 15-25% lower than Almaty for equivalent quality.
Last verified: March 2026. Visa requirements and tax rates may change. Check Astana Hub and eGov.kz for the latest information.
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