In 2026, Kazakhstan is one of very few countries where an IT specialist can obtain a residence permit valid for up to 10 years through a simplified procedure - with no proof of income, no language exams and no mandatory IT degree. The tool is called Digital Nomad Residency (DNR), operated by Astana Hub with the support of the relevant ministry and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
This guide covers the whole program: who it fits, how it differs from a visa, which documents you need, how the process runs from application to the plastic card, and how long it takes.
A standard residence permit requires proof of solvency and several bureaucratic loops. The Digital Nomad program removes these barriers for one category - digital technology specialists. Instead of financial requirements, you confirm that you are an active specialist from the official list of in-demand digital professions. The confirmation is a petition from the Ministry of Digital Development. With it, you apply for a residence permit and then receive a plastic card.
DNR targets citizens of countries with visa-free access to Kazakhstan (including Russia and Belarus). The key condition is a profession from the digital, innovation and aerospace list:
No IT diploma is required - practice matters: a detailed CV and portfolio. See the visa-versus-residency breakdown here: Digital Nomad Visa vs Residency.
| Step | Where | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Application + documents | Astana Hub platform | moderation up to 3 days |
| 2. AI test (5 questions) | online, camera on | when ready |
| 3. Video interview | online, by appointment | ~10 minutes |
| 4. Petition decision | commission + ministry | 15-20 days |
| 5. Residence permit application | eGov (IIN and EDS needed) | review up to 45 days |
| 6. Originals + card | public service center | 7-17 days to issue |
How to prepare for the checkpoints: passing the Astana Hub AI test and video interview.
The plastic residence card is a long-term legal status without annual renewals. It lets you open a sole proprietorship or a company, get employed, buy real estate and a car, open bank accounts and become an Astana Hub resident with its tax benefits for IT business. See the numbers behind the ecosystem and taxes: taxes, timeline and costs.
Do I need to prove income for Digital Nomad Residency?
No. The program requires no income proof, bank statements or minimum salary. A petition confirming your IT specialist status is enough.
Is an IT degree mandatory?
No. Real experience and a portfolio are the basis; you describe them in your CV and reveal them at the interview.
How long is the permit valid?
Up to 10 years, matching your passport validity.
Can everything be done remotely?
Most steps are online. With an IIN and EDS you can file the residence permit application from abroad; the final card is issued in person in Kazakhstan.
For information only. Timelines and requirements are set by the authorities of Kazakhstan and may change. Talk to Integro lawyers.