B9-1 Digital Nomad Visa for IT specialists
The B9-1 Digital Nomad Visa is a new kind of visa, and there have only been a couple of successful cases in practice. In this article, we will try to outline both the theoretical and practical aspects of visa application procedure.
Visa title: B9-1 Digital Nomad Visa.
Visa validity period: the visa can be single-entry (electronic) or multiple-entry for up to 1 year, with the right to stay in the country for the entire visa period and the possibility of obtaining Digital Nomad Residency for up to 10 years. According to the protocol, a single-entry visa is issued first, and upon arrival in Kazakhstan, it can be replaced with a multiple-entry visa.
Visa requirements: only for representatives of sought-after IT specialties with confirmation of education and a portfolio. https://dos-immigration.kz/wp-content/uploads/vostr-prof-2024.pdf. Important point: see the specialties in the column: “in the field of digital development, innovation, and the aerospace industry.”
Citizenship requirements: the visa is only available to citizens of 109 countries who are eligible for electronic visas. https://dos-immigration.kz/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2.1_infografika_elektronnye-vizy_rus.pdf
Income requirements: no requirements.
How long does it take to obtain an initial Digital Nomad Visa B9-1? Much will depend on how quickly the applicant provides the list of required documents. In practice, the process takes 25-40 calendar days on average.
What kind of visa can family members get? The Digital Nomad Visa does not provide for visas for accompanying family members. At the same time, after obtaining Digital Nomad Residency, it is possible to obtain a C2 visa for family reunification.
Additional requirements: confirmation of qualifications and IT specialization by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry (MDIIA). To do this, you need to submit an application on the Astana Hub website and pass an online interview.
The visa is issued to foreigners who have in-demand professions (in the IT field) and are traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan to obtain a permanent residence permit. The visa can be electronic, single-entry, or multiple-entry for up to 1 year. It is assumed that after obtaining a visa, you can apply for a residence permit (Digital Nomad Residency).
A single-entry electronic visa is issued through the visa and migration portal (https://vmp.gov.kz/ru/ ) based on an invitation. The invitation is issued by Astana Hub. A multiple-entry paper visa is issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan based on an application from the authorized body in the field of informatization, as well as a previously issued single-entry electronic visa. A request is sent to Astana Hub, an application is issued, and based on this application, the migration service issues a multiple-entry visa.
Is it possible to extend the visa in the future without obtaining Digital Nomad Residency?
Visa extension is not provided for by law. The original purpose of this visa is to simplify the process for IT specialists who want to stay and live in Kazakhstan and apply for Digital Nomad Residency. If a residence permit is not obtained within a year, the visa will not be extended.
What documents are required to obtain a visa?
- A cover letter (in English, Kazakh, or Russian) in free form. We will provide a sample.
- A certificate of no criminal record with an apostille/legalization mark. If the applicant has dual citizenship, a certificate is required from both countries.
- Foreign citizen’s resume. It is important to include information about higher education, specialized courses, and work experience with details about companies and years.
- Attach copies of certificates of professional development, copies of diplomas with an apostille/legalization.
- Portfolio of work in the IT field.
- EDS/IIN. Can be obtained at the embassy. Documents are required to obtain a residence permit under the Digital Nomad Residency program. They are not required for a visa, but you can immediately apply for the documents at the embassy.
- One color photo, 3.5-4.5 mm.
- Copy of current employment or service contract confirming the foreign specialist’s activity in the IT field.
What fees must be paid to the state?
The consular fee for a single-entry B9-1 Digital Nomad visa is USD 80.
What is the step by step action plan for applying for a B9-1 visa?
- Gather the required documents.
- Submit your application online at the Astana Hub website
- Verify documents and schedule an online interview (up to 5 business days).
- Confirm IT specialization and submit an application in your personal account (10 business days).
- Issuance of an invitation letter within 7 business days after receiving the application.
- Receipt of an electronic visa and entry into Kazakhstan.
- Submission of a notification within 3 business days after entering Kazakhstan.
- Collection of documents for a residence permit.
Where can I obtain a visa?
The visa is issued electronically, online. There is no requirement to visit the embassy, so you can obtain a visa in any country outside Kazakhstan and enter the country on the basis of that visa.
What documents are required to apply for a multiple-entry visa?
- Application form from the relevant government agency (can be downloaded from your personal account at astanahub.com)
- Copy of a single-entry electronic visa
- Printed list of in-demand professions (for verification by migration police specialists)
- Completed visa application form
- 3.5-4.5 mm photо
- Receipt for payment of the state fee for a multiple-entry visa (30 MCI)
- Original passport
What are the requirements for a foreign citizen’s passport?
- Must not contain additional entries, corrections, erasures, marks, reservations, notes, torn or stitched pages;
- Must have at least 2 blank pages for visas, except for recipients of visas for departure from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of the requested visa, except for visa recipients leaving the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- The passport must not have any marks indicating an extension of its validity.
Why do foreigners choose Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is attractive to foreign citizens due to its political stability, transparent legislation in most areas, and its multinational and tolerant environment. The country has a well-developed education infrastructure: there are schools and kindergartens offering instruction in Kazakh, Russian, and English, which is especially convenient for families.
Other advantages include low competition in many industries and the active presence of international companies in the labor market.
