The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MDDIAI) has announced the first recipient of the Digital Nomad Visa. Abdelmadjid Belmekki, an IT specialist from Algeria, became the program’s pioneer beneficiary, having chosen Kazakhstan for remote work over countries such as Uzbekistan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

He cited the accessible participation cost of $300 and the absence of minimum income requirements as decisive factors in his choice. Abdelmadjid praised the entire visa application process, giving the program a 10 out of 10 rating and expressed confidence in its strong potential to attract global talent and contribute to the growth of Kazakhstan’s startup ecosystem.

“I would like to thank the government and the Ministry of Digital Development of Kazakhstan for this opportunity. I am truly impressed by the Digital Nomad Visa program. As an experienced IT professional with many years in the field, I am eager to contribute to Kazakhstan’s digital transformation and become part of its innovation ecosystem,” said Abdelmadjid Belmekki.

He also proposed expanding the official website of the program by adding more detailed information regarding taxation, legislation, business registration procedures, and benefits available to digital nomads.

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and Digital Nomad Residency (DNR) programs were launched in 2024 under the directive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The initiative aims to attract top international talent, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for IT professionals from countries that require a visa to enter Kazakhstan and offers a streamlined application process.

Launched in January 2025, the Digital Nomad Residency targets citizens of visa-exempt countries, providing an expedited path to residency.

Candidate qualifications and alignment with IT specializations are assessed by experts from Astana Hub, the country’s leading technology park.

To date, the program has received over 152 applications from 21 countries, including the United States, Canada, Turkey, Algeria, and several CIS states. The highest interest has been observed among professionals in software development, automation, and cybersecurity.

To ensure effective and rapid implementation, the Ministry has established a dedicated acceleration task force involving all relevant government bodies. Despite traditionally complex migration procedures, Kazakhstan has succeeded in launching a transparent and efficient mechanism for attracting digital nomads.

Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as a regional digital hub. The country not only draws international professionals but also actively invests in the development of domestic IT talent through educational, acceleration, and innovation programs.