Kazakhstan has officially joined the global residency-by-investment landscape with the launch of its Golden Visa program in late 2024. This initiative aims to position the country as Central Asia’s premier investment hub, attracting high-net-worth individuals and global investors seeking new frontiers for opportunity, stability, and growth.
Kazakhstan introduces 3 new visas to attract global talent
- Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) - for remote workers;
- Digital Nomad Visa (B9-1) - for IT professionals;
- Permanent Residents Visa (B9) - for skilled professionals
A new gateway for career growth, business, and remote work #DigitalNomad #WorkAbroad #NeoNomad
The program is part of Kazakhstan’s broader vision to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil exports, and become a dynamic business and financial center linking Asia and Europe.
Ease of Doing Business and Legal Certainty
Kazakhstan earned global recognition by ranking 25th in the World Bank’s final Ease of Doing Business report (2020)—ahead of many EU and G20 countries. Although the World Bank has since discontinued these rankings, Kazakhstan has continued its pro-business reforms.
A key pillar of this progress is the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), a special jurisdiction that:
Operates under UK common law principles
Offers zero corporate and personal income taxes for certain activities
Provides independent dispute resolution through its own court and arbitration center
Uses English as the working language, reducing barriers for international investors
Investment Requirements and Options
To qualify for Kazakhstan’s Golden Visa, applicants must invest between USD 300,000 and USD 500,000, depending on the route selected. Eligible investments include:
Real estate in designated urban zones
Equity stakes in local Kazakh businesses or joint ventures
Government bonds or AIFC financial products
Compared to European or GCC Gulf cooperation council programs, Kazakhstan’s entry point is relatively low-cost, offering strong value for money and a foothold in an emerging but rapidly developing economy.
Residency Benefits and Terms
Successful applicants receive a 5- to 10-year renewable residency permit, with the right to include spouses and dependent children under the same application. While the visa does not automatically lead to citizenship, long-term residents can apply for naturalization after fulfilling residency and integration criteria.
Residency holders enjoy:
Freedom to live, invest, and conduct business in Kazakhstan
Access to modern healthcare, education, and banking systems
Eligibility to register a business or hold property with equal rights as locals
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, strategically located between China, Russia, and the Caspian Sea, making it an essential node in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Middle Corridor trade routes.
With over $30 billion in infrastructure investments, Kazakhstan boasts:
Modern highways and railways connecting East and West
Regional air hubs in Almaty and Astana and a world class airline air astana
Free trade access to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)—a market of over 180 million consumers
This geographic position makes Kazakhstan ideal for logistics, manufacturing, agribusiness, and energy investments.
Favorable Tax Regime and Investor Protections
Kazakhstan has signed double taxation treaties with more than 50 countries, including Singapore, Switzerland, Germany, and the UAE, reducing tax burdens for international investors.
The Kazakhstan government offers:
0% corporate income tax for AIFC-registered financial firms
Stable macroeconomic policies backed by IMF and World Bank cooperation
Strong investor protection laws and a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) framework with major economies
Additionally, the tenge (KZT) has remained broadly stable due to effective monetary policy, providing more confidence for long-term planning.
Growing International Interest
The Golden Visa is already gaining traction among investors from:
Russia, China, and Central Asian neighbors seeking safe havens
Middle Eastern family offices exploring Silk Road-linked opportunities
European investors looking beyond traditional destinations like Portugal and Greece
Kazakhstan’s natural resource wealth, educated population, and rising urban middle class make it attractive for long-term asset allocation.
Comparison with Other Programs
While Portugal and Greece emphasize lifestyle and tourism, Kazakhstan’s program is designed for those focused on emerging market growth, capital access, and strategic positioning.
Key advantages include:
Lower investment threshold than most European programs
Business-focused framework with modern legal infrastructure
Access to multiple growth markets through Kazakhstan’s trade agreements
Future Outlook
Kazakh officials aim to attract at least 1,000 investors within the program’s first two years. Plans are underway to:
Expand eligibility to tech entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and fintech startups
Introduce special tax incentives for green and innovation-led businesses
Launch real estate development zones for Golden Visa investors
The country is also leveraging its AI, mining, and renewable energy sectors to draw impact-driven capital and strategic investors.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan’s Golden Visa offers a compelling proposition for those seeking affordable residency, regional influence, and strategic diversification. With a strong legal framework, favourable tax policies, and a rapidly modernizing economy, Kazakhstan is poised to emerge as a leading player in the global residency-by-investment arena.
As global investors look beyond saturated markets, Kazakhstan’s open-door policy and pro-business market economy may prove to be Central Asia’s best-kept opportunity. Smart money investors & global citizens should take notice.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Residency-by-investment programs are subject to change, and their terms, conditions, and requirements may vary over time. Applicants should conduct their own due diligence and consult with licensed immigration advisors, legal counsel, and financial professionals before making any investment or application decisions. The granting of residency or citizenship is at the sole discretion of the host country’s authorities and is not guaranteed by fulfilling the minimum investment criteria alone.
Rainer Michael Preiss, Partner & Portfolio Strategist at Das Family Office in Singapore
