Guide to Remote Work
Kazakhstan
Your remote work compliance peace of mind starts here. Let us handle the risks while you deliver an amazing employee benefit.
Time Zone
UTC: +5:00
Capital
Astana
Population
19.6 million
Languages
Kazakh (official), Russian widely spoken
Currency
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Offer workations as a key employee benefit
Empower your teams with safe and seamless workations. Our award-winning platform ensures compliance for start-ups to Fortune 500s.
Disclaimer
This country guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this guide contains general information, and although we update this guide regularly, it may not reflect current legal developments. Work from Anywhere disclaims any liability for any actions you take or refrain from taking based on the content contained in this country guide.
General
How can I mitigate tax and compliance risks associated with employees working remotely in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan requires close attention to immigration, tax, and labor compliance:
Visa & Work Permits: Ensure remote workers have valid visas and work permits to avoid legal penalties.
Tax Residency: Staying over 183 days in a 12-month period triggers residency, requiring income tax on global earnings.
Withholding Obligations: Employers may need to register locally to manage income tax and social contributions.
Employment Compliance: Contracts must adhere to Kazakh labor law, including termination rules and working hours.
EOR Solutions: Consider working with an Employer of Record to handle local payroll and HR compliance.
What are the cultural considerations for working abroad in Kazakhstan?
Navigating business in Kazakhstan requires a mix of formality and cultural sensitivity:
Hierarchy & Titles: Business culture is hierarchical—address colleagues formally and with respect.
Personal Connections: Relationship-building and trust are valued, so expect small talk before business.
Bilingual Communication: Kazakh is official, but Russian is commonly used in professional settings.
Meeting Norms: Punctuality is expected, though flexibility exists in some informal situations.
Cultural Traditions: Be aware of key holidays like Nauryz, and observe etiquette in greetings and attire.
What are the tax and employment compliance challenges of temporary remote working in Kazakhstan?
Even short stays can lead to compliance obligations in Kazakhstan:
Residency Triggers: 183+ days of presence makes a worker tax-resident.
Source Taxation: Non-residents are taxed on Kazakhstan-sourced income.
Work Permit Requirement: Foreigners generally need a valid work permit unless exempt.
Corporate Tax Exposure: A remote worker could trigger permanent establishment (PE) status.
Legal Risk: Non-compliance may lead to penalties or legal action, so legal advice is essential.
What are the best places to work remotely in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan offers several cities ideal for digital professionals:
Almaty: Popular among expats for its scenic surroundings, café culture, and SmArt.Point coworking hub.
Astana: The capital city has modern coworking spaces like iHub, strong infrastructure, and government proximity.
Shymkent & Aktau: Affordable alternatives with growing digital infrastructure and reliable internet.
Wi-Fi Cafés: Across major cities, you’ll find plenty of coffee shops with good internet for casual remote work.
What are the corporate tax and payroll implications of an employee working remotely in Kazakhstan?
Employers must assess both direct and indirect tax risks:
Permanent Establishment: If a worker’s role links to core business, PE risk and corporate taxes apply.
Income Tax: Residents are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents on Kazakh-sourced only.
Social Contributions: Employers must pay social taxes for employees officially hired in Kazakhstan.
Double Tax Relief: Kazakhstan has treaties to prevent dual taxation—review eligibility.
PEO Option: Consider a local PEO to handle taxes, payroll, and benefits.
Where can I find the Double Tax Agreements for Kazakhstan to research the impact of remote work?
If you’re interested in exploring the fine print around Double Tax Agreements with specific countries, you can find a list of those agreements below.
Visa & Immigration
Do I need to have the right to work when working remotely in Kazakhstan?
Yes. Anyone planning to work remotely from Kazakhstan must ensure they have the appropriate visa or residence status. Working without the right permit can expose both the employee and employer to compliance risks, including fines or restrictions.
Kazakhstan has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live and work legally from Kazakhstan. This visa provides a structured pathway for international remote work and allows foreign nationals to stay for up to 12 months, with the option to renew. Applicants must show proof of foreign employment or freelance work, sufficient income, accommodation, and valid health insurance.
What are the visa and work permit rules for remote workers in Kazakhstan?
The requirements depend on both the length of stay and the nature of the work:
Short-term stays (less than 90 days): Many foreign nationals can enter under visa-free or e-visa arrangements depending on their nationality. However, visa-free entry or a short-stay travel visa does not automatically grant the right to work remotely from Kazakhstan.
Longer stays (90+ days): Kazakhstan has introduced a remote-worker visa called the “Neo Nomad” visa (B12-1) and a more specialised “Digital Nomad” / remote-worker category (B9-1) aimed at professionals. Key aspects:
The Neo Nomad (B12-1) visa is valid for up to one year, with the possibility to extend for another year.
Applicants must show proof of remote work for non-Kazakhstani employers/clients, income of approximately USD 3,000 per month (or equivalent) and valid health insurance, plus a clean criminal record.
The B9-1 visa for “digital nomads” or high-skilled professionals may offer a pathway to permanent residence, but is targeted at select professions (e.g., IT) and has stricter criteria.
Staying beyond 183 days in a 12-month period may trigger tax residence obligations in Kazakhstan.
Nature of work: Under the Neo Nomad or digital-nomad categories:
Remote work must be carried out for employers or clients located outside Kazakhstan (i.e., foreign payer) — local employment for Kazakh business/legal entity is not permitted under these remote-worker visas.
If someone engages in local employment with a Kazakh employer or provides services to Kazakh clients while in Kazakhstan, they must obtain a standard work permit and work visa.
Employers should also review Permanent Establishment (PE) risk if employees spend significant time working from Kazakhstan — especially where such work involves client-facing activities, decision-making, or revenue generation tied to the Kazakh market.
Should an employee get health insurance coverage when working remotely in Kazakhstan?
Yes, health insurance is strongly recommended.
- Healthcare access: Kazakhstan’s healthcare system provides basic public services, but the quality and availability of care can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Private hospitals in major cities like Almaty and Astana generally offer better facilities and English-speaking staff.
- Insurance gaps: Foreign remote workers are not automatically covered under Kazakhstan’s public healthcare system unless they have local employment and make social security contributions. Private or international health insurance is therefore essential to cover medical expenses, hospital stays, and emergency evacuation.
- Visa requirement: Proof of valid health insurance is required for most long-term visas and residence permits, including those used by remote professionals and freelancers.
Is there a digital nomad visa for remote workers in Kazakhstan?
Yes, Kazakhstan has a Digital Nomad Visa. Here are the key details:
- Cost of Visa: Approx. $220
- Time to Implement: Around 5 working days
- Local Income Tax
- Payable: No, provided the applicant works exclusively for non-Kazakhstani employers and remains a non-resident
- Available to: Employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs working for foreign companies or clients
- Eligibility Criteria: Valid passport, proof of remote employment or business abroad, sufficient income, health insurance, and clean criminal record
- Minimum Income Requirement: Approx. $3,000 per month
Max Length of Visa: 1 year (renewable)
How do I ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations when allowing employees to work remotely in Kazakhstan ?
To remain compliant:
- Visa & permits: Confirm employees are using the correct visa type, as tourist visas do not authorise remote work. For extended stays, use a Temporary Residence Permit or a Business Visa, since Kazakhstan does not yet offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa. These permits enable foreigners to stay legally while working for employers or clients based outside Kazakhstan.
- Tax implications: Monitor whether employees spend more than 183 days in Kazakhstan within a 12-month period, as this generally triggers Kazakh tax residency and may result in local income tax obligations. Employers should also review Permanent Establishment (PE) exposure if employees perform core business functions tied to the Kazakh market.
- Legal counsel: Seek advice from both Kazakh immigration and tax professionals and home-country legal experts to ensure compliance with visa regulations, double-tax agreements, and employment obligations.
- Documentation: Maintain up-to-date records of visas, residence permits, employment contracts, tax filings, and health insurance coverage. These documents may be requested during audits, renewals, or compliance checks by Kazakh authorities.
Other Asia Pacific Countries
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Australia
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Bangladesh
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide EOR for China
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Hong Kong S.A.R.
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide EOR for India
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide EOR for Indonesia
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Japan
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Kazakhstan
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Malaysia
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Nepal
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for New Zealand
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide EOR for Pakistan
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide EOR for Philippines
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide EOR for Singapore
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide EOR for South Korea
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Sri Lanka
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Taiwan
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide EOR for Thailand
Work From Anywhere and Remote Hiring Policy HR Guide for Vietnam