Talent Visa

Permanent Residence Visa for In-Demand Professions

🎓 Qualifications
Must hold an educational diploma matching one of the approved in-demand professions in healthcare, engineering, IT, or creative industries
  • Healthcare: Neurosurgeon, Haematologist, Oncologist, Neonatologist, Endocrinologist, Anaesthesiologist, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist, Paediatrician, Radiology Diagnostician
  • Engineering: Research Engineer, Pharmaceutical Process Engineer, Aviation Engineer, Space Systems Engineer, Laser Equipment Engineer, Bacteriologist
  • IT: Software Architect, Software Developer, Mobile App Developer, Game Developer, AI Engineer, Big Data Specialist, Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Creative: Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Sound Engineer, Video Editor
⏱️ Duration
90-day entry visa leading to a permanent residence permit valid for up to 10 years
👪 Dependants
Yes
Spouse and minor children may be sponsored for permanent residence permits
🛂 Citizenship Path
Yes
The B9 visa is itself a pathway to permanent residence; the permanent residence permit is valid for up to 10 years and is renewable; permanent residents may apply for Kazakhstan citizenship after residing in the country continuously for 5 years

The Permanent Residence Visa for In-Demand Professions (visa category B9) allows foreign professionals with qualifications in designated high-demand fields to obtain permanent residence in Kazakhstan through a simplified procedure. The program targets highly qualified specialists in healthcare, natural sciences, engineering, digital development and IT, and creative industries. A key advantage is that qualifying applicants are fully exempt from the standard financial solvency requirements -- no bank statements or income documentation are needed.

Requirements
  • Educational diploma corresponding to one of the qualifying in-demand professions on the approved list
  • Qualifications must meet the National Classifier requirements including profession, skill level, specialisation, and qualification level
  • Petition from a government body in the relevant industry confirming the applicant meets professional requirements
  • Criminal record certificate from country of citizenship (valid 180 days)
  • Medical examination certificate (form 028/u) confirming absence of diseases from the prohibited list
  • No minimum income or financial solvency requirement
Required Documents

B9 visa (at embassy abroad):

  • Visa application form with photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
  • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond requested visa expiry, 2+ blank pages)
  • Copy of educational diploma matching the in-demand professions list
  • Consular fee payment (USD 80 single-entry, USD 200 multiple-entry)

Permanent residence permit (in Kazakhstan):

  • Application form
  • Valid passport (at least 180 days remaining validity)
  • Petition from a government body in the relevant industry
  • Criminal record certificate (not older than 180 days)
  • Medical examination certificate (form 028/u)
  • Notarised accommodation contract (minimum 180 calendar days)
  • One photograph (35 x 45 mm)
  • State fee payment
  • Fingerprinting (dactyloscopy) certificate
Duration & Renewal

The B9 visa is issued as a single-entry visa for up to 90 days, or as a multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days (issued once per year). The visa can be extended for up to 30 calendar days after submitting a permanent residence permit application. The permanent residence permit itself is valid for up to 10 years or the validity of the applicant's passport, whichever is shorter. The permit is renewable with updated documentation.

Family Members

Permanent residence permit holders may sponsor their spouse and minor children for their own permanent residence permits. Family members must submit standard documentation including passport, criminal record certificate, medical examination, and accommodation proof. Children aged 14-18 must provide notarised consent for permanent residence.

Tax Implications

Permanent residents who reside in Kazakhstan for 183 or more days per calendar year are considered tax residents, subject to a flat 10% individual income tax on worldwide income. Kazakhstan has double taxation treaties with over 50 countries.

Application Process
  1. Apply for a B9 visa at a Kazakhstan embassy or consulate abroad, submitting the educational diploma matching the in-demand professions list (processing takes up to 5 working days)
  2. Enter Kazakhstan and register with migration police within 5 calendar days of arrival
  3. Obtain a petition from the relevant government body in your professional field
  4. Submit the permanent residence permit application to the territorial migration police or a "Government for Citizens" office (in person or online via egov.kz)
  5. Receive a decision within 45 calendar days (standard) or 7 working days (expedited processing)
  6. Collect the foreigner's residence permit card upon approval

Citizens of countries with visa-free agreements with Kazakhstan may skip the B9 visa and apply directly for the permanent residence permit upon arrival.

Qualifying Professions

The approved list includes professions across four sectors:

  • Healthcare: Neurosurgeon, Haematologist, Oncologist, Neonatologist, Endocrinologist, Anaesthesiologist-Resuscitator, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist, Paediatrician, Radiology Diagnostician
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering: Research Engineer (inorganic/organic substances), Pharmaceutical Process Engineer, Aviation Engineer, Space System Engineer, Laser Equipment Engineer, Bacteriologist
  • Digital Development and IT: Software Architect, Software Developer, Mobile Application Developer, Game Developer, AI Engineer, Big Data Specialist, Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Creative Industries: Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Sound Engineer, Video Editor
Important Notes
  • The educational diploma must specifically match the professions on the approved list -- closely related but non-listed qualifications do not qualify
  • The permanent residence permit may be revoked if the holder does not work in their specified profession for at least 183 calendar days within any 12-month period
  • Holders who reside outside Kazakhstan continuously for more than 6 months without notifying migration police may have their permit revoked
  • All foreign-language documents must be officially translated into Kazakh or Russian and notarised
  • The B9 visa cannot be obtained by changing from a C3 work visa within Kazakhstan; applicants must exit and apply at a consulate abroad

Other Visa Programs in Asia

Country
Program
Income
Investment
Funds Required
Capital Required
Duration
Dependants
Citizenship
Compare
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
3 years — 5 years
Yes
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
Investor Temporary Residence Permit
AZN 100,000 one-time
1 year — 3 years
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇧🇭 Bahrain
Golden Residency Visa for Property Owners
BHD 130,000 one-time
10 years
Yes
No
🇧🇭 Bahrain
Golden Residency Visa for Talented Individuals
10 years
Yes
No
🇧🇭 Bahrain
Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit (Investor)
BHD 100,000 one-time
2 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇧🇭 Bahrain
Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit (Property Owner)
BHD 50,000 one-time
2 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇧🇭 Bahrain
Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit (Retired Foreigner)
BHD 500 / month
2 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
Investor Visa
$75,000 one-time
1 year — 5 years
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Digital Nomad Residence Programme
No minimum income thresho...
1 year — 2 years
No
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Investor Card
BTN 15,000,000 one-time
3 years
Yes
Yes (20yr)
🇰🇭 Cambodia
Cambodia My 2nd Home (CM2H)
$100,000 one-time
10 years
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇰🇭 Cambodia
Retirement Visa (ER Extension of Stay)
$1,500 / month
1 month — 1 year
No
Yes
🇨🇳 China
Permanent Residence Permit (Investment Category)
$500,000 one-time
Permanent
Yes
Yes
🇨🇳 China
Private Affairs Residence Permit (Entrepreneurship)
CN¥50,000 one-time
1 year — 5 years
Yes
🇬🇪 Georgia
Investment Residence Permit
$300,000 one-time
5 years
Yes
Yes (10yr)
🇬🇪 Georgia
IT Residence Permit
$25,000 / year
3 years
Yes
Yes (10yr)
🇬🇪 Georgia
Remotely from Georgia
$2,000 / month
6 months — 1 year
Yes
🇬🇪 Georgia
Short-Term Residence Permit (Property Ownership)
$150,000 one-time
1 year
Yes
Yes
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs
No fixed minimum; must de...
3 years
Yes
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
HK$30,000,000 one-time
2 years — Permanent
Yes
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
3 years — 8 years
Yes
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Top Talent Pass Scheme
HK$2,500,000 / year
2 years — 3 years
Yes
🇮🇳 India
Permanent Residency Status for Foreign Investors
₹100,000,000 one-time
10 years — 20 years
Yes
Yes
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Golden Visa (Global Talent)
$2,000 / month
5 years — 10 years
Yes
No
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Golden Visa (Investor)
$350,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Remote Worker KITAS
$60,000 / year
1 year — 2 years
Yes
Yes
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Retirement KITAS
$1,500 / month
1 year — 5 years
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Silver Hair Visa
$3,000 / month
5 years — 10 years
Yes
🇮🇷 Iran
Investor Residence Permit
€100,000 one-time
2 years — 5 years
Yes
Yes
🇮🇷 Iran
Special Residence Permit for Non-Iranian Elites
1 year — 5 years
Yes
Yes
🇮🇶 Iraq
Investment Residency
No fixed minimum investme...
1 year
No
Yes
🇮🇱 Israel
B/5 Investor Visa
$220,000 one-time
2 years
Yes
🇮🇱 Israel
Innovation Visa for Foreign Entrepreneurs
No minimum capital requir...
1 year — 2 years
Yes
🇯🇵 Japan
Business Manager Visa
¥30,000,000 one-time
6 months — 5 years
Yes
Yes
🇯🇵 Japan
Designated Activities (Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation)
¥30,000,000 one-time
6 months — 1 year
Yes
No
🇯🇵 Japan
Digital Nomad Visa
¥10,000,000 / year
6 months
Yes
No
🇯🇵 Japan
Future Creation Individual Visa (J-Find)
6 months — 2 years
Yes
🇯🇵 Japan
Startup Visa
No fixed minimum capital ...
1 year — 2 years
No
🇯🇴 Jordan
Annual Residence Permit Based on Bank Deposit
JOD 10,000 one-time
1 year — 5 years
Yes
Yes
🇯🇴 Jordan
Citizenship by Investment
JOD 500,000 one-time
3 years — Permanent
Yes
Yes (3yr)
🇯🇴 Jordan
Residency by Investment
JOD 200,000 one-time
5 years
Yes
Yes
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
A6 Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
$300,000 one-time
10 years
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
C5 Business Immigrant Visa
No minimum capital for sm...
90 days — 2 years
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
Digital Nomad Residency
No minimum income require...
1 year — 10 years
No
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
Neo Nomad Visa
$3,000 / month
1 year — 2 years
Yes
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
Permanent Residence Visa for In-Demand Professions
90 days — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇰🇼 Kuwait
Investor Residency Permit
No fixed minimum — KDIPA ...
5 years — 15 years
Yes
Yes
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
Digital Nomad Status
No fixed minimum income t...
60 days — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
Investment Visa
KGS 10,000,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
🇱🇦 Laos
Investor Visa (NI-B2)
No universal fixed minimu...
3 months — 5 years
Yes
Yes
🇱🇧 Lebanon
Annual Residence Permit (Cash Bond Deposit)
Cash bond of 1,500,000,00...
1 year
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇱🇧 Lebanon
Permanent Residence Permit (Financial Independence)
Cash guarantee of 4,500,0...
3 years
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇲🇴 Macau
Major Investment Temporary Residency
No fixed statutory minimu...
18 months — 3 years
Yes
🇲🇴 Macau
Talent Recruitment Residence Permit
3 years — 5 years
Yes
🇲🇾 Malaysia
DE Rantau Nomad Pass
$2,000 / month
3 months — 2 years
Yes
No
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
MYR 675,000 one-time
5 years — 20 years
Yes
No
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP)
MYR 50,000 one-time
1 year — 5 years
Yes
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
MYR 1,000,000 one-time
20 years
Yes
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)
MYR 15,000 / month
10 years
Yes
🇲🇻 Maldives
Corporate Resident Visa
$250,000 one-time
5 years
Yes
No
🇲🇳 Mongolia
Investor Visa
$100,000 one-time
1 year — 3 years
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇳🇵 Nepal
Residential Visa for Investors
$100,000 one-time
1 year
Yes
Yes
🇳🇵 Nepal
Residential Visa for Persons of Exceptional Merit
1 year
Yes
No
🇳🇵 Nepal
Residential Visa for Retirees
$20,000 / year
1 year
Yes
No
🇴🇲 Oman
Golden Residency Program
OMR 250,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇴🇲 Oman
Retiree Residence Card
OMR 4,000 / month
5 years
Yes
Yes
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Business-Investor Visa
$50,000 one-time
1 year — 5 years
Yes
Yes
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Long-Term Residency (LTR)
$50,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
No
🇵🇭 Philippines
Digital Nomad Visa
$2,000 / month
1 year — 2 years
No
🇵🇭 Philippines
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
$75,000 one-time
Permanent
Yes
Yes (10yr)
🇵🇭 Philippines
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
$800 / month
Permanent
Yes
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Mustaqel Visa (Entrepreneur)
QAR 250,000 one-time
5 years
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Mustaqel Visa (Talent)
5 years
Yes
🇶🇦 Qatar
Real Estate Investment Residency
QAR 730,000 one-time
1 year — 5 years
Yes
Yes
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Entrepreneur Residency
SAR 400,000 one-time
5 years — Permanent
Yes
No
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Gifted Premium Residency
5 years
Yes
Yes
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Investor Residency
SAR 7,000,000 one-time
Permanent
Yes
Yes
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Real Estate Owner Residency
SAR 4,000,000 one-time
1 year
Yes
Yes
🇸🇬 Singapore
EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)
SGD 100,000 one-time
1 year — 2 years
Yes
🇸🇬 Singapore
Global Investor Programme (GIP)
SGD 10,000,000 one-time
Permanent
Yes
Yes (2yr)
🇸🇬 Singapore
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
SGD 30,000 / month
5 years
Yes
🇸🇬 Singapore
Tech.Pass
SGD 22,500 / month
2 years — 4 years
Yes
🇰🇷 South Korea
D-10 Job Seeker Visa
Must demonstrate sufficie...
6 months — 1 year
No
🇰🇷 South Korea
Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business
₩1,500,000,000 one-time
2 years — Permanent
Yes
🇰🇷 South Korea
Permanent Residence for Overseas Pension Beneficiaries
$6,083 / month
Permanent
Yes
Yes
🇰🇷 South Korea
Technology Startup Visa
No fixed minimum capital ...
1 year — 2 years
Yes
🇰🇷 South Korea
Tourism and Leisure Facility Investment Immigration
₩1,000,000,000 one-time
2 years — Permanent
Yes
🇰🇷 South Korea
Workation (Digital Nomad) Visa
$6,083 / month
1 year — 2 years
Yes
No
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Colombo Port City Investor Visa
$100,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
No
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Condominium Investment Visa
$75,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
No
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Digital Nomad Visa
$2,000 / month
1 year
Yes
No
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Golden Paradise Residence Visa
$100,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
No
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Individual Investor Residence Visa
$100,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
No
🇸🇾 Syria
Investment Residency Permit
No fixed minimum threshol...
1 year — Permanent
Yes
Yes
🇹🇼 Taiwan
Digital Nomad Visitor Visa
$40,000 / year
6 months — 2 years
No
Yes
🇹🇼 Taiwan
Employment Gold Card
1 year — 3 years
Yes
Yes (3yr)
🇹🇼 Taiwan
Entrepreneur Visa
NT$2,000,000 one-time
2 years
Yes
🇹🇼 Taiwan
Investor Resident Visa
$200,000 one-time
1 year — 5 years
Yes
🇹🇼 Taiwan
Plum Blossom Card (Investment APRC)
NT$15,000,000 one-time
Permanent
Yes
Yes
🇹🇯 Tajikistan
Investor Visa (Category C)
$500,000 one-time
2 years — 5 years
Yes
Yes
🇹🇭 Thailand
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
THB 500,000 / funds
180 days — 5 years
Yes
No
🇹🇭 Thailand
Long-Term Resident Visa (Work-from-Thailand Professionals)
$80,000 / year
5 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇹🇭 Thailand
LTR Visa (Wealthy Global Citizens)
$500,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
🇹🇭 Thailand
LTR Visa (Wealthy Pensioners)
$80,000 / year
5 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇹🇭 Thailand
Non-Immigrant Visa (Investment)
THB 10,000,000 one-time
1 year
Yes
Yes
🇹🇭 Thailand
Non-Immigrant Visa O-A (Long Stay)
THB 65,000 / month
1 year
Yes
🇹🇭 Thailand
Non-Immigrant Visa O-X (Long Stay 10 Years)
THB 3,000,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
🇹🇭 Thailand
SMART Visa S (Startup)
THB 600,000 one-time
6 months — 2 years
Yes
Yes
🇹🇱 Timor-Leste
Business Visa Class II
No minimum capital thresh...
6 months — 2 years
Yes
🇹🇱 Timor-Leste
Investor Residence Authorization
$1,500,000 one-time
2 years — Permanent
Yes
🇹🇷 Turkey
Citizenship by Investment
$400,000 one-time
5 years — Permanent
Yes
Yes
🇹🇷 Turkey
Digital Nomad Visa
$3,000 / month
1 year
Yes
🇹🇷 Turkey
Short-Term Residence Permit (Tourism Purpose)
$1,200 / month
6 months — 2 years
Yes
🇹🇷 Turkey
Turkiye TechVisa (Startup)
3 years
Yes
🇹🇷 Turkey
Turquoise Card
3 years — Permanent
Yes
Yes
🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
Investor Residence Permit
$500,000 one-time
5 years
Yes
Yes (7yr)
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Golden Visa (Entrepreneur)
AED 500,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Golden Visa (Investor)
AED 2,000,000 one-time
5 years — 10 years
Yes
Yes
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Golden Visa (Talented Individuals)
10 years
Yes
Yes
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Green Visa (Freelancer / Self-Employed)
AED 360,000 / year
5 years
Yes
Yes
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Green Visa (Investor/Partner)
AED 1,000,000 one-time
5 years
Yes
Yes
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Job Exploration Visa
Must prove sufficient fun...
60 days
No
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Retirement Visa
AED 20,000 / month
5 years
Yes
No
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Virtual Work Residence Permit
$3,500 / month
1 year
Yes
No
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
Golden Visa
$250,000 one-time
5 years
Yes
No
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
Investment Visa
$280,500 one-time
3 years — Permanent
Yes
Yes (5yr)
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
IT Visa
$2,500 / month
1 year — 3 years
Yes
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Investor Visa (DT1-DT4)
₫3,000,000,000 one-time
1 year — 10 years
Yes
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Special Visa Exemption Card
5 years
No
Yes