New procedure for registration of foreigners in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a country in Central Asia with a population of about 7 million people. Its capital and largest city is Bishkek. The country is known for its mountainous landscape and rich traditions of nomadic culture.

In 2024, the country's immigration quota for migrants was set at a level similar to previous years. For Bishkek, for example, the quota was 200 people.

In the autumn of this year, a new government decree No. 437 began to take effect in Kyrgyzstan. According to it, for citizens of countries with a visa-free stay, such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Moldova, updated registration requirements are introduced if they stay in Kyrgyzstan for more than 60 days for personal purposes.

Requirements for a long stay

Previously, persons residing in the EAEU countries could stay in the Kyrgyz Republic for 6 months without registration with the possibility of extension. However, now the procedure takes place only upon presentation of one of the following documents:

• Residence permit.
• A certificate without citizenship.
• The "Kairylman" certificate (for ethnic Kyrgyz returning to their homeland).
• The certificate of the "Meken-kart" (a special status for foreign compatriots).

This rule does not apply to cases governed by international agreements to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party.

The period of visa-free stay:

• half of the 180-day period for persons legally residing on the lands of the Eurasian Economic Union; 
• up to two months within 120 days for citizens of Tajikistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Moldova.

In the absence of registration, foreigners are required to fly from Kyrgyzstan. The next visit is possible after 2-3 months.

Changes to the residence permit

Moreover, the amendments provide for the option of obtaining a residence permit for long-term residents. The document will take two weeks to complete, and it will be issued for 365 days with the right to an annual extension, but not more than 5 years. You can apply for a residence permit at the Department of Population Registration or at any Public Service Center.

Some groups of travelers do not need to check in on arrival within the prescribed time limit:

• Azerbaijan is two weeks old.
• Tajikistan is 2 months old.
• Georgia is 3 months old.
• Armenia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus — one month.
• Moldovans should register after arriving in the Kyrgyz Republic in the first five days, not counting weekends.

How to get a document

To obtain a residence permit in Kyrgyzstan, you need to follow several steps, depending on the grounds (study, work, investment, family reunification, etc.). Here is the general procedure:

1. Submitting an application. You need to submit a dossier to the Passport Control Service/ migration authorities in your city.
2. The review process. Your application will be reviewed within a few months. In some cases, additional time will be required to verify the data provided.

Documents:

• Statement.
• Passport (international passport) and its notarized copies.
• Documents confirming the basis for a residence permit (for example, an employment contract, a letter from an educational institution or a marriage certificate).
• A medical certificate on the state of health, including the absence of infectious diseases.
• Photos (of a certain format, check with local authorities).
• A certificate of no criminal record from your country.
• Documents on the availability of housing in Kyrgyzstan (lease agreement or property).