Kyrgyzstan introduces unified residence, work permit system for foreigners

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved temporary regulations introducing a unified permit system that will allow foreign citizens and stateless persons to obtain a single document covering both residence and employment in the country.

Under the new rules, authorities will also begin issuing resident cards to eligible foreign nationals, with the regulations outlining the procedures for obtaining them, Caliber.Az reports via Kyrgyz media.

Responsibility for processing and issuing employment-related documents for foreigners has been temporarily transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic through the end of 2026.

The interim measures will remain in force until December 31, 2026. During this period, several earlier government decrees regulating visas and labour migration, including measures adopted in 2017 and 2019, have been suspended.

The Cabinet of Ministers has also approved higher fees for exit visas issued to foreigners who overstay their authorised period in the country. Under the revised rates, individuals who remain in Kyrgyzstan for more than three months beyond their permitted stay will be required to pay 17,500 Kyrgyz soms ($200) for an exit visa. Those overstaying for more than one year will face a fee of 192,500 soms ($2,201), with an additional charge of $1,100 for each subsequent year of overstay.

The resolution enters into force from the date of its official publication.

By Sabina Mammadli