Kyrgyzstan: new rules of stay for visitors from certain visa-free countries
We would like to inform you about the amendments to the procedure for registration and issuance of residence permits in Kyrgyzstan affecting nationals of EAEU countries, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Moldova, and Georgia.
Which law introduces the changes?
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic dated July 31, 2024, No. 437 "On matters of stay of foreign citizens and stateless persons in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic"
What are the changes?
1. Effective 5 September 2024, the registration of nationals of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Russia, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Georgia is conducted for a period exceeding the total limit of stay in Kyrgyzstan only if they have documents granting them a right for a longer stay, depending on the purpose of entry.
Intermark comment
We remind you, that in connection with the cancellation of the ‘visa run’ practice that we reported earlier, the following limits of cumulative visa-free stay in Kyrgyzstan were introduced:
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EAEU Countries (Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Russia) – 90 days in a period of 180 days
- Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia – 60 days in a period of 120 days
Consecutive stay of these nationals without registering in Kyrgyzstan is limited as follows:
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EAEU countries – up to 30 days
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Tajikistan – up to 60 days
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Azerbaijan – up to 15 days
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Moldova – up to 5 working days
- Georgia – up to 90 days
Previously, nationals of these countries were able to register freely for up to 6 months from the day of entry, also for provide reasons.
Now the registration for any duration above the limit of cumulative stay is performed based on additional documents, such as a labour contract, a work or residence permit.
2. Nationals of these countries who wish to stay in Kyrgyzstan above the limit of cumulative stay for private purposes, are now given an opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) with a subsequent registration for the period of its validity.
The TRP is not required for a long-term registration of those, who hold certificates of being a stateless person, an ethnic Kyrgyz, or a compatriot.
The TRP can be issued for up to 1 year with a possibility or yearly renewals, up to 5 years in total.
Intermark comment
The new option of obtaining a TRP for private purposes is a positive novelty in our estimation – it compensates for the withdrawal of the 6-month registration rule.
Applying for a TRP requires more comprehensive documentation, but it will grant the right to stay in Kyrgyzstan for private purposes for up to 1 year with the possibility of renewals, while the expiry of a 6-month registration meant that a person had to exit the country or o extend the period of stay based on different grounds (employment, study, or entrepreneurial activity).
Intermark will be happy to support applications for all documents required to stay in Kyrgyzstan. If you require assistance, please feel free to send your request to immigrations@intermarkrelocation.com