Moving to Kyrgyzstan

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Kyrgyzstan largely depends on your nationality. Citizens from some countries, particularly those within the European Union and a select few others, may enjoy visa-free entry for certain periods, typically 30 or 60 days. For longer stays or for citizens of other nations, a visa is generally required.

Common routes for obtaining a long-term stay or residence permit include:

• Work Visa/Permit: If you have secured employment with a Kyrgyz company, your employer will typically sponsor your work visa and subsequent work permit application. This is a common path for expatriates.
• Family Reunification: If you have a spouse or close family member who is a citizen or legal resident of Kyrgyzstan, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa.
• Study Visa: For those enrolled in an educational institution in Kyrgyzstan, a study visa is the appropriate category.
• Investor Visa/Residence Permit: Individuals making significant investments in the Kyrgyz economy may qualify for special investor visas or residence permits.
• Other Residence Permits: Depending on specific circumstances, other categories of residence permits may be available.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements and procedures directly with the official embassy or consulate of Kyrgyzstan in your home country, or with the State Registration Service of Kyrgyzstan once you are in the country. Regulations can change, and individual circumstances may require specific documentation.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in Bishkek, is generally straightforward, though options can vary in quality and price. Most expatriates opt to rent apartments or houses.

Here's how to navigate the housing market:

• Real Estate Agents: Using a local real estate agent is the most common and often the most efficient way to find housing. They have access to a wider range of properties and can assist with negotiations and paperwork. Be aware that agent fees are typically paid by the tenant, often equivalent to one month's rent.
• Online Portals: Several local online platforms and social media groups cater to rental listings. While these can offer direct-from-owner options, be cautious and always verify listings.
• Word-of-Mouth: Networking with other expats already in Kyrgyzstan can sometimes lead to direct rental opportunities.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: Schedule visits to several properties to compare options.
• Negotiation: Rent prices can sometimes be negotiated, especially for longer lease terms.
• Lease Agreement: A written lease agreement is standard. Ensure it clearly outlines the rent, lease duration, responsibilities of both landlord and tenant, and terms for early termination. It's advisable to have the contract in both Russian/Kyrgyz and English, or to have a trusted translator review it.
• Deposit: A security deposit, usually equivalent to one month's rent, is standard. This is held by the landlord to cover potential damages and is refundable at the end of the lease, assuming the property is returned in good condition.
• Utilities: Clarify whether utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) are included in the rent or are to be paid separately by the tenant.

For temporary housing upon arrival, consider short-term apartment rentals or hotels, especially if you plan to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a long-term lease.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Kyrgyzstan is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact prices will always come from a personalized quote.

• Volume of Goods: This is perhaps the biggest factor. The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This includes furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and any vehicles.
• Distance: The origin country and its distance from Kyrgyzstan significantly impact shipping costs. Longer distances generally mean higher freight charges.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes result in higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• Access and Logistics: The ease of access at both your origin and destination locations plays a role. Difficult access (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator, remote locations) can necessitate additional equipment or manual labor, increasing costs.
• Shipping Method: Air freight is significantly faster but more expensive than sea freight (if applicable, depending on origin) or overland transport.
• Insurance: While an additional cost, insuring your belongings against loss or damage during transit is highly recommended.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: Depending on the type and value of goods, and your residency status, you may incur customs duties or import taxes upon arrival in Kyrgyzstan.
• Additional Services: Opting for services like professional packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, or storage solutions will add to the overall cost.

For a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's essential to request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-planned relocation typically spans 4 to 8 weeks, allowing ample time for preparation and minimizing stress.

8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter and Downsize: Go through all your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Moving fewer items saves money and simplifies the process.
• Research Visas & Residence: Start investigating the specific visa and residence permit requirements for your nationality and purpose of stay.
• Obtain Quotes: Contact relocation123.com for a free quote for your move.

6 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Confirm Visa Application: Begin gathering all necessary documents for your visa application.
• Notify Important Parties: Inform your landlord (if renting), utility companies, and subscription services of your impending move.
• Gather Important Documents: Collect passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, and financial statements. Keep these in a secure, easily accessible folder that you will carry with you.

4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need immediately, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items.
• Arrange for Utilities: Plan for the disconnection of utilities at your current residence and research utility providers in Kyrgyzstan.
• Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical or dental appointments. Obtain copies of prescriptions and consider a supply of essential medications.

2 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Change of Address: Notify banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your new contact details.
• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a separate bag with essentials for your journey and the first few days in Kyrgyzstan (clothes, toiletries, important documents, medications).
• Confirm Travel Arrangements: Finalize flights and initial accommodation in Kyrgyzstan.

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Final Packing: Complete all remaining packing. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.
• Defrost Freezer: If moving appliances, defrost and clean your freezer.
• Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm all details with your chosen relocation service.

Moving Day:

• Supervise Loading: Be present to answer questions and ensure all items are accounted for.
• Final Walk-Through: Do a final check of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Ready to make your move to Kyrgyzstan? Request a free quote on relocation123.com today!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Kyrgyzstan: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be an exciting adventure, and understanding customs regulations is key to a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when bringing your belongings into Kyrgyzstan.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Non-Resident)

As a non-resident moving to Kyrgyzstan, you'll need to navigate specific customs procedures for your household goods and personal effects. Be prepared for import duties, fees, and VAT based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of your shipment. This value is determined from your waybill and your detailed, valued inventory.

What you'll need

• Passport copy
• Valid local visa copy (must be valid on shipment arrival)
• Document copy with Individual Identification Number (INN)
• Employment confirmation on employer's letterhead (3 originals)
• Notarized power of attorney for your local agent to handle customs (3 originals)
• Notarized power of attorney for rail terminal handling, if applicable (2 originals)
• Customs brokerage agreement (2 originals)
• Valid diplomatic card copy, if applicable

Good to know

• An SCNS-KR permission is mandatory for electronic appliances, costing approximately EUR 80 / USD 100. This process typically takes 12-14 working days.
• Customs clearance for non-diplomatic shipments usually takes 4-5 working days once all documents are in order and fees are paid. Diplomatic shipments take 3-4 working days.
• Import customs duty can range from 0-20% of the CIF value + net weight (depending on origin and commodity).
• A customs fee of 0.4% of the customs value applies per declaration.
• Customs VAT is 12% of the CIF value + customs duty + customs fee.
• Customs charges are estimates and the exact cost is assessed during clearance.
• Avoid including insurance documents with high declared values in your shipment, as customs charges are based on declared values in shipping documents.
• Any difference in exchange rates between the preliminary declaration and actual clearance dates must be paid.

If you're a returning resident

Returning residents also face import customs charges for their household goods. Ensure all your documentation is precise and complete to avoid delays.

What you'll need

• ID card copy
• Notarized power of attorney for your local agent to handle customs (3 originals)
• Notarized power of attorney for rail terminal handling, if applicable (2 originals)
• Employment confirmation on employer's letterhead (3 originals)
• Customs brokerage agreement (2 originals)

Good to know

• The same customs duties, fees, and VAT apply as for non-residents.
• Customs clearance typically takes 4-5 working days.
• Ensure your packing list is highly detailed, describing each item specifically (e.g., "3 ceramic pots," not "kitchenware").

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Information on vehicle import is not available in the provided source.

Pets

Bringing your furry friends to Kyrgyzstan requires careful planning and specific documentation. Importing pets is restricted, and some animals (especially birds) from certain countries may face prohibitions or long quarantines.

What you'll need

• International Veterinary Certificate
• Vaccination certificate (vaccinations must be done 60-30 days before departure)
• Copy of the pet's original international passport
• Import Health Certificate Form 15 (if vet passport is unavailable)
• Invoice for pet (owner's data, pet's name, color, quantity, country of origin, purchasing value)
• Owner's ticket copy (for accompanied pets only)
• Power of Attorney (if pet is unaccompanied, must be issued in Kyrgyzstan)
• Owner's passport copy, IIN, and visa copy

Good to know

• For more than two unaccompanied pets, official permission from Kyrgyzstani veterinary authorities is required prior to shipping. This permission should be obtained by the consignee and can take 7-10 working days.
• All pet documents must be verified by your local agent's Customs Division and local veterinary authorities at least 10-15 days before the pet's planned arrival.
• Accompanied pets are exempt from customs charges. Unaccompanied pets will incur customs charges, which can be estimated by your agent upon request.

Restricted & prohibited items

Be aware of items that are either restricted (requiring special permission) or completely prohibited from import.

Restricted Items:

• Electronics: Many electronic devices require permission from the State Committee for National Security (SCNS-KR). This includes computers, laptops, printers, scanners, video players, home theater systems, stereos, phones (including mobile and cordless), alarm systems, cameras, webcams, GPS navigators, Wi-Fi routers, modems, drones, and other wireless/Bluetooth equipment. The application for permission lists model, make, and serial number, and takes approximately 12-14 working days.
• Satellite antennas or GPS navigators (including radio-electronic equipment): These require additional import permission from the Radio Frequency Control Department, which also takes about 12-14 working days.
• Carpets, paintings, musical instruments, objects of art, antique items, large souvenirs, and other artifacts: For future export, you will need proof of their import. Prepare a detailed list including author, artifact name, dimensions, material, description, value, year of production, and photos. Musical instruments should have their original passport.

Prohibited Items:

• New items (household goods shipments should only contain used items)
• Cash
• Food items (including dry, canned fish and meat, spices)
• Jewelry, precious stones, other high-value items, sets & collections
• Articles made of precious metals (gold, silver), including silverware
• Beverages, including alcohol (except 3 liters for diplomats)
• Weapons, ammunition
• Toxic / Radioactive materials
• Flammables
• Pornography
• Religious information or items
• Rare animal & bird species, skins, horns
• Stuffed animals & birds
• Books older than 50 years
• Used tires
• Plants
• Soil
• Any equipment containing Freon
• Printing/Audio/Video materials with:
  • Extremism & terrorism information
  • Pornography
  • Propaganda about elections & referendums, violation of Customs Union laws
  • Propaganda of Nazi symbols & attributes, or similar symbols
  • Any information harmful to the political, economic interests, state security, health, or morals of the Kyrgyz Republic

Alcohol & tobacco

Import of alcohol is generally not permitted. Diplomats are allowed to import up to 3 liters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the basis for customs charges?
Customs charges are based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value listed in your waybill and other shipping documentation, along with the declared value in your detailed inventory.

Why is a detailed packing list so important?
Customs authorities require a highly detailed packing list in both Russian and English. General descriptions like "kitchenware" are unacceptable. You must specify items like "3 ceramic pots" or "18 spoons." For electronics, include manufacturer, model, and serial number.

Can I include new items in my household goods shipment?
No, household goods shipments must be declared as "used household goods" and should not contain new items.

How long does customs clearance take?
For non-diplomatic shipments, it typically takes 4-5 working days. Diplomatic shipments usually clear in 3-4 working days, provided all documents are in order.

What happens if there are discrepancies in my documents?
Any discrepancies in weight, value, or other information across your documents will cause significant delays and may result in your cargo being held by customs authorities.

Are customs charges fixed?
No, customs charges can only be estimated by your local agent. The exact cost is assessed during the actual customs clearance process.

For personalized assistance with your move to Kyrgyzstan, please contact relocation123.com.

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