Housing
Overall, the rental market in Kyrgyzstan in 2024 reflects significant growth, particularly in residential leases and short-term rentals, alongside rising housing prices and increased insurance coverage. In Bishkek, housing prices have escalated to $3,000 per square meter, positioning the city among the most expensive in Central Asia. In 2024, popular neighborhoods in Bishkek for expats include Vostok-5 for its modern infrastructure, Asanbay Center for its vibrant cultural scene, and Sverdlovskiy District for its lively atmosphere and proximity to markets. Oktyabrskiy District is ideal for families, while Alamedin offers a more local experience. Manas Avenue stands out for luxury living and cultural landmarks.
Average monthly rates in Bishkek
Studio
$350–$500
$700–$1,200
$1,000–$2,200
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$450–$850
Three-bedroom apartmen
Key Trends:
- Increasing housing supply due to new residential developments, especially in Bishkek.
- Affordable rental options remain available in smaller cities and rural areas.
- Growth of online rental platforms is improving transparency and accessibility for tenants.
Challenges:
- Rising rental prices, particularly in Bishkek.
- Limited tenant protections, with informal agreements still prevalent.
- Economic instability and inflation impacting affordability.
- Poor property maintenance.
Immigration
Kyrgyzstan maintains a liberal visa regime, allowing citizens of 51 countries to stay visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism, business, or private purposes. Additionally, citizens of 67 countries can apply for entry visas under a simplified e-visa procedure via the government platform. Bilateral agreements also provide visa-free stays ranging from 30 to 90 days for nationals of countries such as Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, India, and South Korea. Citizens of EAEU countries (Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus) and select others like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova enjoy unlimited visa-free stays.
In 2024, the visa regime expanded to include Gulf States nationals. From January 4, 2025, citizens of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain can stay visa-free for up to 180 days within a 360-day period for short-term visits. Long-term stays still require appropriate immigration permits. The change aims to stimulate tourism and boost Kyrgyzstan’s investment attractiveness.
Work in Kyrgyzstan typically requires a work permit sponsored by a local employer. Non-highly qualified specialists may need to apply under a quota system, while highly qualified specialists (HQS) benefit from simplified procedures, subject to certain salary and job requirements. Work permits are issued alongside W1 or W2 visas, while other common visa categories include student (S type), family (F type), and business (B type) visas.
Nationals of EAEU countries can work in Kyrgyzstan without a work permit or visa but must register their long-term stay through migration registration, which can be renewed based on a labor contract.
In 2024, the visa regime expanded to include Gulf States nationals. From January 4, 2025, citizens of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain can stay visa-free for up to 180 days within a 360-day period for short-term visits. Long-term stays still require appropriate immigration permits. The change aims to stimulate tourism and boost Kyrgyzstan’s investment attractiveness.
Work in Kyrgyzstan typically requires a work permit sponsored by a local employer. Non-highly qualified specialists may need to apply under a quota system, while highly qualified specialists (HQS) benefit from simplified procedures, subject to certain salary and job requirements. Work permits are issued alongside W1 or W2 visas, while other common visa categories include student (S type), family (F type), and business (B type) visas.
Nationals of EAEU countries can work in Kyrgyzstan without a work permit or visa but must register their long-term stay through migration registration, which can be renewed based on a labor contract.
Moving
Transportation: road transport is the most common method for transporting household goods to Kyrgyzstan. Major ports such as Poti (Georgia), with Manas International Airport (UCFM) being the primary air freight hub.
Customs Duties: import duties are calculated at 15% of the value of the goods or 2 €/kg, whichever is higher. Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from customs duties, and returning citizens are subject to specific allowances and exemptions.
Customs clearance typically takes 1-2 days.
Customs Duties: import duties are calculated at 15% of the value of the goods or 2 €/kg, whichever is higher. Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from customs duties, and returning citizens are subject to specific allowances and exemptions.
Customs clearance typically takes 1-2 days.
