What is Temporary Registration?
According to Kyrgyz law, foreigners must register in the country (temporary registration), commonly known as “obtaining residency,” within 5 working days after crossing the border. However, citizens of 92 countries are exempt from this requirement for a specified period, which can be checked on the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic. If your visit to Kyrgyzstan does not exceed the allowed period, registration is not required.
For example, citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, and some other countries can stay in Kyrgyzstan without registration for up to 30 days. If your stay exceeds this period, registration becomes mandatory, and failure to comply may result in a fine of 5,500 KGS. The same 5,500 KGS fine applies for overdue registration.
Why is Registration Important?
In addition to serving as an identification document that legalizes a foreigner’s stay, registration—along with a Personal Identification Number (PIN)—is crucial for many activities, including:
- Registering a business
- Applying for Kyrgyz citizenship through a simplified process
- Opening a bank account
Visa Runs and Registration Rules in 2025
Previously, visa runs (exiting and re-entering the country to reset the allowed stay) were common. In 2025, the system works as follows:
- Citizens of EAEU countries (including Russians) can stay in Kyrgyzstan using the entry-exit scheme every 90 days if they have not legalized their stay.
- After 90 days, they must leave the country for 90 days before returning.
- They must also register within 30 days after arrival.
The only alternative to registration is obtaining Digital Nomad Status, available for Russians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Azerbaijanis, Armenians, and Moldovans. Digital nomads do not require a visa, residency registration, or a work permit. They receive a PIN and can legally:
- Engage in entrepreneurial activities
- Register an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) or a company in Kyrgyzstan
- Use banking services
How to Obtain Temporary Registration?
Temporary registration (or residency registration) must be done at a Public Service Center (TsON).
- The process takes around 10 minutes (excluding waiting time in queues).
- The state fee is 110 KGS, payable on the day of submission.
- To avoid long queues, you can book an appointment via the Earlyone app.
If your landlord cannot register you, you can contact specialized agencies that provide this service. Their ads can be found on specialized websites.
Documents Required for Temporary Registration
Registration is completed at the property owner’s address, as stated in the application. If the host is not the property owner, a notarized consent from the actual owner is required.
The list of required documents depends on the purpose of your visit:
- For tourists or personal visits:
- Passport
- Border crossing document
- Proof of accommodation (landlord’s presence required)
- For legal entities (companies hiring foreigners):
- Official request for registration
- Foreigner’s passport
- Payment receipt for the state fee
- Power of attorney for filing the request
- For students:
- Registration is granted for the duration of the student visa or one academic year upon submission of university-issued documents.
How Long is Temporary Registration Valid?
The maximum duration of temporary registration is six months, after which it can be extended. Minor children are registered along with their parents.
Visa runs are no longer required—you can extend your registration every six months and stay in Kyrgyzstan indefinitely.
Why is Temporary Registration Important?
Once registered, you become a legal resident, which allows you to:
- Stay in the country legally
- Open bank accounts
- Apply for jobs
Lost your registration certificate?
If you lose your registration slip, you can request a duplicate at the TsON where your registration was processed—just bring your passport.
Obtaining Digital Nomad Status in Kyrgyzstan
Obtaining Digital Nomad Status exempts you from the need to obtain a visa and work permit for one year, as well as from temporary residency registration. To apply, visit the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan website and check the list of professions eligible for this status.
Then, submit an application through the electronic services portal and provide proof of work conducted outside the country. Within three days, you will receive the necessary document, and for the first year, there is no fee. In 2023-2024, over 3,000 applications were expected to be approved for this status.
Temporary registration is not required for digital nomads. However, some banks and border officers may not be aware of this, so it is advisable to carry a printed copy of the relevant legal document in case of any misunderstandings when opening a bank account or crossing the border.
UPDATE 2025: The Digital Nomad Visa option in Kyrgyzstan is currently unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Registration
Do all banks require an employment contract and temporary registration?
If a bank requires an employment contract and temporary registration to open an account, the registration can be arranged through specialized agencies. Only Optima Bank requires an employment contract, while all banks except Bakai Bank require temporary registration. To open an account, you will need an internal passport, temporary registration, and a PIN, which can be obtained at a TsON (Public Service Center).
Will I be deported if my registration expires?
No, there will be no deportation, but you will need to pay a fine. You can extend your registration if you have all the necessary documents, or you can leave Kyrgyzstan and re-enter.
What should I do if I have stayed in Kyrgyzstan for 6 months without registration and plan to return to Russia?
If you plan to return soon, you must go to the ROVD (Police Department), obtain a protocol, pay a fine of 5,500 KGS, and then apply for a new temporary registration. Otherwise, upon exit, your re-entry may be restricted for 90 days.
How long is temporary registration valid without a residence permit?
In 2025, temporary registration is issued for 60 days.
What documents does a landlord need to provide to confirm my residence for one year?
The landlord must provide a written consent for residence, along with their passport and technical passport of the property.
Can Russian citizens still do a visa run in Kyrgyzstan?
Russian citizens can stay in Kyrgyzstan without registration for 30 days. After that, they must obtain temporary registration (valid for up to 2 months). Beyond that, the only options are to apply for a residence permit (residence permit) or citizenship, as visa runs were abolished on September 4.
