In the era of remote work, more and more countries are seeking to attract digital nomads — professionals who can work from anywhere in the world. Kyrgyzstan has joined this global trend by introducing a special initiative called the Digital Nomad Visa, which combines the stunning landscapes of Central Asia with simplified visa rules. This makes the country appealing to IT specialists, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs.
This article explores how the program evolved between 2023 and 2024, the key presidential decree issued at the end of 2024, and its current status as of September 2025, when — despite formal approval — the project still faces delays in its full implementation.
Pilot Phase: How the Digital Nomad Visa Worked in 2023–2024
The Digital Nomad Visa in Kyrgyzstan started as an experimental project in 2022 and began active testing in 2023–2024. During this period, the “digital nomad” status was mainly granted to citizens of Russian-speaking neighboring countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, with limited access for other nationalities.
This allowed remote workers to enter the country visa-free for up to 60 days, with the possibility of extending their stay to one year — provided they could confirm income from remote work.
Main features during this phase included:
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants had to prove income from a foreign source, at least equivalent to the local subsistence minimum (around 7,000 KGS or $80 per month). Candidates were expected to work in IT, software development, or related high-tech fields. For nationals of visa-required countries, a local sponsor organization with official registration was necessary.
- Benefits: Exemption from residence registration for the first 60 days, no need for a work permit, and the ability to open bank accounts. The program attracted around 4,200 nomads, who contributed $8.7 million to the national economy through services and tax payments.
- Application process: Applications were submitted via the e-Visa portal or Kyrgyz consulates. Processing took up to seven working days, and applicants received a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to interact with public authorities.
- Limitations: The pilot focused on qualified specialists but lacked public outreach, limiting awareness. Renewal required annual confirmation of income, and the total duration was capped at 10 years — though most stayed for one or two.
This stage demonstrated Kyrgyzstan’s potential as a digital-nomad hub. The low cost of living (from $500–800 per month in Bishkek), stable internet, and natural landmarks like Lake Issyk-Kul made it competitive with destinations such as Thailand or Indonesia. Many foreign freelancers also considered registering an IT company locally or joining the Creative Industries Park (CIP) for tax benefits.
The 2024 Presidential Decree: Transition to a Permanent Mechanism
In late 2024, the program gained momentum. On October 9, 2024, President Sadyr Japarov signed amendments to the Law on External Labor Migration, officially introducing the “digital nomad” status for foreign citizens in high-tech sectors. The decree aimed to attract at least 10,000 nomads per year by 2027, emphasizing contributions through tourism, investment, and local business development.
Key provisions of the decree:
- Expanded list of eligible countries: Citizens of 61 nations — including the USA, Germany, the UK, Japan, and South Korea — can now apply.
- Simplifications: Automatic PIN issuance without personal appearance, tax exemption on foreign-source income, and the ability to register as a sole proprietor.
- Planned launch: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce announced the transition from pilot to permanent format, expected to start in early 2025.
However, despite the signature, the decree did not take immediate effect — a detailed regulation still had to be developed, leading to implementation delays.
Status as of September 2025: Approved, but Not Fully Launched
By September 2025, the situation remains ambiguous. On April 30, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 241, signed by Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev, which established a permanent procedure for granting the “digital nomad” status. It came into force in mid-May 2025 and officially replaced the pilot program, expanding access to a broader range of professionals.
Nevertheless, the rollout is still incomplete. Some sources report confusion: the existing “DN” visa type on the e-Consul portal still requires sponsorship from a local organization, and the new independent visa format has not yet been fully integrated into the system. Although a full launch was expected by mid-2025, delays persist due to the need for online-platform updates and integration with the Tax Service.
Current requirements (based on the 2025 regulation):
- Income: As of May 2025, no fixed minimum, but an income threshold above the subsistence level is expected soon.
- Duration: Initial stay of 60 days, renewable for up to one year, extendable annually for up to 10 years.
- Application: Through evisa.e-gov.kg; for visa-required countries, select visa type “DN.”
- Benefits: Visa-free entry for eligible nationalities, automatic PIN, and the option to operate as an individual entrepreneur.
The Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Migration oversees implementation, while the Tax Service handles registration. Applications are being accepted, but full functionality is expected by late 2025.
Outlook: Bureaucratic Delays and Growing Potential
Kyrgyzstan’s digital nomad program has evolved from a modest pilot in 2023–2024 into an ambitious state-level project supported by presidential decree. Yet, as of September 2025, despite formal approval in May, the system remains partially operational due to administrative complexities.
For potential nomads, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity — an affordable, scenic hub at the heart of Central Asia. However, before making plans, applicants should verify the latest status via mineconom.gov.kg or evisa.e-gov.kg.
If you’re an IT professional or freelancer, Kyrgyzstan could become your next base — with mountains, nomadic culture, and a favorable tax regime under the High Technology Park (HTP) and the Creative Industries Park (CIP).