The issuance of licenses is regulated by the State Agency for Architecture, Construction, and Housing and Utilities (Gosstroy) in accordance with Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 678 of December 14, 2023, with updates from July 4, 2024 (No. 352). There are three levels of Construction Licenses (I, II, III), corresponding to categories of projects based on complexity and responsibility. They are unlimited in duration, valid nationwide, and cover a wide range of activities from design to installation, excluding individual residential houses.
Level III: Entry Point for Beginners
Opportunities
- Types of work: simple construction and installation tasks (earthworks, foundations, light structures, basic utilities). Design and survey services for small projects. Covers 5–10 activities, such as repair, finishing, or one-story buildings.
- Projects: warehouses, non-residential facilities, small commercial buildings.
- Advantages: low entry cost, access to small tenders, suitable for starting companies.
Requirements
- Qualification: one certified specialist for each type of work, employed permanently.
- Technical base: basic equipment, no violations or tax debts for three years.
- Fee: 150,000 KGS (~$1,760).
- Additional: minimum charter capital, compliance with safety standards. Review time up to 20 days.
Level II: A Step Toward More Complex Projects
Opportunities
- Types of work: public buildings (schools, hospitals, offices), utilities (gas, heating, medium-voltage electricity), housing up to 5 floors, medium-sized roads and bridges. Includes environmental and geological studies. Covers 15–20 activities.
- Projects: public and residential buildings, medium-risk infrastructure.
- Advantages: access to state contracts, municipal and private clients, portfolio expansion.
Requirements
- Qualification: at least two certified specialists including a manager, with approvals from DGASK or DGE.
- Technical base: cranes, mixers, experience of 1–2 years at Level III, no violations.
- Fee: 700,000 KGS (~$8,200).
- Additional: financial stability, equipment and staff lists. Verification up to 30 days.
Level I: The Elite of the Construction Market
Opportunities
- Types of work: large-scale projects: high-rise residential complexes, hydro plants, industrial facilities, highways, bridges, projects in seismic zones. Urban planning and complex environmental studies. Covers 20–30 activities.
- Projects: Category I strategic facilities (airports, dams). Eligible for international projects as general contractor or designer.
- Advantages: access to the largest tenders, international cooperation, strong reputation.
Requirements
- Qualification: certified team including managers, with approvals from DGASK and DGE.
- Technical base: heavy machinery, modern equipment, 2–3 years’ experience at Level II.
- Fee: 1,500,000 KGS (~$17,600).
- Additional: full audit, no debts, compliance with environmental and social standards. Review time up to 30 days.
How to upgrade levels of construction licenses
Upgrading is the process of raising the license category (III → II or II → I). It allows companies to expand capabilities without registering a new entity. The procedure is handled by Gosstroy via the elicense.gov.kg portal or directly at the agency.
- Timeline: 1–3 months.
- Requirement: payment of the fee difference.
Step-by-Step Process
- Readiness check – ensure compliance with requirements, conduct self-audit, confirm absence of debts/violations.
- Collect documents – application, copy of license, approvals from DGASK/DGE, certificates of specialists, financial proof, list of staff and equipment.
- Submit application – via portal or email. Registered the same day.
- Initial review – Gosstroy checks completeness within 5 days; corrections allowed in 10 days.
- Commission review – up to 30 days, may include site visits (for Level I).
- Fee payment – pay the difference (e.g., 550,000 KGS for III→II, 800,000 KGS for II→I). Non-refundable.
- Issuance – new license within 5 days after payment; old license annulled.
Key Aspects and Risks
- Timeline: 30–90 days depending on preparation.
- Risks: incomplete documents, debts, safety violations, insufficient experience.
- Tips: involve lawyers, check Gosstroy’s website for updates (new seismic and environmental standards in 2025).
- Special note: for Level I, on-site inspection of equipment and completed projects may be required.
Advantages and Recommendations
- Level III: best for starting out.
- Level II: suitable for growth.
- Level I: for market leadership.
Upgrading supports step-by-step business development while minimizing startup costs. Digitalization has simplified applications in 2025, but inspections have become stricter — 249 licenses were revoked for violations. It is also possible to purchase ready-made construction company with different levels of construction licenses.
For success:
- maintain clean tax history,
- hire certified staff in advance,
- monitor legal updates from Gosstroy.
A construction license is an investment in competitiveness in Kyrgyzstan, where the sector grows 10–15% annually. Choosing the right level and upgrading wisely will help secure your place in the market.