Entering the Kyrgyz Republic, commonly known as Kyrgyzstan, for work is different than passing through the country or vacationing there for a few days. When building a global team, companies need to know how to get a work visa in the Kyrgyz Republic for every international employee to stay compliant.
If you’re not familiar with the country’s various laws and regulations, here are a few things to consider.
Types of work visas in Kyrgyzstan
Unlike neighboring countries, the Kyrgyz Republic does not have a lengthy, complex, or expensive visa process. The country is pushing to develop a small and steady tourism industry, so it has become more open and accessible. For example, many visitors can visit and stay for as long as 2 months without needing a visa. Anyone else will require a visa prior to entry.
The Kyrgyz Republic has several visa types. The most common ones are:
- Tourist
- Business
- Family
- Study
- Employment
- Transit
Most employees will need a work visa as well as a work permit to enter and work in the Kyrgyz Republic. Both the company and the employee will have to handle certain parts of the application process, so it’s essential to work together to avoid delays.
Requirements to obtain Kyrgyzstan work visas
If employees are not from a country that can enter the Kyrgyz Republic without a visa, they’ll need to apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate in their country of residence. The required documents differ by visa type, the employee’s nationality, and more, but some of the common requirements include:
- A completed visa application form
- A passport
- A passport-size color photo
- A letter from the employer inviting the individual to the Kyrgyz Republic
- Payment of the visa fees
The process typically involves an inspection of the workplace with a representative of the authorized department. They’ll review your company’s documents and ask questions about your business activities before issuing or denying the visa.
Application process
The next step is to obtain Kyrgyz Republic work permits on behalf of all employees. The State Migration Service issues 2 types of work permits — those authorizing the hiring and employment of international workers (an Employment Permit) and those authorizing citizens of other countries or stateless persons to work in the country (an Employee Permit). Keep in mind that the government has annual quotas for hiring international workers and stateless employees, and those quotas vary by industry and region. The government approves these numbers annually, so they often change year to year.
The State Migration Service may refuse a work permit application if:
- A local professional can be hired instead
- The submitted application was inaccurate
- The employer ceases operations in the Kyrgyz Republic, or the employee is terminated
- Illegal actions were committed
The majority of work permits in the Kyrgyz Republic are valid for 1 year with the possibility of an extension. However, some individuals may be eligible for longer permits, including international executives and skilled international employees.
Other important considerations
All work permits are specific to the employer and cannot be transferred if the employee is terminated or accepts another position. If an employee works for 2 companies as once, they will need a separate permit under each employer.
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