Kyrgyzstan offers various ways to naturalize foreigners. In this article, we will analyze the basic requirements for candidates for citizenship; the procedure for submitting and reviewing documents; the advantages that a passport of this country provides; potential risks and common fraudulent schemes.
How to obtain Kyrgyz citizenship legally
There are several legal ways — let’s talk about each of them in more detail.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the most popular method among foreigners. Basic requirements:
- Residence in the country for at least 5 years with a residence permit.
- Absence from the country for more than 3 months during the year.
- Proof of sufficient income for living.
- No criminal record in Kyrgyzstan and other countries.
- Fluent in Kyrgyz or Russian.
The naturalization period can be reduced to 3 years for specialists in demand in the country, as well as for those who have achieved high results in such areas as sports, culture, science, and technology.
Obtaining citizenship through investment
Although Kyrgyzstan does not offer direct citizenship by investment, there is a possibility of accelerated naturalization through an investment residence permit:
- The minimum investment amount is 10,000,000 soms (about $110,000).
- What you can invest in: real estate, business projects, securities.
- A residence permit is issued for 1 year with the possibility of annual renewal (no more than 4 times).
- After 3 years of residence with an investment residence permit, you can apply for citizenship.
Through marriage
Foreigners who have married Kyrgyz citizens can apply for citizenship after 3 years of permanent residence in the country.
The requirements for language proficiency, income, and no criminal record are similar to standard naturalization.
By birth
The child automatically receives Kyrgyz citizenship if:
- At least one of the parents is a citizen of Kyrgyzstan.
- He was born on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, and his parents do not have citizenship.
- He was born in In Kyrgyzstan, the parents are foreign citizens, but their country does not grant citizenship to the child.
- The child is located on the territory of the country, while both parents are unknown.
By origin
A foreigner can obtain Kyrgyz citizenship if at least one of the parents is a citizen of this country and lives on its territory. In this case, you can get a passport after 1 year of living in a country with a residence permit.
Ethnic Kyrgyz who have foreign citizenship can obtain citizenship without living in the country with documentary evidence of their Kyrgyz roots.
By birth in the USSR
Foreigners born in the Kyrgyz SSR or who had USSR citizenship after living in the country for one year can also count on a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship.
Who can get a Kyrgyz passport the fastest
The Kyrgyz Republic provides an opportunity for accelerated citizenship for certain categories of people.
Adult children of Kyrgyz citizens can apply for citizenship after a year of residence in the country. Similar conditions apply to natives of the Kyrgyz SSR and former citizens of Kyrgyzstan.
Children under the age of 18 receive citizenship without a requirement for a period of residence if their parent, guardian or trustee is a citizen of Kyrgyzstan.
Ethnic Kyrgyz have the right to become citizens of the republic, regardless of the length of stay on its territory.
International agreements simplify the naturalization process for citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine in the presence of family ties with Kyrgyzstan or living on its territory during the Soviet era.
What is the naturalization algorithm in Kyrgyz Republic
To initiate the process of obtaining citizenship, the candidate must collect and provide the following set of documentation:
- A completed application form.
- An up-to-date identity card.
- A digital photograph.
- Papers substantiating the right to citizenship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, proof of kinship).
- Confirmation of legal stay in the country.
- Evidence of legitimate income.
- A receipt for payment of the state fee.
- A certificate of a clean criminal history.
- Declaration of renunciation of former citizenship (for certain categories).
Verification of the submitted information and assessment of the applicant’s compliance with regulatory requirements can take up to several months.
If the verdict is positive, the applicant takes a solemn oath of allegiance to Kyrgyzstan.
The final stage is the registration of a passport. The standard production time is 30 days, but acceleration is possible (from 3 hours to 8 days) for an additional fee.
Advantages of Kyrgyz citizenship
Among the advantages of living in In Kyrgyzstan, the following can be noted:
Natural resources and cultural heritage
Kyrgyzstan is a country with rich nature, including mountains, thousands of rivers and lakes, and unique walnut forests. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.
Low cost of living
Life in Kyrgyzstan is much cheaper than in many other countries. About $ 860 per month is enough for a comfortable stay for one person.
Access to the banking system
Kyrgyz citizens can open accounts with local banks, make international transfers and receive bank cards from international payment systems.
Russian as the official language
Russian has the status of an official language in Kyrgyzstan, which facilitates adaptation for Russian-speaking immigrants.
The possibility of dual citizenship
Kyrgyzstan allows its citizens to have dual citizenship, which is especially important for Russian citizens.
Potential risks and fraudulent schemes
Fake offers of accelerated citizenship
Some scammers offer to obtain Kyrgyz citizenship for investments within a few months. It is important to remember that such schemes are illegal and can lead to serious problems.
The use of forged documents to obtain citizenship can lead to criminal liability with a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.
Fraud with USSR passports
Some scammers claim that people born before 1991 can obtain a Kyrgyz passport in a few months without having to live in the country. This information is not true.
Conclusion
Obtaining Kyrgyz citizenship is a difficult but quite real process for those who meet the established requirements. The country offers various ways of naturalization, including a standard procedure, a simplified procedure for certain categories of persons and the possibility of accelerated citizenship through investment.
It is important to keep in mind the potential risks and avoid participating in fraudulent schemes. Legal acquisition of citizenship, although it takes time and effort, is the only reliable way to become a full-fledged citizen of Kyrgyzstan.
Before making a decision on obtaining Kyrgyz citizenship, we recommend that you carefully study all aspects of this process, assess your capabilities and prospects, and consult with competent specialists. This will help to avoid potential problems and make the right choice.
Frequently Asked questions about obtaining Kyrgyz citizenship
Is it possible to obtain Kyrgyz citizenship for investments?
No, Kyrgyzstan does not offer direct citizenship by investment. However, it is possible to obtain an investment residence permit, which after 3 years of residence in the country allows you to apply for citizenship in an expedited manner.
How many years do you need to live in Kyrgyzstan to get citizenship?
The standard period of residence for obtaining citizenship is 5 years. For some categories of citizens, this period may be reduced to 3 years or 1 year.
Is it necessary to renounce previous citizenship when obtaining Kyrgyz citizenship?
Kyrgyzstan allows you to have dual citizenship. However, citizens of some countries (for example, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, China) must apply for renunciation of previous citizenship.
Is it possible to obtain Kyrgyz citizenship if I was born in the USSR?
Yes, persons born in the Kyrgyz SSR or who had USSR citizenship can obtain Kyrgyz citizenship under a simplified procedure after living in the country for one year.
How do I get Kyrgyz citizenship by origin?
If at least one of your parents is a citizen of Kyrgyzstan and lives in the country, you can obtain citizenship after 1 year of residence in the country with a residence permit.
How do I get Kyrgyz citizenship through marriage?
Foreigners who have married Kyrgyz citizens can apply for citizenship after 3 years of permanent residence in the country.
How long does the process of obtaining citizenship take?
The application process may take several months. After a positive decision, you need to take an oath and apply for a passport, which takes about another month.
Is it possible to obtain Kyrgyz citizenship without knowledge of the Kyrgyz language?
Yes, it is enough to speak Russian, since it has the status of an official language in Kyrgyzstan.
Are there any accelerated citizenship programs?
There are no official accelerated citizenship programs. Any offers to quickly obtain a passport for money are fraudulent and illegal.
Can children obtain Kyrgyz citizenship together with their parents?
Yes, minor children can obtain citizenship together with their parents or in a simplified manner if one of the parents or guardian is a citizen of Kyrgyzstan.
Author
Yulia Yanukovych Editor-in-Chief
I am responsible for the work of the editorial office. I write expert interviews and guides.
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