Sadyr Japarov. Photo: Press Service of the President of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed into law amendments to the country’s citizenship legislation.
The bill was passed by the Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyzstan’s parliament) on February 6, 2025. It aims to eliminate internal inconsistencies and regulate the citizenship application process.
The amendments broaden the criteria for recognizing individuals as Kyrgyz citizens. The following groups are now included:
Individuals born in the Kyrgyz SSR who held a 1974 Soviet passport, have continuously resided in the country, and have not declared allegiance to another state.
Children whose parents or sole parent were Kyrgyz citizens at the time of birth, regardless of where the child was born or whether they hold another nationality—except in cases involving neighboring countries.
Children born in Kyrgyzstan to foreign parents, provided at least one parent is an ethnic Kyrgyz.
The list of reasons for denying renunciation of citizenship has been expanded to include cases where it conflicts with the national security interests of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The law now also provides for the loss of citizenship in the following situations:
A foreign government officially confirms that a Kyrgyz national has obtained its citizenship and has notarized a declaration renouncing Kyrgyz citizenship.
A naturalized citizen—not one who acquired citizenship by birth—is found to be engaged in activities that threaten national security or serves in the military, law enforcement, or intelligence agencies of another country.
Other editorial changes have been made to streamline the procedures for acquiring, renouncing, and losing citizenship.
As of March 20, Kyrgyzstan ranks 64th in the global passport power index compiled by Arton Capital, which evaluates visa-free travel opportunities.
Kyrgyz passport holders can travel to 30 countries visa-free, obtain a visa on arrival in 47 countries, and require a visa for 121 destinations.
Uzbekistan shares the same ranking, with 32 visa-free destinations, 45 offering visas on arrival, and 121 requiring prior approval.
Kazakhstan leads the region, ranking 49th, with 48 visa-free destinations, 49 offering visas on arrival, and 101 requiring a visa.
Tajikistan ranks 68th (27/46/125), while Turkmenistan stands at 73rd (18/49/131).
