Nationality of Kyrgyzstan: all obtaining pathways
Kyrgyzstan requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization, reduced to three through marriage to a Kyrgyz citizen. It takes part in the agreement with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan allowing reciprocal simplified citizenship, and descent is transmitted by ius sanguinis.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Permanent residence in Kyrgyzstan for 5 years
- Knowledge of Kyrgyz (basic reading and writing)
- Having a source of income or employment
- Renouncing the previous citizenship (exceptions for CIS citizens)
- No serious criminal record
Documentation
- Foreign passport with a residence permit
- Certificate of knowledge of Kyrgyz
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of income or employment
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Formal application
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Kyrgyz citizen
- Consular registration if born abroad
- Kyrgyzstan allows dual citizenship with certain CIS countries
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' Kyrgyz passports
- Consular registration certificate
3By marriage
By marriage
Requirements
- Being married to a Kyrgyz citizen
- Residence in Kyrgyzstan for 3 years after the marriage
- Basic knowledge of the Kyrgyz language
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Kyrgyz spouse's passport
- Residence certificate
- Language-knowledge certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Kyrgyzstan
How many years of residence does Kyrgyzstan require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Kyrgyzstan (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Kyrgyzstan allow dual nationality?
Renouncing the previous citizenship (exceptions for CIS citizens)
Can the nationality of Kyrgyzstan be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the By marriage pathway (3 years). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Kyrgyzstan require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with a residence permit; Certificate of knowledge of Kyrgyz; Criminal record certificate; Proof of income or employment; Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan provides 3 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, By marriage.
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