Digital nomad is a conventional designation for specialists in various IT fields who lead a mobile lifestyle and can work remotely in any country. Many countries are developing special programs to attract digital nomads, providing them with benefits for accommodation, residence permits, and work permits. The pilot project "On the Status of Digital Nomads" has entered into force in Kyrgyzstan.

THE ESSENCE OF THE DIGITAL NOMADS PROGRAM IN KYRGYZSTAN

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has introduced a special regime for foreign specialists who relocate to the country. The pilot project will last until the end of 2023.

Citizens of Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Moldova can obtain the status of a digital nomad. It is ready to be granted to specialists working in certain fields:

• Software development.
• Supply and documentation of software.
• Analysis, design and programming of information systems and software products.
• Analysis of users' information needs and problems.
• Making changes to the software based on user requests.
• Export of information technologies, information systems and software.
• Creation of virtual and augmented reality, mixed reality.
• Art media, including digital art.
• Graphic design, multimedia design, 3D design, animation.
• Development of artificial intelligence, robotics.
• Development of computer and mobile games, e-sports.

The status of a digital nomad is free of charge.

Once you have it, you can:

• To live in Kyrgyzstan without registering at the place of residence.
• Not to apply for a work permit, but to obtain it for a period of up to 12 months with the possibility of extension up to one year.
• Open and use accounts in republican banks.
• Automatically receive a personal identification number.

Where to apply?

A person submits an application for the status of "Digital nomad" through the website of electronic work permit issuance services https://ework.e-gov.kg and fills out a questionnaire.

When filling out the application form, it is necessary to indicate in which of the listed areas the applicant intends to obtain the status of a digital nomad. After the application form is approved, the applicant must submit his or her personal documents to the authorized body in the field of labor and employment of Kyrgyzstan.

The application is accepted for consideration by the Unified System of Foreign Migration Accounting (USMA). If errors are found or the required documents are missing, the application is returned for correction. The period for reviewing the application and providing a response is no more than 3 business days.

The Digital Nomad status is issued in the form of an electronic document. It will contain a special QR code with a link to an electronic document registered in the state database. The QR code can be presented on a gadget or in printed form as needed.

List of documents required to obtain the status of a digital nomad in Kyrgyzstan

The application form for digital nomad status must be attached:

• an identity document, as well as its notarized translation into Kyrgyz
• digital photography
• income statement (bank statement of income for one year preceding the date of application)

Instead of a statement of income, you can attach a service agreement or an employment contract for the period from 2021-2022, or for the future performance of work and services in the IT field.

What is the cost of a digital nomad visa?

There is no fee for submitting and reviewing the application form and granting the digital nomad status. After being granted the status, a digital nomad is exempt from the need to obtain a visa and work permit for 1 year. This provides significant savings, as an annual multiple-entry visa costs 10-20 thousand KGS, and a work permit requires a fee of 10-20 thousand KGS.

Taxes for digital nomads

Digital nomads are not exempt from paying taxes. You will need to choose a general or special taxation regime.