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Together and Stronger Central AsiaKazakhstan · Uzbekistan · Kyrgyzstan · Tajikistan · Turkmenistan

Together and Stronger Central AsiaGuides

Free guides for both directions of the journey.

Plain-language orientation for everyone building a life in Central Asia, and for the people of Central Asia working and studying abroad. Free to everyone, with or without a card.

Twelve practical guides.

Each guide sets out what a system expects of a newcomer, in the order you will meet it, with the official source to check.

Settling in Central Asia

For everyone building a life here

Registration on arrivalWho registers you, and how quickly it must be done.
  1. Every country of the region requires foreign residents to be registered at their place of stay within a short period after arrival; the period depends on your citizenship and the country.
  2. Hotels usually register their guests automatically. If you stay in a rented flat or with a host, the host or you must complete the registration.
  3. In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, much of this can be done online through the government portals; keep the confirmation.
  4. Register again when you change address, and before your registration expires.
  5. Late or missing registration can lead to fines and problems when you leave the country; treat the deadline seriously.
  6. Always confirm the current rules for your citizenship on the official portal or with the migration service.

Check the official source: eGov Kazakhstan (government services portal) my.gov.uz (Uzbekistan government services portal) E-mehmon (Uzbekistan registration of foreign guests)

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Identification numbersThe IIN in Kazakhstan, the PINFL in Uzbekistan and their equivalents.
  1. In Kazakhstan, the individual identification number (IIN) is needed for a bank account, a phone contract, employment and most public services; foreigners can obtain one at a Public Service Centre.
  2. In Uzbekistan, the personal identification number (PINFL) plays a similar role.
  3. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have their own personal or taxpayer numbers; ask your employer or the tax service which one you need.
  4. Bring your passport, visa or permit and, if asked, your registration.
  5. Obtaining the number from the public service is free or low-cost: never pay an intermediary who promises to speed it up.

Check the official source: eGov Kazakhstan my.gov.uz (Uzbekistan)

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

A first bank accountThe documents banks ask for, and the order in which to gather them.
  1. Most banks in the region will open an account for a foreign resident with a passport, an identification number and proof of registration.
  2. Ask about monthly fees, card fees, international transfer fees and the exchange margin before you choose.
  3. Many banks offer accounts in several currencies; consider one in the currency of your salary.
  4. Check that the bank is licensed by the national central bank.
  5. Set up online banking and alerts, and never share a code you receive by text message.

Check the official source: National Bank of Kazakhstan Central Bank of Uzbekistan National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Health coverPublic and private cover for foreign residents and their families.
  1. Rules for foreign residents differ by country and by status; many residents need private health insurance.
  2. In Kazakhstan, some foreign residents can take part in the compulsory social health insurance system; others need voluntary insurance.
  3. Employers of foreign professionals often provide cover: read what it includes for your family.
  4. Register with a clinic near home before you need one, and keep a list of your medicines.
  5. In an emergency, call 103 for an ambulance anywhere in the region; Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan also answer the single emergency number 112.

Check the official source: eGov Kazakhstan: health insurance my.gov.uz (Uzbekistan)

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Renting a homeContracts, deposits and registration at your address.
  1. Insist on a written contract, signed by the owner, stating the rent, the deposit and how the contract ends.
  2. Check that the person renting the flat to you is the owner or has the owner’s written authority.
  3. Agree in writing who completes your registration at the address.
  4. Photograph the flat and its contents on the day you move in.
  5. Never pay a deposit for a flat you have not seen.

Check the official source: eGov Kazakhstan my.gov.uz (Uzbekistan)

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

DrivingInternational permits, exchange of a licence and the rules of the road.
  1. Visitors can usually drive on a national licence together with an international driving permit for a limited time.
  2. Residents must usually exchange a foreign licence for a local one; the conditions depend on your country.
  3. Bring your licence, passport, registration and a notarised translation.
  4. Learn the local rules: speed cameras are widespread and fines are recorded electronically.

Check the official source: eGov Kazakhstan: driving licences my.gov.uz (Uzbekistan)

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Recognised diplomasRecognition of degrees and professional licences.
  1. Many professions, including medicine, teaching, engineering and law, require recognition of foreign diplomas before you may practise.
  2. Contact the national recognition centre (ENIC) of the country where you want to work.
  3. Prepare your diploma, transcript and a notarised translation; an apostille may be required.
  4. Allow time: recognition can take several weeks or months.

Check the official source: ENIC Kazakhstan ENIC-NARIC network

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Working and living abroad

For the people of Central Asia overseas

Registering with your embassyConsular registration, and why it matters in an emergency.
  1. Register with your country’s embassy or consulate where you live: it can then contact you and your family in a crisis.
  2. Keep the address and emergency number of your embassy in your phone.
  3. Keep copies of your passport, permits and contract in a safe place and with your family.
  4. Tell your family how to reach you and whom to call.

Check the official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Working legally abroadPermits, contracts and the rights every worker has.
  1. Before you leave, check the official requirements of the country where you will work: work permit, patent, visa and registration.
  2. Use only licensed recruitment agencies; your country’s labour or migration agency publishes the list.
  3. Insist on a written contract in a language you understand, stating your pay, hours and accommodation.
  4. Never hand over your passport to an employer or intermediary.
  5. Keep payslips and records of every payment you make for permits or fees.

Check the official source: Enbek (Kazakhstan labour portal) Agency for External Labour Migration (Uzbekistan)

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Sending money home safelyRegulated providers, real costs and how to compare them.
  1. Use banks and licensed money-transfer providers only; informal carriers offer no protection.
  2. Compare the total cost: the fee plus the difference between the rate offered and the market rate.
  3. Keep every receipt and transfer number until the money is collected.
  4. Be wary of anyone who asks you to send money to unlock a job, a prize or a loan.

Check the official source: World Bank: Remittance Prices Worldwide

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Renewing a passport from abroadTimelines, and the papers to carry when you travel.
  1. Check your passport’s expiry: many countries require six months of validity on entry.
  2. Most embassies and consulates of the region accept passport applications from citizens living abroad; check which documents are required.
  3. Allow several weeks, and longer before the holiday season.
  4. Keep a copy of the old passport and of any visa or permit in it.

Check the official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Registering a child born abroadCitizenship and a first passport for your child.
  1. Register the birth with the authorities of the country where your child was born, and obtain the birth certificate.
  2. Have the certificate legalised or apostilled if required.
  3. Register the birth with your embassy or consulate to record your child’s citizenship.
  4. Apply for your child’s first passport.

Check the official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan

General information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Rules change; always confirm with the public authority concerned.

Scam Watch.

Scammers target people far from home because they know what workers and newcomers fear and what they hope for.

  • False officials

    A caller claims to be from the migration service, the police or a bank and demands immediate payment. Public authorities do not demand transfers, cards or cryptocurrency by phone.

  • Fake job offers

    A job abroad that asks you to pay for a visa, a permit or a place first is almost always a scam. Use only licensed agencies.

  • Document schemes

    Offers to “speed up” registration, permits or recognition for cash. Apply through the official portal.

  • Investment and romance schemes

    Promises of high returns, or a new friend online who soon needs money.

  • How to check

    Hang up, find the official number yourself and call back. Report fraud to the police and to your bank at once.

Check the official source: eGov Kazakhstan my.gov.uz (Uzbekistan)

Consular Desk.

How to reach your embassy or consulate, and what it can and cannot do. Information only: we are independent of every government.

  • What a consulate can do

    Issue or renew passports, register births, provide lists of local lawyers and doctors, and help in serious emergencies.

  • What it cannot do

    Pay bills, intervene in court cases or provide legal advice.

  • Before you go

    Book appointments online when possible, and bring every document listed on the consulate’s website.

Free help near you.

Free services exist for many of the questions newcomers and workers abroad face. Start here.