International students, with the exception of those coming from visa-free countries (see useful links), must obtain an "S” type study visa. Currently, Kyrgyzstan practices accepting documents and issuing visas online through the e-VISA portal.
The Visa Office of the International Relations Department at KSMA assists international students in submitting their visa applications. Students may also seek assistance from their official agents (recruitment agencies).
To obtain an initial student visa, the following documents must be submitted to the Visa Office:
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A valid passport
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An electronic photograph on a white background, size 3×4 cm
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An official visa invitation from KSMA (issued by the physical office based on the international student’s application)
The visa is issued to a valid international student of KSMA for a period of one year. One month prior to the expiration of the visa, students must contact the Visa Office and submit all necessary documents for renewal.
Registration After Arrival
Upon arrival in the Kyrgyz Republic, all international students must register with the State Registration Service within the timeframe established by applicable legislation from the date of arrival.
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Visa-required countries: Registration of international students at KSMA is valid for the duration of their student visa, with the option to extend this registration for the period of the renewed visa. Extension of registration is carried out after the visa has been renewed. The international student must contact the KSMA Visa Office within three working days from the date of visa renewal.
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Visa-free countries: International students arriving from visa-free countries are also required to register. Registration for these students is valid for the duration of their “Student” visa (please refer to the “Visa Procedures” section for detailed information).
Documents Required for Visa Renewal:
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Valid passport;
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Electronic copy of the study contract between the student and KSMA;
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Two photographs in white clothing on a white background, size 3×4 cm;
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Certificate of tuition payment;
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Certificate of residence in a dormitory issued by the dormitory in which the student resides
Notarized consent of the landlord for temporary registration at the place of residence
OR, if residing in a rented apartment/house, provide the following:
Please note that visa renewal applications must be submitted 30 days prior to the expiration of the current visa.
When submitting a visa renewal application, students may choose between a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. A single-entry visa allows one entry into the Kyrgyz Republic, after which a new visa application must be submitted. A multiple-entry visa permits the student to exit and re-enter the Kyrgyz Republic multiple times during the validity period of the visa.
Work Authorization
Students holding a “Student” visa are not permitted to work, either full-time or part-time, during their studies. Those wishing to work in the Kyrgyz Republic must obtain a different type of visa—“W1”—and a special work permit.
Engaging in unauthorized work on a student visa may result in administrative penalties and fines.
Upon graduation, students wishing to continue their professional careers in the Kyrgyz Republic must change their student visa to a work visa and obtain a special work permit. Students cannot change their visa type while remaining in the country. To obtain a W1 visa, graduates must leave the country, obtain a work quota from their employer, apply for the W1 visa, receive it, and re-enter the country (Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Resolution No. 175, link).
Visa Procedures Related to Changing Universities in Kyrgyzstan
Students planning to transfer to another university in Kyrgyzstan should be aware that they must reapply for a student visa based on an invitation from the new host university. The Visa Office of the new university will assist with obtaining the new visa and provide further guidance.
Registration of International Students at I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA)
Registration of international students arriving at KSMA is carried out in accordance with the “Procedure for Registration of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic”, approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 689 dated December 19, 2016.
The administration of KSMA informs international students about the procedures for crossing the state border of the Kyrgyz Republic and the conditions of stay within the country.
According to the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, international students arriving for the purpose of study are required to comply with rules for entry, stay, and registration at their temporary place of residence.
International students must complete registration at their place of residence within the timeframe specified in the approved List of Foreign States. Registration periods vary depending on nationality and may range from 5 to 90 calendar days from the date of crossing the state border. Failure to comply with registration deadlines and residence requirements entails responsibility under the law (fines, deportation) and may restrict subsequent entry into the country.
Special Provisions for Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
Starting from September 1, 2025, the stay of Kazakh citizens in the Kyrgyz Republic will be regulated under the 90/180-day rule (90 days within a 180-day period). Kazakh citizens are required to register at their place of residence within 30 calendar days of crossing the border. Overstaying without meeting registration requirements may restrict subsequent entry for 90 days.
Registration Procedure at KSMA:
To complete registration, international students must contact the KSMA Visa Office and provide the following documents:
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Certificate of residence in the dormitory, issued by the KSMA dormitory administration.
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For students residing outside the dormitory, registration is carried out according to the general procedure for registering foreign citizens or stateless persons.
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Power of attorney authorizing a representative to submit the registration on behalf of an individual or legal entity, if applicable.
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Valid passport or other identification document, along with a valid visa.
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Receipt of payment of the state registration fee.
Submitted documents are scanned and entered into the Electronic Registration System (ESUVM); originals are returned to the applicant. This procedure is carried out in accordance with amendments made by Government Resolution No. 449 dated September 3, 2019 and Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 349 dated July 12, 2023.
International students are strongly advised not to miss the registration deadline, as failure to register on time may result in fines and the issuance of an administrative report.
Recommendations:
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After obtaining the visa and completing registration, ensure that copies of all documents are made and printed for safekeeping in case the originals are lost.
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To avoid violations of migration legislation, strictly observe the established deadlines for stay and registration.