Under the new rules, all citizenship-related documents will be processed by territorial offices or diplomatic missions through an automated information system in both electronic and paper formats.

Applications from foreign nationals and stateless persons seeking Kyrgyzstan’s citizenship or renouncing citizenship will now require the applicant’s electronic signature. The signature will be recorded via a graphic tablet to verify identity in the system.

The procedure for applying for citizenship of Kyrgyzstan has also been clarified. Applicants must have registration at their place of residence in Kyrgyzstan and possess one of the following documents: a residence permit, a stateless person identification card, a refugee certificate, or a Meken Card.

However, the registration and documents requirements will not apply to ethnic Kyrgyz who have relocated to Kyrgyzstan, nor to documented stateless persons residing in the country. Minors will still need registration at their place of stay, but will not be required to present the listed documents.

Separate provisions concern children of ethnic Kyrgyz. A child whose parents—or sole parent—are foreign citizens of ethnic Kyrgyz origin may obtain Kyrgyz citizenship upon application by one parent with the written consent of the other.

In addition, a child born in Kyrgyzstan to ethnic Kyrgyz parents who are foreign citizens will automatically be recognized as a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, regardless of the parents’ citizenship or permanent place of residence.

The amendments also affect citizens of neighboring countries who have obtained Kyrgyzstan’s citizenship. One year after receiving initial documentation, they must provide an official document from the competent authority of their former country confirming renunciation of previous citizenship when reapplying for a Kyrgyz passport.

The decree also introduces a new ground for denying citizenship-related applications if approval would contradict Kyrgyzstan’s national security interests.

The grounds for loss of citizenship have also been clarified. Kyrgyzstan’s citizenship may be revoked if the authorized body receives information from a foreign state confirming that a person has acquired that country’s citizenship, along with a notarized declaration of renunciation of Kyrgyzstan’s citizenship.

In addition, a person who acquired Kyrgyzstan’s citizenship through naturalization rather than by birth may lose citizenship if they engage in activities threatening Kyrgyzstan’s national security, or if they serve in the military, law enforcement agencies, or intelligence services of a foreign state.

The decree will enter into force in 10 days.