The legalization of foreign-registered cars is a pressing issue for thousands of Kyrgyz citizens. This is especially relevant for owners of vehicles imported from Armenia and Abkhazia. Now, the process of their legalization has begun in Kyrgyzstan.

Iskender Asylkulov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce, explained that all vehicles with foreign license plates imported from EAEU countries and owned by Kyrgyz citizens are subject to legalization. Most of these are right-hand drive cars, the registration of which has been banned in the Republic since 26 February 2015.

The legalization process will take place in three stages: first, cars with documents that have not been deregistered in EAEU countries will be legalized. Then, the process will extend to vehicles without documents, provided they are in good technical condition and are not "constructors"—assembled from various parts.

And finally, the third stage will cover vehicles that, for various reasons, cannot be legalized in the first two stages. Their owners will have the option to dismantle them for spare parts, export them from the country, or send them for recycling.

Regulatory acts will be developed within two months, and the legalization process will begin in March 2025. Drivers will have six months to register their vehicles with territorial authorities. The deadline is 31 August 2025.

"Owners will need to gather a set of documents for legalization, including an identity card, registration papers (if available), a vehicle condition certificate and receipts for all required payments. The process will cost approximately $1,000, which must be paid to the SA 'Unaa", — said Iskender Asylkulov.

As part of the legalization program, authorities also plan to strengthen control over vehicle registration and introduce a digital tracking system to prevent illegal import schemes.

"Kyrgyzstan will impose a complete ban on the import of right-hand drive vehicles to avoid similar issues in the future. Additionally, border control over vehicle registration will be tightened. However, foreign tourists will still be allowed to temporarily import cars, but with a limited stay period", — said the Deputy Minister of Economy.

Owners of legalized vehicles will need to comply with new regulations, including timely passing of technical inspections and paying transport taxes. Additionally, it will be prohibited to sell, gift or pledge such vehicles.

Accurate data on the number of vehicles with Armenian and Abkhazian license plates in Kyrgyzstan is currently unavailable, as many of them were imported without registration. However, authorities are confident that legalization will not only bring order but also replenish the budget through registration fees. Moreover, this measure will enhance road safety, as all vehicles in the country must be registered and meet technical requirements.