Kyrgyzstan May Exempt Foreign Teachers from Taxes and Contributions

MP Altynbek Kudayberdiev proposes exempting foreign specialists working in Kyrgyzstan’s educational institutions from income tax and mandatory insurance contributions. The draft law has been published on the Jogorku Kenesh website for public discussion.

The initiative is linked to the growing number of students and the increased strain on the educational infrastructure. The MP cites the shortage of qualified teachers, including those with international experience, as one of the key problems facing the education system.

The draft provides for:

• exemption of foreign teachers’ income from income tax;
• abolition of mandatory insurance contributions for them;
• provision of legal opportunities to obtain a temporary residence permit;
• VAT exemption for the import of modern educational equipment;
• tax incentives for educational organizations regardless of their form of ownership.

Kudayberdiev notes that foreign specialists typically work on short-term contracts and do not accrue pension rights in Kyrgyzstan, so insurance contributions do not serve a social function. The bill aims to reduce the administrative burden and simplify the hiring process for teachers with international experience.