Remittances from Kyrgyz citizens abroad exceeded $373 million — where is the money going?

Money transfers sent by Kyrgyz citizens abroad increased in 2025, with Russia remaining the primary destination for these outflows. This is evidenced by data on cross-border transfers by individuals.

In 2025, the total volume of outbound remittances from Kyrgyzstan amounted to $373.7 million. The vast majority of these funds went to CIS countries—$340.4 million, or more than 90% of all remittances.

Russia remains the key recipient. It accounts for $329.1 million, making the Russian destination the dominant channel for the outflow of funds from Kyrgyz citizens abroad. By comparison, remittances to Kazakhstan totaled just $2.8 million, and to other CIS countries—about $8.4 million.

Countries outside the CIS account for a significantly smaller share. In 2025, $33.4 million was transferred there. Among them, the following stand out:

• Turkey — $29.4 million;
• the United States — about $1 million;
• other countries — insignificant amounts.

At the same time, this trend continues into early 2026. In January–February, Kyrgyz citizens transferred $36.6 million abroad, of which:

• $33.5 million went to CIS countries;
• $32.9 million went to Russia;
• $2.3 million went to Turkey.

This structure of remittances reflects Kyrgyzstan’s strong migratory and economic ties with Russia, where the largest number of labor migrants is concentrated.

At the same time, compared to January–February 2025, there was a decrease in the outflow of funds from individuals by nearly 23%, from $47.5 million.