Published
07/24/2026, 14:46The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, has signed a law amending the legislation governing the activities of the ‘Tamchy’ Special Financial and Investment Territory. The document is aimed at developing the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) and clarifying the legal framework for participants in the territory.
The law was passed by the Jogorku Kenesh on 24 June 2026 and signed by the Head of State on 22 July 2026.
One of the key changes was the formalisation of the special status of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution within the “Tamchy” Special Financial Investment Territory. The IDRC is now officially defined as a specialised organisation established to resolve disputes in accordance with the rules and principles of the English legal system and best international practices.
Amendments have been made to the legislation on arbitration tribunals, allowing the arbitration institutions of the SFIT ‘Tamchy’ to operate in the forms provided for by the special law on the territory. At the same time, the decisions of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution will be enforced in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of the SFIT ‘Tamchy’.
Furthermore, the powers of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution have been expanded with regard to the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. The Centre will be able to consider such matters in relation to legal entities and individuals within the ‘Tamchy’ Special Economic Zone, as well as assets located within the territory of the special zone.
Separate protection has been enshrined for members of the International Centre, arbitrators, mediators and staff. They cannot be held liable for acts or omissions in the performance of their duties under the law on the ‘Tamchy’ Special Economic Zone.
The amendments have also affected the governance structure of the special territory. In particular, the powers of the ‘Tamchy’ SFIT Council, the management company and the registrar have been clarified. A specialised SFIT register is being introduced, which will contain details of Council members and other appointed persons.
The head of the management company is now appointed and dismissed by a decision of the Council. He or she will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company and will represent the interests of the ‘Tamchy’ SFIT before state bodies, international organisations and financial institutions.
The law also provides for the possibility of redomiciliation — the transition of organisations established under Kyrgyz law to the status of entities within the ‘Tamchy’ Special Economic Zone without undergoing reorganisation and without altering their property rights and obligations.
A simplified regime is provided for foreign workers and stateless persons employed by the entities and bodies of the ‘Tamchy’ Special Economic Zone. They will be able to obtain a Special Economic Zone entry visa valid for up to five years, and work without needing to obtain a permit to employ foreign labour.
At the same time, the constituent entities and bodies of the ‘Tamchy’ Special Economic Zone, including their employees, are exempt from state social insurance obligations.
The Act will come into force 10 days after its official publication. The Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to bring its regulatory acts into line with the new provisions.
