The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic has announced that there will be no re-legalization of cars with foreign registration numbers. This statement was made against the backdrop of active discussions in society about the possibility of resuming such an initiative.
It is worth noting that many cars with foreign license plates were imported into the country through so-called "gray schemes," which imply the absence of customs declaration and payment of mandatory duties stipulated by the legislation of the EAEU and the Kyrgyz Republic. In comparison, citizens who import cars legally pay an average of about $1,800 in customs duties and an additional $400 for initial registration.
The previously conducted legalization was one-time and exceptional.
This legalization was organized in accordance with the decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic dated December 31, 2024, No. 398, and took place from April 1 to September 30, 2025. The main goal of the initiative was to reduce the share of the shadow economy, improve the transparency of vehicle circulation, and enhance road safety.
According to the ministry, as a result of the campaign, more than 30,000 vehicles were legalized, which helped curb illegal imports and eliminate the gray market, as well as ensure transparency in the operation of vehicles.
The Ministry of Economy is confident that re-legalization of vehicles imported in violation of the law violates the principles of equality and fairness, as it creates unequal conditions for citizens who comply with the legislation.
Initially, the possibility of re-legalization was not considered.
In addition, the ministry clarified that vehicles registered in EAEU countries — Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia — can be deregistered in the country of registration and registered in Kyrgyzstan in the established manner. However, the registration of vehicles with right-hand drive is prohibited in the republic.
“We do not plan and do not consider the possibility of re-legalizing vehicles registered abroad,” the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic added.
