Cancellation of Separate Charges in Cafes and Restaurants
Beginning in 2026, it will be prohibited to charge separately for service in cafes and restaurants in Kyrgyzstan. In practice, this means that all additional services, including service and table setting, must be included in the overall cost of dishes. Thus, prices for visiting restaurants will remain unchanged.Introduction of a New Benefit
Starting in 2026, a special benefit will be introduced for families living in remote and mountainous regions. The payment will amount to 3,000 soms per month for the third and each subsequent child under three years of age, regardless of the family's socio-economic status.Maternal Capital for Mothers of Many Children
From January 1, 2026, mothers of many children living in mountainous and hard-to-reach areas will be able to receive a one-time payment called "Bala Bereke." The payments will be as follows:- 100,000 soms for the fourth child;
- 600,000 soms for the fifth;
- 800,000 soms for the sixth;
- 1,000,000 soms for the seventh;
- 1,200,000 soms for the eighth;
- 1,500,000 soms for the ninth;
- 2,000,000 soms for the tenth and each subsequent child.
Autonomy for Hospitals
Starting in 2026, a pilot project will grant autonomy to a number of medical institutions. The project aims to improve the quality of medical services and the effective use of the budget. As noted by the head of the planning and financing department of the Ministry of Health, Elaman Charginbaev, hospitals will be able to generate income to improve their conditions and increase staff salaries.Initially, 20 institutions will participate, and if successful, the project will be expanded nationwide.
Digitalization of the Judicial System
From January 1, 2026, the implementation of digital court proceedings will begin in Kyrgyzstan. Residents of remote areas will be able to file lawsuits, exchange documents, and participate in hearings online.Judicial acts and evidence will be available in electronic format, and judges will be able to conduct hearings using audio and video recordings.
The law will also allow parties, witnesses, and experts to participate in hearings remotely using their digital devices. Additionally, the Supreme Court will be able to redistribute cases for an even workload and to reduce processing times, while notifications will be sent via SMS and email instead of paper correspondence.
Changes in Taxi Licensing
The deadlines for mandatory licensing of taxi drivers have been postponed to February 1, 2026, giving taxi drivers additional time to obtain licenses.Updating Driver's Licenses
Starting in January 2026, holders of indefinite driver's licenses will be required to replace them with temporary ones. Furthermore, all private driving schools will be transferred to state ownership, and applications for license replacement can be submitted online through the "Tunduk" app.New Fines for Businesses
From January 1, 2026, new fines will be introduced for the use of cashless payment instruments registered to individuals. The first offense will result in a warning, while repeat offenses will incur fines ranging from 50 to 650 calculation indicators depending on the offender's status. Banks will also be responsible for timely data provision to tax authorities.Amendments to the Labor Code stipulate that starting in 2026, individual entrepreneurs will be required to pay wages to foreign workers only in cashless form, except in cases of force majeure.
Changes in the Tax Code
Starting from January 1, 2026, the following amendments will come into effect:- Tax legislation compliance will be monitored by market administrations;
- Exemption from income tax for individuals selling wool, hides, and used batteries;
- Exemption from income tax for employees in the football sector;
- Provision of investment deductions for individual investment accounts;
- 0% tax rate for the exchange or transfer of real estate for state needs;
- And other changes – more details available via the link.
Changes for Pensioners
Amendments have been made to pension legislation regarding the minimum work experience required for retirement. Starting from January 1, 2026, a minimum of six years of service will be required to receive a full basic pension, which increases the requirements compared to previous years.Continuation of Transition to 12-Year Education
In 2026, the implementation of the plan to transition schools to 12-year education will continue. According to the government plan, in the next academic year:- Students in the 3rd grade (born in 2016) will move to the 5th grade of the 12-year school;
- Students in the 6th grade (born in 2013) will move to the 8th grade of the 12-year school;
- Students in the 9th grade (born in 2010) will move to the 11th grade of the 12-year school.
Salary Increases
Public sector salaries will be increased in two phases:- From April 1, 2026, salaries for teachers, medical workers, cultural workers, and junior staff are expected to increase by at least 100%. After the increase, the salary for teachers will be around 52,000 soms, and for medical workers, it will be 56,000 soms;
- From September 1, the increases will also affect municipal service employees and some state officials.
Cancellation of Distance Learning
Starting from the 2026/27 academic year, admission to distance learning programs in all higher education institutions will be discontinued. Instead, a remote-digital format will be introduced, which will involve daily online learning.New General Plan for Bishkek
From January 1, 2026, a new general plan for Bishkek will come into effect.
