Bishkek, Feb. 7, 2026. /Kabar/. The volume of money transfers from Russia to Kyrgyzstan may have exceeded $3 billion by the end of 2025. This follows from data published by RBK(Russian media holding), which cited statistics for the first 11 months of last year. By that time, funds transferred from Russia to Kyrgyzstan had already reached $2.99 billion. Experts believe that this psychological threshold was most likely surpassed in December.
In its report, RBK referred to an analysis of preliminary year-end statistics from the central banks of neighboring countries. At the same time, journalists noted a significant decline in remittances from Russia to other CIS countries: transfers to Armenia decreased by 59 percent, to Kazakhstan by nearly 22 percent, and to Georgia by 13.6 percent.
In contrast, remittance inflows to Kyrgyzstan increased by almost 17 percent compared to the previous year.
Experts interviewed by RBK noted that Kyrgyzstan remains one of the most convenient financial hubs for both Russian businesses and individuals. According to their assessment, local banks relatively easily open accounts for Russian citizens, allowing them to handle everyday financial matters — from travel expenses to payments for online services and e-commerce purchases — as well as to use transfers for currency diversification.
For businesses, additional advantages include simplified company registration procedures, relatively moderate banking compliance requirements, low taxes, and legislation that permits legal operations with cryptocurrencies, RBK reported.
Economic and business expert Sergey Ponomarev said that the growth is not only due to Kyrgyzstan’s favorable business climate and investment conditions.
“It is indeed relatively easy to register as an individual entrepreneur here, and the overall environment is conducive to doing business, including simplified tax administration,” he said.
He also pointed out that, according to official data, around 550,000 Kyrgyz citizens are legally employed in Russia, though the actual number may be higher. This trend continues despite stricter migration regulations and related challenges.
“Incomes have also risen significantly. I was surprised to see that the average salary of a courier in Moscow reaches 174,000 rubles per month. Sales workers, landscaping employees, drivers, and construction workers also receive competitive wages. There are strong labor market opportunities not only in Moscow, but also in St. Petersburg and Siberian cities,” Ponomarev noted.
According to him, the increase in remittances from Russia to Kyrgyzstan by more than 16 percent — primarily driven by individuals — is therefore not surprising.
“Our migrants earn money there, support their families, save to purchase housing in Kyrgyzstan, or start their own businesses,” he added.