Kyrgyzstan and Austria agree on pension and social security for citizens

Kyrgyzstan and Austria have moved to strengthen social security ties with the approval of an agreement that will govern pension and social insurance provisions for their citizens. The Committee on Labor, Health, Women's Affairs, and Social Issues of the Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyz Parliament) has endorsed the agreement and its implementation plan.

This bilateral accord originated from an official visit by Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov to Austria in November 2024. Its primary objective is to guarantee equal rights for citizens of both nations within the framework of social insurance and pension schemes. Under the agreement, each country will administer pensions according to its own legislation and based on the individual's insurance record.

The agreement allows for the summation of insurance periods accumulated in either country if an individual's insurance record in one nation is insufficient to qualify for a pension. Crucially, pensions will be paid directly to citizens of both Kyrgyzstan and Austria, irrespective of where they reside. This provision aims to simplify the process and ensure continuous support for citizens living abroad.

Austria's pension system typically sets the retirement age at 65 for men and 60 for women, though women's retirement age is being gradually increased to 65 by 2030. A minimum insurance period of 15 years is generally required, with a total insurance contribution rate of 37.45 percent. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 2,000 Kyrgyz citizens currently reside in Austria, a number expected to benefit directly from this new agreement.