Kyrgyzstan and Austria to Provide Pension Coverage for Each Other’s Citizens

Kyrgyzstan and Austria are set to enhance social security for their citizens through a newly approved agreement. The pact, which includes an implementation plan, was greenlit by the Committee on Labor, Healthcare, Women’s Affairs and Social Issues of the Zhogorku Kenesh. This development stems from discussions during President Sadyr Japarov's visit to Austria in November 2024.

The core objective of the agreement is to guarantee equal rights for citizens of both Kyrgyzstan and Austria concerning social insurance and pension benefits. Under the terms, each country will administer pensions based on its national legislation and the applicant's insurance history. Crucially, if an individual's insurance period in one country is insufficient to qualify for a pension, it can be combined with periods accumulated in the other nation.

Pensions will be disbursed directly to the citizens, irrespective of where they reside. This provision ensures that individuals are not disadvantaged by their place of living. Currently, Austria's retirement age is 65 for men and 60 for women, with plans to raise the women's retirement age to 65 by 2030. A minimum of 15 years of insurance is required, with a total social insurance contribution rate of 37.45 percent. Approximately 2,000 Kyrgyz citizens currently live in Austria, highlighting the practical importance of this bilateral agreement.