Kyrgyzstan and Austria Strike Pension Deal: Citizens Can Combine Insurance Records Across Both Countries

Kyrgyzstan and Austria have moved closer to signing a social security agreement that would allow citizens of both countries to combine their insurance records when applying for pensions. The Committee on Labor, Healthcare, Women's Affairs and Social Issues of Kyrgyzstan's Zhogorku Kenesh has approved the agreement and a draft implementation plan.

The decision to develop the document was made during President Sadyr Japarov's official visit to Austria on November 24-25, 2024, according to Gulnura Dzhumataeva, Deputy Chairperson of Kyrgyzstan's Social Fund.

The agreement aims to ensure equal rights for citizens of both countries in the areas of social insurance and pension provision. Each side will assign pensions in accordance with its national legislation and based on the applicant's insurance record. If the insurance period accumulated in one country is insufficient, it may be combined with periods accumulated in the other country. Pensions will be paid directly to citizens regardless of their place of residence.

In Austria, the retirement age is currently 65 for men and 60 for women, with a planned gradual increase for women to 65 by 2030. The minimum insurance period is 15 years, and the total social insurance contribution rate stands at 37.45 percent.

According to Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry, about 2,000 citizens of Kyrgyzstan currently reside in Austria.

For now, the agreement has cleared its first legislative hurdle in Bishkek. The implementation plan has been approved. For the roughly 2,000 Kyrgyz citizens living in Austria – and for Austrians who may one day retire in Central Asia – the message is clear: your pension follows you, and your work history counts on both sides of the border. The paperwork is not finished yet. But the foundation has been laid.

Written by Sandy van Dongen