Co-working spaces in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan are emerging as there are professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers looking to find a flexible and collaborative work environment. The rise of co-working spaces in Bishkek can be attributed to several factors, including the city's growing startup ecosystem and the increasing number of digital nomads coming to Kyrgyzstan.
I am a digital nomad myself and have been working remotely in Kyrgyzstan for the last year and a half. Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries are lesser-known travel destinations, but I highly recommend anyone to come travel or even work from here if they have the chance.
KYRGYZSTAN DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
As of January 21, 2024, one may apply for the Digital Nomad visa through the official Kyrgyzstan visa application portal. According to the website, the Digital nomad visa is for a "foreign citizen or a stateless person engaged in activities in the field of information and communication technologies and engaged in the development of software products, at the request of the authorized state body for the implementation of state policy in the field of digitalization and electronic management or the owner of the status "Digital Nomad "Digital nomad" for up to 6 months."
According to the news publication 24.kg, only citizens of the following twelve countries may apply; Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and India. This list may get updated, so I highly recommend you follow the news listed on the official Kyrgyzstan government website.
WHY BECOME A DIGITAL NOMAD IN KYRGYZSTAN
Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, presents a unique blend of development and natural beauty. Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Tian Shan mountains, the city offers a lower cost of living compared to many Western standards. The city is developing so there are continuing infrastructure improvements. Moreover, the hospitality of the Kyrgyz people and the growing diverse, international community ensures a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Bishkek is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There is a close proximity to mountain ranges, and national parks, so you can easily transition from a bustling workday to the serenity of nature. The city also has a rich history and cultural heritage which includes markets, museums, and theatres.
CO-WORKING SPACES IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
1. ololo
ololo is one of the largest co-working spaces in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. They have office space for start-ups, large companies, and open space for freelancers and remote workers. In addition, they have meeting and conference rooms with a capacity of 10 to 120 people. Two of my friends currently work at the large ololo office located on Yunusaliev Avenue and I've attended presentations at the building as well. Another perk is that there is a Japanese restaurant called Zen Sushi located inside the building, and it is one of my favorite places to eat in Bishkek.
Each floor has a different theme and like other coworking spaces, it has the standard offerings such as a communal kitchen, desks, and chairs. They offer various pricing models to cater to the flexible needs of different customers, so you can purchase day passes. I noticed that the prices at ololo are higher compared to other spaces and reservations can be booked through their online website.
2. Collab Coworking
Collab Coworking is a coworking space located in the Southern district of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. They only have one location and offer various rooms for start-ups, large companies, and open space for freelancers and remote workers. In addition, they have meeting and conference rooms. They have standard offerings, facilities, and amenities such as a common lounge, and kitchen. Since they are located near the mountains and on the ninth floor, you'll get a beautiful view of the city. To make reservations, contact them through their WhatsApp.
3. Cafes
If you don't want to find a co-working space, there are a variety of cafes that are perfect for working remotely. Many of these cafes have a comfortable atmosphere, free Wi-Fi and delicious food and beverages, making them ideal for digital nomads and remote workers. My favorite cafes are:
Capito Cafe: a chain with multiple locations scattered around Bishkek. There are comfortable seating arrangements, a relatively quiet environment, and provides the perfect setting for work sessions or virtual meetings.
Sierra Cafe: a chain with a cozy atmosphere and high-quality coffee. It's ideal place to enjoy a relaxing break or get some work done in a comfortable setting.
Adriano Coffee: a chain and a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a nice cup of coffee. They have various locations across Bishkek, all differing in size, but the larger locations are cozy and some have large outdoor sittings.
The co-working sector in Bishkek is posed for expansion. With a steady increase in the number of digital nomads, we'll see a dynamic ecosystem that supports innovation and business development. If there are additional coworking spaces I should add to this list, comment below.
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