More and more young people in Kyrgyzstan are choosing freelancing over office jobs — and for good reason. With the chance to work from anywhere, earn in dollars, and grow their skills, freelancing is becoming a popular career path in the country’s fast-growing IT scene.
Aiperi Matenova, Communications Specialist at the High Technology Park, linkedin
In a café located at the intersection of Togolok Moldo and Sydykov streets, 26-year-old front-end developer Azamat sits with a cup of Americano and a laptop with dozens of open tabs. His office is any place with stable Wi-Fi, and his clients come from all corners of the world: from Singapore to Chile. While many of his peers in Bishkek are just beginning their careers in traditional fields, Azamat earns several times more than the average employee, securing his stability through freelancing.
This case reflects a broader trend that is gaining traction within Kyrgyzstan’s IT community. In recent years, the labor market in the country has undergone a shift, particularly evident in the information technology sector. Freelancing, once seen as a side hustle, has now become the main source of income for many professionals. Experts note that the rise of freelancing in Kyrgyzstan is driven by a combination of factors, including economic conditions, the growth of online platforms, and support from the local ecosystem.
Freelancing as a career: reasons for growth
Unlike the traditional employment model, freelancing offers unique opportunities for professionals working in technology. Several factors are contributing to this trend:
High unemployment among youth
Amid economic instability and limited opportunities for employment in traditional industries, many young professionals are increasingly turning to freelancing. The flexibility that is often lacking in office jobs becomes especially appealing to those seeking independence and variety in their professional lives.
Workplace flexibility
One of the main advantages of freelancing is the ability to work from any corner of the country — whether it's Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, or even a remote region like Batken. This mobility allows freelancers to work within the domestic market while also serving international clients, significantly broadening their horizons and growth opportunities.
Access to international clients
In light of the limited domestic market, freelancers from Kyrgyzstan are increasingly turning to international clients. Platforms such as Upwork and Toptal offer the opportunity to work with clients from around the globe, providing not only better pay conditions but also unique experience in an international environment.
Growth of professional skills and English language
Education in technology fields and a high level of English among the youth have become significant factors that have opened new doors for freelancers. Professionals with in-demand skills and language competencies are becoming competitive on international platforms.
Support from the local ecosystem
The High Technology Park and other governmental and private initiatives play a key role in supporting freelancers. These organizations offer mentoring programs, training, acceleration, and the opportunity to register as residents, providing access to tax benefits and legal support.
Career transformation through freelancing
The story of Alexey, a developer from Moscow, illustrates how freelancing can be not just a temporary measure, but a long-term career path. When his company in Russia began downsizing, he lost his stable job. Through the Toptal platform, Alexey secured a contract with a Canadian client and later continued working with the same client on a permanent basis. Now, he earns consistently and has gained the freedom to choose his workplace. This case highlights how freelancing can be a solution to financial difficulties and a pathway for career growth.
Risks and challenges of freelancing
However, freelancing is not without its challenges. For most professionals, it means income instability, a lack of social security, and legal uncertainties. Many freelancers operate in a “gray zone,” not registering their entrepreneurial activities and avoiding taxes. This creates risks both for the workers themselves and for the government.
Additionally, the lack of strict timeframes and frequent juggling of multiple projects can lead to burnout. In this situation, it becomes crucial to establish boundaries between personal life and work.
How and where to find projects
To be a successful freelancer, it’s necessary to actively search for projects and use various platforms:
1. Upwork — a leading platform for freelancers across various fields, from development to design and writing.
2. Toptal — a specialized platform for highly qualified professionals with advanced English.
3. Telegram Channel “IT world KG” — an active community of freelancers in Kyrgyzstan that helps specialists find projects.
4. Freelance.kg — a local freelance platform for Kyrgyzstan’s professionals, where both international and local projects can be found.
5. LinkedIn and Personal Branding — using professional social networks to build a reputation and find clients through recommendations.
The future of freelancing in Kyrgyzstan
Government institutions in Kyrgyzstan are only beginning to realize the importance of the freelancing sector and its potential contribution to the country’s economy. Despite this, the ecosystem of local freelancers is already actively developing. Leading IT organizations, such as the High Technology Park, as well as private initiatives, are offering training, consultations, and access to international markets.
The transition to freelancing represents, for many, a step toward flexibility and a conscious choice for a long-term career path. For specialists aiming to build an international career while staying in Kyrgyzstan, freelancing can be an excellent alternative to traditional employment relationships.