Moving to Tajikistan?

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Moving to Tajikistan

The Land and Its People

Located in Central Asia, bordered by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and China, Tajikistan has a total area of 143,100 square kilometers (55,251 square miles). With a population of approximately 8 million people, Tajikistan is the world’s 98th most populous country. Main languages spoken in Tajikistan include the official language, Tajik (related to Persian), and Russian, which is often used for business purposes.

As a country, Tajikistan has a diverse culture and identity, influenced by its position within many empires and eras of rule spanning over numerous centuries. Relocating to Tajikistan will allow you to experience the customs and ways of life still practiced by the many ethnic groups that make up this cosmopolitan country. 

The Climate in Tajikistan

Due to its landlocked location, Tajikistan has continental and subtropical climates with some desert areas. Weather and temperatures vary throughout the country due to its mountainous landscape. Summers are warm and winters tend to be mild with some snowfall.

In mountain areas, winter conditions are more severe and avalanches are not uncommon. In the cities, summers are typically very hot with temperatures reaching as high as 40℃ (104 ℉). People moving to Tajikistan should consider bringing light clothing for the summer months and heavier, warmer clothing for the winter. Tajikistan also experiences the most rainfall out of all the Central Asian countries.

Visas for Tajikistan

Most foreign citizens traveling to Tajikistan need a visa to enter the country, but due to government agreements nationals from the following countries are exempt from needing visas to enter Tajikistan: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Moldova, and Russia.

As of 2003, the Tajikistan government has made it easier for citizens from the EU, USA, and Japan to get a visa, however, a letter of support still needs to be included as part of a visa application.

A working visa is valid for three months, but can be extended as long as an expat can successfully gain a work permit issued by Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. Some employers may be able to help a working expat with this process. 

Please refer to the Tajik Embassy in your current country of residence for more information on visa regulations. On the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can find a list of embassies and representative offices around the world, as well as their respective contact details.

Edmund Taylor


Raquel Santos


Expat Magazine