Living in Turkmenistan
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Turkmenistan, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Turkmenistan. Read about how the UK embassy in Ashgabat can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Turkmen authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad guidance sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy Ashgabat on Facebook and Instagram.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Turkmenistan for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
See also our Overseas Business Risk guide for Turkmenistan for information on security and political risks which UK businesses may face in Turkmenistan.
Coronavirus
Follow the advice of the Turkmen government and your local authority.
You should also read the Turkmenistan travel advice
All COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, other than in medical facilities, where face coverings should continue to be worn. Check the entry requirements in travel advice.
Visas
You will need a visa and letter of invitation (LOI) to enter Turkmenistan.
You should contact the Turkmen Embassy in London before your intended travel date. All visa applications made at Turkmen embassies in the UK and overseas are referred to the authorities in Ashgabat for a decision. This can take at least 14 days. There is a fast-track 24-hour service available, which has a supplementary fee of approximately US$150.
You will need a letter of invitation (LOI), certified by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, from a private individual or company to support your application.
You can apply for a residence permit at the State Migration Service if you are married to a Turkmen national, reside with first line Turkmen relatives or investors, for example.
Read more information about residence permits.
When you arrive in Turkmenistan, you must pay a US$14 migration fee ($10 fee plus $4 admin charge).
If you intend to enter Turkmenistan with prescription or non-prescription medicines, you should check in advance the list of prohibited medicines and the legal quantities of medicines that are allowed. Contact the Turkmen Embassy in London before you travel (telephone 020 7610 5239).
Registration
You must register within 3 days of arrival with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
State Migration Service of Turkmenistan
57 Azadi Street
Ashgabat
If you are not staying in Ashgabat, you should register at the local Migration Service instead.
Confirm which paperwork you need with your hotel or employer. Registration is for the period of the visa. Someone else can register you, if necessary.
You should bring 2 passport size photos. The State Migration Service of Turkmenistan will need a letter confirming your departure date from Turkmenistan.
Non-compliance with these requirements could lead to prosecution and possible detention.
If you live in Turkmenistan, you do not need to register with the British Embassy. We encourage British nationals to sign up for our Travel Advice email alerts and follow UK in Turkmenistan on social media including Facebook and Instagram.
Passports and travel
You must carry a valid passport in Turkmenistan at all times. Police may stop you to check your identity.
Check that you have enough space in your passport for visas and entry and exit stamps. If your passport is due to expire soon or you do not have spare pages for stamps, you should apply for a replacement passport. You can apply for or renew your British passport from Turkmenistan.
Check the Turkmenistan travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan and the UK do not have reciprocal healthcare agreements.
You must ensure you have private healthcare cover for Turkmenistan. You can find a list of public hospitals and practitioners in Turkmenistan. Doctors and nurses may not speak English.
The NHS has information about healthcare for people moving abroad. You should also check your prescriptions are legal in Turkmenistan.
UK travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Most hospitals will accept card payments, but some may require cash payment in the local currency.
Emergency medical assistance is available by dialling ‘03’ and asking for an ambulance. You may need assistance if you do not speak Turkmen or Russian. There may be long waiting times for ambulances. Where possible, you may find it quicker to take a taxi to the hospital. You should contact your insurance and medical assistance company immediately if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Medicine
If you take prescription medication, you should ensure you can get this when living in Turkmenistan. Certain medicines may not be available (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before moving to Turkmenistan to find out about any alternative medication.
Working in Turkmenistan
If you are planning to move to Turkmenistan and work, you will need a work permit.
In accordance with Turkmen law, foreign nationals can work in Turkmenistan under permits granted by the designated authority. Contact the British Embassy Ashgabat for more information.
Studying in Turkmenistan
If you plan to study in Turkmenistan, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the relevant higher education provider to check what fees you have to pay. Contact the British Embassy Ashgabat for information about education opportunities and contacts of local education authorities.
Tax
The UK and Turkmenistan Double Taxation Convention entered into force on 19 December 2016.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Turkmenistan. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Turkmenistan
Read guidance on:
- tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad
- paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
Check information about your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
To open a bank account in Turkmenistan you need to have your original passport with you.
Money can be transferred by Western Union or MoneyGram in an emergency.
Credit cards are only accepted in Ashgabat hotels and some supermarkets.
Accommodation and buying property
You can book accommodation directly on hotel websites, or through some online booking services.
Foreign nationals are not allowed to own property in Turkmenistan.
Driving in Turkmenistan
Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in Turkmenistan.
If you wish to drive in Turkmenistan you should apply for an International Driving Permit. See also renewing UK driving licences if your licence is due to expire.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA).
Read more guidance for travelling by road in Turkmenistan
Read guidance if you wish to take your vehicle with you. Turkmenistan has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained by police and convicted for drink-driving after consuming 1 alcoholic drink.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Turkmenistan, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Turkmenistan you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Turkmenistan, read our guidance on:
- What to do if someone dies abroad
- Bereavement guidance for Turkmenistan
- Funeral directors in Turkmenistan
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
You may also need to get your UK divorce papers legalised to register marriage in Turkmenistan.
Civil partnerships are not recognised in Turkmenistan and cannot be registered.
Find out about notarial and document services for British nationals in Turkmenistan.
Pets
To bring a pet in Turkmenistan you will need to show an international vet passport, health certificate, and vaccinations certificate (for example, anti-rabies, deworming treatment). You will also need to provide a translation in Turkmen or Russian languages.
Make sure you also check the requirements for transporting pets with your airlines.
See what you need to do to export live animals from the UK
See travelling with pets for information on bringing pets to the UK.
Emergencies
- dial 02 for the police
- dial 03 for ambulance
- dial 01 for the fire brigade
The operators may not speak English, and you may need assistance from a Russian or Turkmen speaker.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Turkmenistan, read general guidance for victims of rape and sexual assault abroad. You can also find a list of English-speaking lawyers in Turkmenistan.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy Ashgabat.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.