The legal system within the Kyrgyz Republic is similar to that of most European countries. The law is based on a series of codes and statutes which are intended to establish a comprehensive system of rules, judicial decisions are not yet a source of law. However, the Kyrgyz Supreme Court publishes the twice-yearly Bulletin containing the text of important court decisions and Guidelines issued by the Plenum of the Supreme Court which are binding on all lower courts. The Civil Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, which entered into force on 1 June 1996, defines the legal relations among subjects of the civil law, i.e. individuals and legal entities engaged in activities in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Foreign investors have the same rights and obligations as local enterprises.
It guarantees the equality of persons and entities in their relationship under civil law and provides protection of property and contractual rights. Article 222 of the Civil Code defines property rights which consist of the possession, use and control of the property. The Kyrgyz Republic recognizes private and state ownership. Courtesy of OECD Centre for Cooperation with Non-members.