Since November, Tajikistan has launched a nationwide digital registration campaign for pensioners, requiring all recipients to complete facial recognition (Face ID) verification by the end of December. The initiative is being carried out by the Agency for Social Protection and Pensions across all 68 cities and districts of the country.

The process is free and conducted via a mobile application, where a pensioner’s photo and passport data are uploaded into the system. Officials say the program allows pensioners to verify their identity at their convenience, without having to visit a government office.

The agency states that the program is aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency in pension management. Local offices are operating seven days a week to ensure everyone has the opportunity to complete registration on time.

For elderly pensioners and people with disabilities who cannot travel, agency staff are providing home visits.

While long queues were reported in the first days of registration, the situation has since improved.

The program was initiated based on a government resolution dated October 31, followed by an order on November 11. However, many pensioners were only informed in late November, raising concerns about the tight deadlines.

As of September 1, 2025, Tajikistan had 863,690 registered pensioners. How many have completed the digital ID process remains unknown. Asia-Plus has requested comment from the agency, but has not yet received a response.

Despite efforts to digitize public services, citizens continue to complain about frequent power outages and slow internet speeds, particularly in remote areas.

Rising pensions, enduring poverty: how Tajikistan’s elderly live

Despite efforts to digitize and modernize the pension system, elderly citizens in Tajikistan continue to face significant economic challenges.

As of September 1, 2025, pensions were increased by 10%, but soaring prices for basic goods have largely offset this raise.

Before the increase, the average monthly pension was 470.62 somonis (about $50). It now stands at around $55 — still insufficient to meet even minimal living needs for most retirees. Many depend on financial help from relatives and forgo essential food items.

Prices for staple goods such as bread, flour, and vegetables continue to rise. For elderly people living on tight budgets, such price hikes pose a serious burden. Based on current prices, a Tajik pensioner can afford only 4–5 kilograms of beef per month, compared to up to 32 kilograms for pensioners in Belarus.

A comparison with other CIS countries highlights the stark disparity: in Kazakhstan, the average pension exceeds $300; in Russia, nearly $290; and in Belarus, $256. Even in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, retirees receive over $120 monthly.

At the same time, the proportion of pensioners in Tajikistan remains relatively low. As of July 1, 2025, there were about 858,000 pensioners, or roughly 8% of the population. In contrast, elderly citizens make up 28% of the population in Russia, about 25% in Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Estonia, and over 16% in Georgia.

This low percentage in Tajikistan is due to the country’s high natural population growth — more than 2% annually — the highest rate among post-Soviet states.