Uzbekistan introduces paid residency permits for foreign citizens

A presidential decree titled “On Measures to Promote Manufacturing, Exports, and Entrepreneurial Activities, and to Enhance the Efficiency of Trade and Industrial Policy” has been adopted.

Under this decree, from June 1, 2025, foreign citizens and stateless persons will be eligible to receive a five-year residency permit in Uzbekistan through a streamlined process upon payment of $200,000 for the applicant and $100,000 for each family member (spouse, children, and parents).

Additionally, starting October 1, 2025, the excise tax on white sugar imported into Uzbekistan without flavoring or coloring additives will be abolished.

Legal entities with 20 or more employees will be allowed to pay property and land taxes, as well as lease payments, in installments on July 15 and December 1, 2025.

Furthermore, the decree stipulates that entrepreneurs providing public catering services can claim a partial refund of paid VAT, provided that at least 80% of their total income from goods and services sales comes from this activity.

The decree also extends the deadlines for industrial enterprises to install automated monitoring stations, dust and gas cleaning equipment, local water treatment facilities, and stationary observation posts as follows:

•  For Category I enterprises: until January 1, 2026.
•  For Category II enterprises: until July 1, 2026.