Uzbekistan: Legal Conditions for Doing Business, Infrastructure and Investment Protection

29.04.2026

Interview with Rustam Akramov, Partner at REVERA Uzbekistan

 

— Rustam, which companies are currently most often considering Uzbekistan as a jurisdiction for market entry?

 

— There are quite a few segments, ranging from energy to IT. However, if we speak about the current growth driver, it is undoubtedly the IT sector. We are seeing a significant number of start-ups and technology companies relocating their operations to Uzbekistan and launching business here.

Accordingly, most enquiries at the moment relate specifically to IT. Therefore, when discussing market entry, it is logical first to consider the opportunities offered by the IT Park.

 

— The IT Park is often compared with similar projects in other countries. What makes it distinctive?

 

— First and foremost, the speed of its development. Over the past eight years, the IT Park has built a fairly effective system that enables companies from other jurisdictions to obtain resident status quickly.

At the same time, this is not only about incentives. The IT Park offers ready-made infrastructure: offices, the possibility to rent servers, software and equipment. It is located in the central part of Tashkent and was originally designed as a modern workspace, including for foreign specialists.

 

— What attracts foreign residents to it?

 

— The main factors are tax and customs incentives, as well as a straightforward entry procedure. As a rule, a company is first registered in the form of an LLC, after which it applies for resident status.

The second important point is access to talent. In recent years, Uzbekistan has developed a strong pool of specialists, and IT Park residents receive direct access to it.

In terms of the tax burden, the regime is indeed one of the most attractive: a zero rate of corporate income tax, zero VAT, as well as a number of other incentives. The personal income tax rate for employees is reduced to 7.5%, compared with the standard rate of 12%.

 

— How complex is the procedure for obtaining resident status?

 

— It is quite clear and usually takes up to 10 business days. First, a legal entity is registered, and then an application is submitted — this can be done either electronically or in paper form.

The company discloses information about its activities, team and business model. If the criteria are met, resident status is granted without additional complications.

 

— What projects most often enter the IT Park?

 

— The range is fairly broad: projects in artificial intelligence, game development, fintech and IT outsourcing.

In addition, consulting companies — legal and financial — also become residents, provided that their services are delivered online and the main revenue is received from abroad.

 

— If a company does not belong to the IT sector, what alternative forms of presence are available?

 

— This depends on the objectives and timeframe.

If the activity is project-based and lasts more than 183 days, a permanent establishment format may be used. This is not a separate legal entity, but a tax status involving registration with the tax authorities and the relevant reporting obligations.

If the activity falls within a period of up to 183 days, it is possible to operate without registration, on the basis of contracts.

For initial market entry, a representative office is often used. It does not carry out commercial activity, but allows the company to be present in the country and represent the interests of the parent company.

If, however, the business plans full-scale operations, the optimal option is to register a legal entity — usually an LLC. This is the clearest and most convenient form from an administrative perspective.

 

— How is remote work regulated? For example, if employees are located outside Uzbekistan?

 

— In this respect, Uzbekistan has a certain advantage. If a foreign employee works remotely and does not enter the country, no work permit is required.

This simplifies the structuring of distributed teams.

 

— What investment protection guarantees are provided by law?

 

— A single Law on Investments and Investment Activity is currently in force, consolidating previously fragmented regulation.

It establishes key guarantees for investors: non-discriminatory treatment, protection against nationalisation, stability of legislation, the ability to freely repatriate profits, and a prohibition on unjustified state interference in business activities.

In practice, over the past 15–17 years we have not encountered cases of nationalisation of businesses owned by foreign investors.

 

— How often does the legislation change? Does this create risks?

 

— Changes do occur, but they are mainly aimed at improving the investment climate.

Cases where investors’ position is worsened are extremely rare. At the same time, the stability principle applies: an investor may rely on the legislation that was in force at the time of making the investment.

 

— How are disputes resolved in Uzbekistan? Which tools do investors usually choose?

 

— In investment disputes, international arbitration is used more often, primarily because of its neutrality.

Uzbekistan is a party to the New York Convention, so foreign arbitral awards are recognised and enforced.

At the same time, the country also has a system of state courts, arbitral tribunals, and an International Commercial Arbitration Court, which has become increasingly sought after in recent years.

The choice depends on the business’s priorities — the timeframe for consideration, cost and level of confidence in a particular forum.

 

— Apart from the IT Park, what other infrastructure entities may be useful for investors?

 

— Uzbekistan has more than 30 free economic zones. They provide tax and customs incentives, as well as basic infrastructure — from utility networks to transport accessibility.

The minimum investment amount usually starts from USD 300,000. As the investment amount increases, so does the period for which incentives are granted.

 

— Where should a company that is only considering entering the Uzbek market begin?

 

— First of all, by defining the business model: the type of activity, objectives and duration of presence.

Next, it should assess the tax burden and available incentives.

Only after that should it move on to legal structuring — choosing the form of presence and setting up the overall operating model.

 

— Can an investor go through this process independently?

 

— In theory, yes. In practice, this usually takes significantly more time and resources.

Engaging consultants makes it possible to pass through all stages more quickly and reduce the risk of mistakes — both at the registration stage and in subsequent operations.

 

— How important is industry-specific regulation when entering the market?

 

— It is of fundamental importance. Depending on the type of activity, licences and permits may be required.

Therefore, before commencing operations, it is important to identify all regulatory requirements in advance in order to avoid risks — fines or suspension of activities.

---

 

— Thank you for the conversation.

 

— Thank you, it was a pleasure to discuss these issues.

Today, Uzbekistan is genuinely interested in developing its economy through the arrival of new players, especially those bringing international experience and expertise.

For our part, we are ready to support such projects — from their first steps in the market through to full-scale business operations.

---

We recommend contacting REVERA Uzbekistan at the very start when considering entry into the Uzbek market, as well as establishing and operating a business in Uzbekistan. This will help you assess potential risks in advance and build an effective business development strategy.