Uzbekistan has introduced a new digital procedure allowing land lease agreements to be extended online through the Unified Portal of Interactive Public Services (EPIGU) and Public Service Centers.

The new framework establishes a formal administrative procedure for extension of land lease agreements and is aimed at simplifying land administration, reducing bureaucracy and expanding digital public services.

Scope of the new procedure

 

The regulation applies to land lease agreements concluded with district and city khokimiyats involving:

• land plots leased by individuals or legal entities where the lease term is approaching expiration;
• extension of lease rights for land plots already held on a lease basis.

The framework applies to both individuals and corporate land users.

At the same time, the procedure does not apply to:

• land plots used by state authorities on a permanent use basis;
• land located within the forest fund;
• land plots situated in special economic or industrial zones.

Mandatory electronic application process

 

Under the new rules, tenants must submit applications for lease extension electronically no later than three months before expiration of the existing lease agreement.

Applications may be submitted through:

• Public Service Centers; or
• the Unified Portal of Interactive Public Services (EPIGU).

Applications filed through EPIGU are processed fully electronically.

The regulation also introduces standardized electronic application forms and integrated interagency information exchange mechanisms involving cadastral authorities, tax authorities and local administrations.

Automated verification and digital coordination

 

A notable feature of the reform is the introduction of automated digital verification procedures.

Authorities may electronically verify:

• cadastral registration data;
• tax liabilities and arrears;
• existence of disputes or violations relating to land use;
• compliance with lease obligations;
• intended use of the land plot.

The regulation limits requests for duplicate documents where information is already available through integrated state databases.

Interagency coordination is carried out through digital platforms and integrated information systems.

Grounds for refusal

 

The framework establishes formal grounds on which extension requests may be denied.

Among other things, refusal may occur where:

• the tenant violated land use requirements;
• false or incomplete information was submitted;
• tax or lease payment obligations remain outstanding;
• the land plot is being used contrary to its designated purpose;
• there are unresolved disputes relating to the land plot.

Applicants are also granted the right to challenge actions or decisions of state authorities and responsible officials through established complaint procedures.

Digitalization of land administration

 

The reform forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader policy aimed at digitalization of public services and simplification of administrative procedures.

The regulation specifically provides for:

• electronic notifications and approvals;
• automated information exchange between authorities;
• reduced paperwork and in-person interaction;
• digital monitoring of applications and processing stages.

The procedure is expected to improve efficiency and transparency in management of land lease relations.

Implications

 

The new framework is particularly important for:

• agricultural land users;
• industrial and commercial land tenants;
• real estate developers;
• investors operating under long-term land lease arrangements.

The changes are expected to reduce administrative burdens and improve predictability of lease extension procedures.

The regulation entered into force on 19 May 2026.