Uzbekistan has adopted a formal procedure for granting a special tax regime to foreign citizens, creating a new framework aimed at attracting international investors, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals.

The regime provides significant tax benefits, including exemption from personal income tax on income earned from sources outside Uzbekistan, subject to compliance with established requirements.

Key benefit of the special tax regime

 

The special tax regime exempts foreign citizens from paying Uzbek personal income tax on income generated outside Uzbekistan.

The initiative forms part of Uzbekistan's broader strategy to attract foreign capital, encourage long-term residency and strengthen the country's position as an international investment destination.

Eligibility requirements

 

Foreign citizens seeking access to the regime must apply through Public Service Centers or the Unified Portal of Interactive Public Services (EPIGU). Applications are reviewed by a dedicated Commission, with the Tax Committee serving as its working body.

Following approval, applicants must:

• open an account with an authorized commercial bank in Uzbekistan or a wallet with an authorized crypto exchange; and
• pay a special fee of USD 50,000.

The framework also permits participation of close family members, subject to payment of an additional fee of USD 10,000 per adult family member.

Tax residency rules

 

The regulation clarifies the tax residency status of individuals benefiting from the special regime.

A foreign citizen may be recognized as a tax resident of Uzbekistan if:

• they are physically present in Uzbekistan for more than 30 calendar days during any consecutive twelve-month period; and
• they own or lease residential property in Uzbekistan.

This creates a special residency framework distinct from traditional tax residency concepts applied in many jurisdictions.

Application and approval process

 

Applications are submitted electronically and reviewed by the Commission responsible for granting the special tax regime.

The process includes:

• review and registration of applications;
• verification of applicant eligibility;
• assessment of supporting documentation;
• approval, refusal, extension or early termination of the regime.

The Tax Committee administers the process and maintains the relevant information systems.

Banking, crypto and compliance requirements

 

Approved applicants may use either:

• a bank account opened with an authorized commercial bank; or
• a crypto wallet opened through an authorized crypto exchange in Uzbekistan.

Both banks and crypto exchanges must conduct anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and sanctions-related compliance checks before accepting funds and servicing participants under the regime.

This feature makes the regime particularly notable as one of the few residency-linked tax programs expressly incorporating regulated crypto infrastructure.

Implications

 

The regime is likely to be of interest to:

• international investors;
• entrepreneurs and business owners;
• digital nomads and remote professionals;
• cryptocurrency investors;
• individuals seeking alternative tax residency options.

The combination of foreign-source income tax exemption, banking and crypto access, and simplified residency arrangements reflects Uzbekistan's growing focus on attracting globally mobile capital and talent.

The regulation entered into force on 22 May 2026.