Uzbekistan introduces “golden visa”: new rules for obtaining residence permits for foreign investors

A new program of granting residence permits for foreign investors will come into force in Uzbekistan from June 1, 2025. The corresponding decree was signed by the country's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on April 18 this year.

Key conditions of the program:

• Foreign citizens will be able to obtain a five-year residence permit upon making a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to the republic's budget
• An important advantage of the program is that there is no requirement for mandatory investments in real estate or business.
• The investor has the right to include family members (spouse, children and parents) in the application.
• For each additional family member an additional payment of $150,000 is provided.

Program Features:

• Simplified application process - documents will be considered on a priority basis without lengthy checks
• Flexible conditions - investors are not required to reside in the country or run a business.
• Extension option - after five years, the residence permit can be extended under the same conditions.
• Additional privileges - holders of “golden visa” will have the right to freely enter and leave the country

Objectives of the innovation:

The introduction of the “golden visa” program is aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan's economy through the attraction of foreign capital. The state expects that the new mechanism will not only replenish the budget, but also create additional incentives for the development of the business environment. An important task is to increase the country's international attractiveness - simplification of conditions for wealthy foreigners should position Uzbekistan as a jurisdiction open for investment with comfortable conditions for long-term stay.

Prospects for investors:

The program opens a wide range of opportunities for businessmen considering Central Asia as a promising region for operations. The flexible conditions are especially beneficial for digital nomads and international entrepreneurs who value free movement without strict requirements for permanent residence. Citizens of countries with unstable economic or political situation will be able to use Uzbekistan as a reliable jurisdiction for asset diversification. Investors from Russia, China, Turkey and the Middle East, where there is already a steady demand for similar solutions, are expected to be most interested in the program.