Set up a company in Uzbekistan.
Central Asia’s largest economy by population and one of the most reform-active markets in the region. Standard CIT is 15% with VAT at 12%, but the real story is IT Park: 0% corporate tax, 0% social tax and 7.5% employee income tax for qualifying tech companies — one of the most aggressive IT regimes anywhere in the world. 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors.
The standard structure for foreign investors is a Mas’uliyati Cheklangan Jamiyat (MChJ) — an Uzbek Limited Liability Company. You reserve the company name, draft and notarise the Articles of Association, deposit the registered capital, register with the Public Services Agency under the Ministry of Justice, obtain the Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the State Tax Committee, and register for VAT if applicable. From 1 January 2026, registration is meaningfully streamlined through Uzbekistan’s new unified digital business platform.
Standard formation takes 3 to 6 weeks end-to-end. Corporate tax is 15% (20% for banks, telecoms, cement producers, shopping malls), VAT is 12%, dividend WHT is 5%, and personal income tax is a flat 12%. For qualifying IT companies, IT Park residency drops the corporate tax to 0%, social tax to 0%, and employee income tax to 7.5% — this is the single most attractive tax regime in the country and one of the strongest globally for tech businesses.
Grant & Graham coordinates Uzbek formations through senior Tashkent counsel, working alongside our Dubai office for broader Central Asia and CIS coverage. Public Services Agency registration, TIN/VAT, IT Park residency where applicable, banking, social insurance, ongoing accounting and statutory compliance — coordinated end-to-end.
15% standard CIT. 0% in IT Park. 12% VAT.
Uzbekistan combines a moderate standard tax position with one of the most aggressive sectoral incentive regimes in Asia. The basic framework is 15% CIT and 12% VAT — competitive without being extreme. The IT Park regime is the standout: 0% corporate income tax, 0% social tax (versus 12% standard), 7.5% employee income tax (versus 12% standard), and VAT exemptions. From 1 January 2026 several refinements take effect: e-commerce CIT increases from 10% to 15%, e-commerce turnover tax from 3% to 4%, the unified digital business platform launches, and the National Tax Service now auto-prepares most tax returns with a 5-business-day correction window.
Other notable items: PIT 12% flat + 1% employee pension contribution (since 2023 reform). Dividend WHT 5%. Foreign worker income tax aligned with residents (12% flat after 183 days). Social tax 12% employer contribution (0% in IT Park). 50% CIT and property tax reduction for electrical industry companies (1 Jan 2024 - 1 Jan 2027). Foreign companies (non-treaty) exporting IT services >USD 10m to IT Park residents annually are CIT exempt through 1 Jan 2030. 55+ double taxation treaties.
Nine reasons businesses choose Uzbekistan.
Central Asia’s most populous nation has spent eight years rebuilding itself as a credible foreign investment destination. For IT services, regional sourcing, natural resources, and a sub-USD-cost-base entry into the post-Soviet bloc, Uzbekistan’s structural pitch is hard to match in the region.
IT Park — world-class tech regime
0% CIT, 0% social tax, 7.5% employee income tax, VAT exemptions. One of the most aggressive IT regimes globally. Hundreds of resident companies including international tech firms from the EU, US, and the wider CIS region. Online application; typically approved within weeks. Tashkent is now a credible Central Asian tech hub.
Largest population in Central Asia
~36 million people — larger than the combined populations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Median age 28. Strong tertiary education system. Russian and Uzbek both widely spoken; English growing rapidly in business and tech. The largest single consumer market in the region.
Reform momentum since 2017
Under President Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has overhauled FX controls, tax law, customs, the visa regime, and the foreign investment framework. Som has been freely convertible since 2017. Repatriation of profits is straightforward. The reform trajectory is the most active in Central Asia and continues through 2026.
100% foreign ownership
Most sectors permit 100% foreign ownership. A short list of strategically restricted areas remains (defence, certain extractive activities). Foreign Investment Law provides protection guarantees, profit repatriation rights, and dispute resolution under bilateral investment treaties. UNCITRAL arbitration available.
Natural resources
One of the world’s top 10 gold producers. Major copper, uranium, natural gas, and silver reserves. 4th largest cotton producer globally. Strong agricultural base (fruit, vegetables, silk). For mining, oil and gas, agribusiness and renewables, Uzbekistan’s resource base is a structural asset.
Belt & Road position
Strategic logistics location between China, Russia, Iran, and Europe. Major rail and road corridor investments under the Belt and Road Initiative. New China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway approved. Tashkent positioned as a regional cargo and air hub. Useful for export-oriented manufacturing and CIS distribution.
Low operating cost base
Tashkent rent for a modern central 1-bed apartment ~USD 400–600/month. Skilled tech salaries 60–80% below EU equivalents. Office space, utilities and services all materially cheaper than developed markets. For BPO, KPO, software engineering centres and back-office operations, the cost arbitrage is significant.
Free Economic Zones
Several FEZs operate including Navoi (logistics and free port), Angren (industrial), Jizzakh (light manufacturing), Sirdaryo, Bukhara, Khorezm. Provide CIT, property tax and customs exemptions for qualifying investors, plus simplified administration. Sector-targeted — selection requires aligning sector with FEZ specialisation.
Digital government from 2026
Unified digital business establishment platform launched 1 January 2026. National Tax Service now auto-prepares most tax returns. Electronic Digital Signature widely accepted. Online VAT invoicing mandatory. Public Services Agency portal handles most administrative interactions. Real reduction in compliance friction since 2024.
Seven legal structures — one usually fits.
For most foreign investors, the MChJ Limited Liability Company is the practical default. IT Park residency is layered on top of the MChJ for qualifying tech companies. Joint-Stock Companies (AJ) are used for larger capital structures and listing candidates. Foreign branches and representative offices have specific narrow use cases.
Limited Liability Company
The standard structure for foreign investors. Minimum 1 and maximum 50 participants. No minimum capital requirement (recommended UZS 10m+ for operational credibility). Single-member MChJs permitted. Foreign participation minimum 33% required for FIE benefits. Articles of Association required. Suited to operating companies, traders, and service businesses.
IT Park MChJ
MChJ structure registered as an IT Park resident. 0% CIT, 0% social tax, VAT exemptions, 7.5% employee income tax. Eligible activities: software development, SaaS, fintech, edtech, cybersecurity, AI/ML, IT services. Online application through it-park.uz. Activity scope verified by IT Park; ongoing residency conditions apply.
Joint-Stock Company
Required for businesses raising capital through share issuance or listing on the Tashkent Stock Exchange. Minimum capital UZS 400m (private JSC) or UZS 5 billion (public JSC). 15% foreign participation minimum for FIE treatment. More complex governance (Board, audit commission). Used for larger structures, JVs and pre-listing entities.
Branch Office
Branch of a foreign company conducting business in Uzbekistan. Considered VAT payer regardless of turnover. Subject to standard CIT on Uzbek-source income. Less flexible than a subsidiary; typically used only where parent-level booking is structurally necessary. Generally consider an MChJ subsidiary instead.
Representative Office
Foreign company representation only. Cannot generate revenue or sign binding commercial contracts. Limited to market research, parent company liaison, networking, promotional activities. Useful for initial market exploration before committing to an MChJ subsidiary. Lower setup cost than branch or MChJ.
General / Limited Partnerships
Rarely used by foreign investors. General partners face unlimited personal liability. Limited partnerships permit silent investor participation but with significant governance constraints. Suited only to specific professional services or family-business contexts in the local market.
FEZ-Registered Entity
MChJ or AJ registered in a designated FEZ (Navoi, Angren, Jizzakh, Sirdaryo, Bukhara, Khorezm and others). Provides CIT, property tax and customs exemptions for qualifying investors. Sector-targeted — selection depends on whether your industry aligns with the specific FEZ’s designated activities.
Talk to us first
MChJ for 80% of cases. IT Park residency if you’re a tech business — the 0% CIT regime is genuinely transformative. AJ for larger capital structures. Representative office for market exploration. FEZ where sector alignment makes the tax exemptions meaningfully better than IT Park.
Book a call →From decision to live entity.
The end-to-end registration sequence for an Uzbek MChJ, coordinated by Grant & Graham and senior Tashkent counsel. Standard timeline: 3 to 6 weeks end-to-end. From January 2026, the unified digital business platform meaningfully streamlines several of these steps.
Structure & location
MChJ, AJ, branch, representative office, or FEZ-registered entity. IT Park residency assessment if the business is technology-led. City — Tashkent (commercial centre, ~3m population, most international banks and counsel), Samarkand, Bukhara, Namangan, Andijan for regional operations. Sector check against the Foreign Investment Negative List (limited).
Name reservation
Reserve the company name through the State Committee on Statistics or via the unified digital business platform from 2026. The name must be unique, comply with naming regulations, and follow standard Latin/Cyrillic conventions. Foreign-language elements permitted but a Russian or Uzbek descriptor is required. Reservation typically resolved within 1–3 business days.
Stat.uz →Articles of Association & notarisation
Draft the Articles of Association in Uzbek (Latin script). Define purpose, share structure (participants and percentages), directors, registered office, dividend policy. Founder declaration. Notarisation at a Uzbek notary public. Foreign shareholder/director documents must be apostilled in country of origin and translated into Uzbek.
Public Services Agency registration
File the incorporation package with the Public Services Agency under the Ministry of Justice through davxizmat.uz or in person at a One-Stop Service Centre. Articles of Association, founder details, director appointments, registered office proof, payment of state duty. Certificate of Registration issued in 2–5 business days under standard processing.
Public Services Agency →Tax Identification Number (TIN) & VAT
Register with the State Tax Committee (STC) at soliq.uz to obtain the Tax Identification Number (INN). VAT registration completed concurrently if applicable (mandatory for turnover above UZS 1 billion, or for foreign branches/PEs regardless of turnover). Most tax returns now auto-prepared by STC under the 2026 simplified reporting regime with a 5-business-day correction window.
soliq.uz →Bank account opening
Open the company’s corporate bank account at an Uzbek bank (commonly Asaka Bank, NBU, Kapitalbank, Trustbank, Hamkorbank, or international banks where present). KYC including beneficial ownership disclosure, foreign shareholder identification documents, Articles of Association, Certificate of Registration. Som and foreign currency accounts opened simultaneously.
IT Park residency application (if applicable)
For tech businesses, apply for IT Park residency at it-park.uz. Submission includes business activity description, financial projections, planned IT services scope, and team composition. IT Park assesses eligibility. Once approved, the 0% CIT / 0% social tax / 7.5% employee income tax regime takes effect from the date of residency certification. Annual reporting requirements apply to maintain residency.
IT Park →Social insurance & payroll registration
Register with social funds via the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations. Employer social tax 12% of gross salary (0% under IT Park regime). Personal income tax 12% flat + 1% employee pension contribution (7.5% PIT for IT Park employees). Electronic payroll reporting through the National Tax Service.
Ministry of Labour →Sector licences & permits
Sector-specific licensing as required: financial services (Central Bank), telecoms (UzCom), pharmaceuticals, education, broadcasting, defence, mining. Most commercial activities are open to 100% foreign ownership without sector licensing. Industry-specific permits where applicable issued through the relevant ministry or regulator.
UzInvest →Ongoing tax & statutory compliance
Monthly VAT returns (now auto-prepared by NTS with 5-day correction window). Monthly social tax filings. Quarterly CIT returns. Annual financial statements and tax return. Turnover tax taxpayers report monthly. Annual property and land tax filings. Penalties for missing returns now consolidated into a single penalty per period and payable in 6 monthly instalments under the 2026 simplified regime.
What it costs to incorporate & run.
All figures are indicative for a standard MChJ in Tashkent with one foreign corporate shareholder. Uzbekistan is among the lowest-cost incorporation jurisdictions in the region while delivering one of the most attractive incentive regimes for IT companies through IT Park residency.
One-time setup
IT Park residency adds €800–1,500 to setup but unlocks the 0% CIT regime — routinely pays back within months for qualifying tech companies. Joint-Stock Company (AJ) typically €5,500–9,000. Representative office €1,500–3,000.
Ongoing monthly / annual
External audit mandatory only for AJ, banks, insurance companies, and entities above specific size thresholds. Most MChJs not subject to mandatory audit. IT Park residents have additional annual residency compliance reporting but eliminate CIT, social tax and most VAT in return.
Get an estimate in 30 seconds.
Three quick questions. We will give you a realistic cost range and timeline for your situation, and route the answers straight into a fixed-price quote request.
Which company structure are you considering?
How is the shareholding structured?
What do you need from us?
The legal framework to know.
A summary of the core legislation governing companies in Uzbekistan. Substantive work delivered through Grant & Graham and senior Uzbek legal, tax and accounting counsel in Tashkent.
Corporate Law
- Civil Code of Uzbekistan
- Law on Limited Liability Companies (MChJs)
- Law on Joint-Stock Companies (AJs)
- Law on Foreign Investments
Tax Law
- Tax Code of Uzbekistan (2026 amendments)
- Law on Value Added Tax
- IT Park Decree & supporting regulations
Employment Law
- Labour Code
- Law on Social Insurance
- Law on Occupational Safety & Health
Data Protection
- Law on Personal Data (operational)
- Law on Informatisation
- Data localisation requirements for personal data
FX & Foreign Investment
- Law on Currency Regulation
- Foreign Investments Act
- Law on Free Economic Zones
- ~55 bilateral investment treaties
Intellectual Property
- Law on Trademarks, Service Marks & Appellations
- Law on Inventions, Utility Models & Industrial Designs
- Law on Copyright & Related Rights
Uzbekistan, answered.
Four steps from enquiry to live entity.
Discovery call
30-minute conversation to understand your business, sector, IT Park eligibility, structure preference, FEZ relevance, banking needs, and FIE qualification. Honest assessment of fit.
Recommendation
Senior advisory on the right structure (MChJ, IT Park, AJ, FEZ), city, capital level, foreign investment threshold, banking partner. Fixed quote in EUR or USD.
End-to-end formation
Name reservation, Articles drafting and notarisation, Public Services Agency registration, TIN and VAT, IT Park residency, bank account, social insurance. Tashkent-coordinated through senior local counsel.
Ongoing support
Retained accounting, monthly VAT (auto-prepared 2026), payroll, social tax, quarterly CIT returns, annual financial statements, IT Park annual reporting, structural changes as you scale.
Ready to incorporate in Uzbekistan?
Tell us in 25 minutes what you need. We will tell you honestly whether Uzbekistan is the right fit, whether IT Park residency unlocks the right economics for your business, which structure makes sense, and which city — then handle the setup end-to-end through senior Tashkent counsel.