How to register a business in Uzbekistan: a complete guide for foreign founders

Uzbekistan is swiftly emerging as one of Central Asia's most business-friendly locales, providing complete foreign ownership, expedited online registration, and tax benefits through initiatives such as IT Park’s Zero Risk program. In this guide, Tawney Kruger outlines the entire process, covering legal structures and work permits, making it simpler than ever to establish and expand in the Uzbek market.

Tawney Kruger, Tashkent — media professional and tech entrepreneur, linkedin

I am a media professional currently associated with Financial IT and a tech entrepreneur based in Tashkent. In the coming months, I will share insights on conducting business in Uzbekistan, drawing from my experiences in building ventures like PraaktisGO and Zaytra.ai, as well as collaborating with kpi.com. I will explore our partnerships with local entities, including IT Park. These articles will cover everything from navigating registrations and legal frameworks to accessing talent and scaling regionally, providing practical guidance for founders, investors, and operators eager to engage with one of Central Asia's most vibrant ecosystems.

Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia, is rapidly establishing itself as one of the region's most business-friendly destinations. With over 155,000 legal entities now registered online, a streamlined digital process, and significant reforms in taxation and investment laws, foreign entrepreneurs are entering the market at an unprecedented rate. Personally, I have launched three new businesses in the past seven months, two of which were set up through IT Park Uzbekistan.

So, what steps should you take to establish your business? What should you be aware of before entering this rapidly evolving economy?

Let’s explore everything—from registration procedures to legal structures, work permits, and tax incentives—so you can confidently enter Uzbekistan’s dynamic market.

100% Foreign Ownership, Easy Entry

One of the most attractive features of Uzbekistan’s business landscape is the allowance of 100% foreign ownership across most sectors. There is no obligation to have a local partner, enabling you to fully own and manage your company either remotely or on-site.

Additionally, you can avoid lengthy bureaucratic processes. Through platforms such as my.gov.uz and fo.birdarcha.uz, or the One Stop Shop, it is now feasible to register your business entirely online—often within just two working days.

LLCs: Quick, Adaptable, and Welcoming to Foreigners

For international entrepreneurs, the Limited Liability Company remains the most prevalent and straightforward pathway to enter the Uzbek market.

1. No minimum charter capital is necessary.

2. Rapid registration: within one to two business days following document submission.

3. Foreign citizens can own and manage the company.

4. Shareholders can be either legal entities or individuals.

5. A maximum of 50 participants is allowed.

All that is required is a company name, a registered local address (which IT Park can assist with), and your founding documents.

Additionally, you will need an Electronic Digital Signature, which serves as your secure access for filing forms and signing documents online. After obtaining this, submit your application via the portal, pay a nominal state duty of approximately 270,000 UZS, or about $22 USD, and await approval.

Upon approval, you will receive a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN/PINFL), enabling you to open a corporate bank account and order your company seal.

What the Numbers Indicate

As someone who appreciates data, I find recent statistics from Uzbekistan’s Unified Portal for State Services reveal intriguing trends:

Clearly, digital registration is the preferred method for foreign companies and startups looking to establish a presence in Uzbekistan. This allows you to register from anywhere at any time.

Alternative Options: Representative Offices and PEs

If you do not require a full company just yet, there are several other alternatives.

Representative Offices can be set up to investigate the market or manage operations without engaging in commercial activities. They are accredited by the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade and are valid for one to three years. The process is simple, and foreign directors are not required to obtain a work permit.

Permanent Establishment (PE) status applies to foreign companies conducting operations in Uzbekistan without forming a legal entity. According to Article 20 of the Tax Code, a PE is established if business activities exceed 183 days or involve on-site projects such as construction, warehousing, or sales. Full registration is not necessary, but you will be subject to taxation accordingly.

The IT Park Advantage

For startups in software, digital services, AI, or e-commerce, IT Park Uzbekistan could be your ideal opportunity, offering a significantly less risky environment compared to Wonka’s chocolate factory. Zero risk? Yes, please.

An additional benefit of establishing operations in Uzbekistan is IT Park’s Zero Risk Program.

The program offers 12 months of complimentary office space, access to technical equipment, reimbursement for recruitment and training, and up to 15% payroll compensation for local hires.

To be eligible, companies must pledge to hire a minimum of 50 employees within their first year and possess an export contract valued at $500,000, or be affiliated with a parent company that has an annual revenue of $50 million.

Founded in 2019, IT Park provides a variety of benefits for investors, including:

Your company can apply for residency at IT Park either during or after the registration of your LLC. Applications are processed swiftly, and assistance is available in English, Russian, and other languages as well.

Employment regulations and work permits

You are permitted to hire both local and international personnel, and you can designate a foreign national as your director. There is no stipulation to hire a minimum number of employees, which means that single-founder startups are completely acceptable.

As a foreign employee and founder, I obtained my IT Visa and IT Card through the online portal in just 2 weeks, with IT Park’s team supporting me throughout the process.

If you intend to hire foreign employees, in addition to IT Park exemptions, you will need to secure a work permit from the Agency for External Labor Migration. Although the process is formal, it is manageable, and the timelines are improving.

Representative offices are typically exempt from this requirement, as their foreign directors are covered under accreditation protocols.

Ready to register

Whether you are launching a fin-tech application, overseeing international sales, or testing a new product in the region, the necessary tools and support are already established.