The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. UP-67 dated April 18, 2025, introduces a “golden visa” for foreign investors and measures to stimulate exports, production, entrepreneurship, digitalization, and regional development.
Effective from June 1, 2025, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. UP-67 dated April 18, 2025, titled “On Measures to Stimulate Production, Export, and Entrepreneurial Activities, and to Enhance the Efficiency of Trade and Industrial Policy,” comes into force. The document aims to attract foreign investments, promote exports, support entrepreneurship, and modernize the economy. A key measure is the introduction of a “golden visa” for foreign citizens and stateless persons. The Decree also encompasses measures to support production, e-commerce, logistics, workforce training, and regional development. Each section of the Decree is reviewed below, strictly adhering to its text.
Golden Visa: Simplified Procedure for Obtaining Residence Permit
From June 1, 2025, foreign citizens and stateless persons can obtain a residence permit (VNG) for 5 years through a simplified procedure by making the following payments:
- 250,000 US dollars for the primary applicant.
- 150,000 US dollars for each family member (spouse, children, parents).
The residence permit grants the right to reside and access state services. The Decree does not stipulate additional conditions, such as investments in the economy, real estate purchases, or job creation.
Section I: Improving State Support for Exports
The Decree provides measures to stimulate exports:
- Establishing a system to subsidize transportation costs for exporters of high-value-added products.
- Developing mechanisms for preferential lending to export-oriented enterprises.
- Organizing trade representations abroad to promote Uzbek products.
Section II: Stimulating Production Activities
To support production, the following measures are introduced:
- Allocating grants to enterprises for implementing energy-efficient technologies.
- Providing preferential loans to producers in priority sectors (mechanical engineering, textiles).
- Introducing discounts on energy resources for enterprises increasing production volumes.
Section III: Support for Entrepreneurship
The Decree simplifies conditions for small and medium-sized businesses:
- Introducing electronic registration of enterprises through a unified portal.
- Exempting small enterprises in priority sectors (IT, tourism, green energy) from profit tax for a certain period.
- Establishing business incubators in regions to support startups.
Section IV: Development of E-Commerce
To promote e-commerce, the following is envisaged:
- Creating a national e-commerce platform integrated with international marketplaces.
- Conducting training programs for entrepreneurs on digitalization and online trade.
- Introducing subsidies for exporters using electronic platforms.
Section V: Improving Logistics Infrastructure
Measures to develop logistics include:
- Constructing logistics centers in border areas.
- Modernizing transport infrastructure for international shipments.
- Reducing tariffs on transportation for exporters.
Section VI: Workforce Training
The Decree outlines measures to enhance qualifications:
- Organizing free courses on digital technologies, export management, and production professions.
- Sending specialists for internships at foreign companies.
- Providing scholarships to students of technical universities.
Section VII: Investments and Regional Development
In addition to the golden visa, the section includes:
- Allocating funds to regions for developing infrastructure and technoparks.
- Providing tax incentives to investors in free economic zones.
Section VIII: Organizational Measures
To implement the Decree, the following is provided:
- Assigning responsibility for execution to the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade with regular reporting.
- Establishing an interdepartmental commission for monitoring.
- Obliging media to widely cover the Decree’s provisions.
Significance and Prospects
Decree No. UP-67 establishes a strategy for economic growth through attracting investments, supporting exports, and digitalization. The golden visa, with payments of 250,000 US dollars for the primary applicant and 150,000 US dollars per family member, simplifies capital inflows. Measures for production, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure strengthen the economy. Implementation will require transparency and coordination.