How to get an IT visa in Uzbekistan and what benefits it provides

Dildora Nasibullaeva, Head of the Investment and International Relations Department at IT Park Uzbekistan

About Me

I graduated from Westminster University in Tashkent with a degree in Economics and Finance. After my studies, I worked at Uzmobile, the National Telecommunications Operator of Uzbekistan, as a contract relations specialist. Subsequently, I held positions in several subordinate organizations under the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan.

My friends worked at IT Park. They told me about the smooth and efficient operations there, so I decided to join the company. An employee recommended inviting me for an interview. After passing the interview, I received a job offer from the company.

Our department builds relationships with leading foreign IT companies and organizations.

About IT Park Uzbekistan

IT Park was established in 2019. Before that, there was no organization in Uzbekistan that helped IT companies develop.

Our task is to create comfortable conditions for the private IT sector in Uzbekistan. These include simplified taxation. Resident companies of IT Park are exempt from all taxes except for personal income tax.

Our department cooperates with foreign technology parks, studies their experience, and analyzes the development of the IT sector in other countries. We organize meetings with grant organizations to attract investments into projects that help develop the IT industry. Additionally, we create opportunities for our companies to participate in international forums and exhibitions. This allows them to introduce their products to people and build networking connections.

The Idea Behind the IT Visa

IT Park has more than 1,500 local and foreign residents, employing approximately 22,000 people. Among them are many leading specialists who reside abroad.

We work based on the requests and proposals of companies. We received numerous inquiries regarding the creation of conditions for foreign workers and assisted with their adaptation. For example, many were unable to access medical services or faced problems enrolling their children in schools and kindergartens, as well as difficulties in purchasing real estate.

Seeing this, we submitted a request to the government and initiated the launch of the IT Visa project. This is a multiple-entry visa for foreign citizens, issued for up to three years. Currently, we have received more than 800 applications from 25 countries.

Difference Between IT Card and IT Visa

The IT Card is a recommendation for foreign citizens to obtain an IT visa. There are a number of countries with which Uzbekistan has a visa-free regime without a time limit, including CIS countries. For these states, the IT Card is equivalent to an IT visa. Both programs provide such benefits as:

— obtaining temporary registration in Uzbekistan. By standard, for example, Russians can obtain temporary registration for up to six months. IT visa holders have the opportunity to obtain registration for three years.

— access to medical and educational services. Foreigners have tariffs for using medical and educational services in state institutions, which are much more expensive for them. IT visa holders have the opportunity to use tariffs for residents of Uzbekistan.

— purchasing real estate. There are restrictions for foreigners on investing in real estate in Uzbekistan. IT Card and IT visa holders can purchase real estate of any value.

Who Can Obtain an IT Visa

There are three categories of people who can apply for this document:

— investors

— IT specialists

— company founders.

An investor is considered a natural person who invests in IT projects in Uzbekistan. The minimum investment amount is $10,000.

Founders of Uzbek companies, residents of IT Park, who are abroad, can also apply for a visa.

IT specialists are required to provide a document confirming income received from an IT Park resident over the past 12 months.

All applicants must submit an application with the necessary documents.

Who May Be Denied

During the selection process, applicants may be denied if they do not meet the criteria or have not provided all the required documents.