Working in Uzbekistan: Work Permits and Work Visas for Foreign Employees
Visa-free entry does not allow you to work in Uzbekistan. Foreign nationals who will hold a position or be employed locally generally need a work permit first, and then a work visa based on it.
Who needs one
Foreign nationals employed in Uzbekistan, including foreigners serving as company directors, generally need a work permit.
No work permit is needed in these cases (a visa and residence registration are still required):
- Foreign investors who have invested at least 8,500 base calculation values (about UZS 3.74 billion in 2026) in an Uzbek company, working at that company
- Foreign founders and first heads of enterprises with foreign investment, for the first 3 months after signing the employment contract
- Holders of an Uzbek residence permit
- Foreign staff of IT Park resident companies
- Other categories set by law
Whether an exemption applies has to be checked case by case. For example, the 3-month exemption for founders only applies to companies that qualify as enterprises with foreign investment.
The process
- The company is registered and opens a bank account.
- The company, as the employer, applies for a work permit for the foreign employee.
- Once the work permit is approved, the work visa is issued.
- The employee registers at their actual address.
- Documents are renewed before they expire.
Documents to prepare (for reference)
- Valid passport
- Photos
- Employment contract or director appointment documents
- Documents confirming education, qualifications and work experience
The exact list depends on the authorities’ requirements at the time of application. Before we start, I give you a checklist tailored to your situation.
Timing, validity and fees
- Processing time: the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction decides within 15 working days of receiving the application; the issuance fee is paid after approval.
- Validity: up to 3 years for qualified and highly qualified specialists, up to 1 year for other foreign employees; permits can be extended. The work visa is issued for the term of the work permit.
- Government fees: a review fee of 1 base calculation value (UZS 440,000 since September 2026), plus an issuance fee that depends on the category, for example UZS 440,000 for highly qualified specialists, UZS 880,000 for qualified specialists and UZS 13.2 million for other foreign employees. Extensions cost half of these fees.
Fees are tied to the base calculation value and can change; before we start, I list them at the rates in force.
Renewals
Work permits and work visas both expire. The employer must apply for an extension at least 20 working days before expiry, so start preparing documents 6–8 weeks ahead to avoid overstaying.
Things to watch
- A work permit is tied to a specific employer and position; a new employer has to apply for a new one. Qualified and highly qualified specialists whose contract ends early have 30 working days to find a new employer, and their permit and visa stay valid in the meantime.
- After you get a new passport, update your visa and registration details promptly.
- Overstaying or working without a permit can lead to fines, deportation and an entry ban.
