Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, offers significant investment potential. With a population of over 34 million and a strategic geographic position, it presents opportunities in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and tourism. The government has been implementing economic reforms, improving the business environment, and welcoming foreign investment. Rich in natural resources, Uzbekistan is known for its cotton, gold, and natural gas production. Additionally, it boasts a unique cultural heritage, attracting tourists and investors alike.

Uzbekistan Golden Visa

As of June 1, 2025, Uzbekistan now offers its first Golden Visa and Residency by Investment programme, offering international investors a new gateway to Central Asia. Foreign nationals can apply for long-term or indefinite residency permits through various investment visa options.

Uzbekistan Residency by Investment Options

There are now three main investment routes for obtaining a residence permit in Uzbekistan:

1. Government Fund Donation

• $250,000 USD one-time donation for the main applicant
• $150,000 USD per additional family member (spouse, children, parents)
• Grants 5-year residency in Uzbekistan

This route is part of the new Uzbekistan Golden Visa programme and offers a simple and fast-track solution for eligible investors.

2. Local Business Investment

• $250,000 USD investment in a locally registered company
  • Grants a 3-year renewable residence permit
• $3 million USD investment in a business producing goods or services
  • Grants a 10-year renewable residence permit

Ideal for entrepreneurs or those wishing to expand operations into Uzbekistan’s growing economy, particularly in energy, agriculture, and tourism.

3. Real Estate Acquisition

Invest in property and gain indefinite residency:

• $100,000 USD in the Republic of Karakalpakstan or other regions
• $200,000 USD in Samarkand, Bukhara, Namangan, Andijan, Fergana, or Khorezm
• $300,000 USD in the capital region, Tashkent

This route allows investors to secure long-term residence in one of Central Asia’s most culturally rich and dynamic markets.

Uzbekistan Citizenship by Investment

Although Uzbekistan has discussed a citizenship by investment programme (requiring a $1 million investment), this is not yet implemented. For now, investors can only apply for residency, not citizenship.

Uzbekistan Passport Strength and Ranking

Were Uzbekistan to introduce a citizenship by investment scheme, it would fail to enhance that already offered by existing programmes, due mainly to its fairly weak passport. Ranking at 130^th on La Vida’s comprehensive Global Passport Ranking, Uzbekistan comes far below the standard of existing golden visa countries. This is due to the passport only providing visa-free access to 73 countries worldwide, making up just 21.8% of global travel and a staggeringly low 11.8% of global wealth (measured by GDP). Those looking for a strong second passport would do better to look elsewhere although there may be sufficient attraction in Uzbekistan citizenship alone for many clients without the visa free travel access. Turkey’s Citizenship Investment programme is attractive and for even stronger visa free travel access the St Kitts passport is one of several Caribbean options available.

Alternative Golden Visa Countries

While Uzbekistan’s new Golden Visa offers a unique foothold in Central Asia, investors seeking well-established routes with global mobility benefits, faster processing times, or access to EU residency and citizenship may wish to consider the following alternatives:

Portugal Golden Visa

One of Europe’s most respected residency-by-investment programs.

• Invest in regulated Private Equity Fund or Venture Capital Fund.
• Access to EU residency and the Schengen Travel Zone.
• Pathway to citizenship after five years with minimal stay requirements.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

• Fast-track second citizenship with U.S. visa treaty benefits.
• Citizenship within 4–8 months.
• Investment via donation or approved real estate.