Navigating Uzbekistan Work Visas and Immigration: A Strategic Guide for Global Employers

For companies expanding into Uzbekistan, securing proper work authorization for employees is critical for legal compliance. Uzbekistan's immigration framework, governed by key legislation including Government Resolution No. 244 and the Law on Employment of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ZPU-642), mandates that foreign nationals obtain both a work visa and a residence permit. The Agency for External Labor Migration oversees the employment and management of foreign labor.

It's noteworthy that citizens of China, including Hong Kong and Macau, benefit from a 10-day visa-free regime when presenting onward flight tickets, as per the presidential decree on tourism development. However, this does not apply to employment purposes.

Understanding Uzbekistan's Work Visa Categories

Uzbekistan primarily offers two pathways for foreign professionals:

Category E (Employment Visa)
IT Visa

Both require accompanying work authorization, though the processes differ significantly.

Category E Employment Visa

The Category E visa, or Work Entry Visa, is the standard route for foreign employees. It is initially issued as a single-entry visa with a 30-day validity from the date of entry, during which the employee must obtain a temporary residence permit.

The process is employer-driven. The company must first secure a Corporate Work License from the Agency for External Labor Migration. Following this, the employer applies for an Individual Work Permit for the employee, a process typically taking 15 to 30 working days. Only with the approved permit can the employer then request a visa support letter (invitation) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The employee submits the following documents at a Uzbek embassy or consulate:

Passport valid for at least six months
Recent color photograph
Completed visa application form
Employment contract and invitation letter from the employer
Educational diplomas and qualifications
Police clearance certificate
Medical health certificate

The E-visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed in alignment with the employment contract and work permit. Renewal applications should be initiated approximately 30 days before expiration to avoid legal gaps.

Specialized IT Visa Program

Introduced in 2022, the IT Visa is a strategic initiative to attract high-skilled talent, investors, and founders in the technology sector. Valid for up to three years and renewable without leaving the country, it offers significant flexibility.

Eligibility is restricted to individuals associated with IT-Park registered entities:

IT professionals with proven annual earnings of at least $30,000 USD
Investors contributing a minimum of $10,000 USD in the IT sector
Founders of IT-Park resident companies

Applicants must be recommended by IT-Park, which issues an IT Card. This card serves as the basis for the visa application, which can be processed at an embassy or converted upon arrival. Immediate family members can obtain dependent visas with matching validity.

Securing the Work Permit

A work permit is a prerequisite for the E-visa. The employer must submit an application to the National Services Center on behalf of the employee after signing a draft employment contract. Required documents include:

Official application form
Employee's personal information sheet
Copy of the employee's passport and entry visa
Passport-sized photograph
Draft employment contract
HIV/AIDS test certificate
Proof of payment for application fees

Validity and Renewal Procedures

The initial E-visa grants 30 days for entry and securing a temporary residence permit. The long-term visa validity mirrors the work permit, usually 6 to 12 months. In contrast, the IT Visa provides multi-entry privileges for up to three years, streamlining stays for tech professionals. SailGlobal's experts recommend starting renewal processes well in advance to ensure continuous legal status for your workforce.

Employer Obligations for Visa Sponsorship

Companies sponsoring E-visas must be legally registered in Uzbekistan and hold a valid Corporate Work License. They must demonstrate that no suitable local candidate is available for the position. For IT Visas, the employer's role shifts to providing the necessary recommendation and support through the IT-Park ecosystem.

Employee Eligibility Criteria

For an E-visa, the employee must have a formal job offer and a work permit confirmation. They must enter Uzbekistan within 30 days of visa issuance and complete residence registration within 3 days of arrival. IT Visa candidates must meet the specific financial and professional criteria set by IT-Park.

Visa Fee Structure

Consular fees for Uzbekistan visas are structured as follows:

Visa Type	Validity	Fee (USD)
Single Entry	Up to 7 days	40
Single Entry	Up to 15 days	50
Single Entry	Up to 30 days	60
Single Entry	Up to 3 months	80
Single Entry	Up to 6 months	120
Single Entry	Up to 1 year	160
Multiple Entry	Up to 6 months	150
Multiple Entry	Up to 1 year	250
Multiple Entry	Up to 2 years	300
Multiple Entry	Up to 3 years	350
E-Visa (Single)	30 days	20
E-Visa (Double)	30 days	35
E-Visa (Multiple)	30 days	50

An additional $10 USD is charged for each extra entry on a single-entry visa.

Processing Timelines and Strategic Planning

The entire process, from corporate license to visa issuance, can take several weeks. The work permit stage alone requires 15-30 working days. SailGlobal advises incorporating these timelines into project planning to ensure a smooth deployment of international staff. Proactive management of document preparation and submission is key to avoiding delays.

Uzbekistan Work Visa & Immigration Guide 2024 | Requirements & Process