Uzbekistan has introduced new requirements for obtaining IT visas, including a minimum $30,000 investment requirement for foreign investors and expanded eligibility for startup founders, IT specialists and foreign professors, the Ministry of Justice said.
The amendments were registered on March 7, 2026, as part of changes to the regulation governing recommendations for foreign investors and specialists in the information technology sector.
Under the updated rules, IT visas will be issued to foreign investors and specialists working in the IT industry, as well as founders of companies that are residents of the IT Park technology hub in Uzbekistan.
Eligibility has also been extended to founders and specialists involved in startup projects participating in the Digital Startups program, along with individuals serving as executive leaders of IT Park resident companies, including sole executive bodies, chairs of collegial executive bodies and their deputies.
In addition, foreign professors and researchers with academic degrees such as PhD or Doctor of Science (DsC) in information technology who teach at higher education institutions in Uzbekistan will also qualify for IT visas.
According to the new requirements, foreign investors must finance an IT company registered in Uzbekistan with at least $30,000 or hold a share of no less than $30,000 in the company’s charter capital. The same threshold applies to founders of companies operating within IT Park.
Officials say the changes aim to attract foreign investment, strengthen the startup ecosystem and expand Uzbekistan’s digital economy.
Earlier reports said the World Bank approved a $50mn loan for Uzbekistan’s Digital Inclusion Project, aimed at expanding IT skills training and creating thousands of digital jobs as the country seeks to strengthen its technology sector.
