Uzbekistan Emerges as Regional Hub for Foreign IT Talent

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), in collaboration with IT Park, has released a comprehensive new study assessing the business environment for foreign IT professionals and companies in Uzbekistan. The findings highlight the country’s rapid transformation into a regional IT hub, underpinned by a stable macroeconomic environment, favorable tax policies, and growing international integration.

A Growing IT Ecosystem

The study, based on surveys of foreign specialists and companies, as well as focus groups with IT Park residents, paints a positive picture of Uzbekistan’s IT sector. According to CERR, 96% of surveyed companies and 82% of foreign professionals plan to continue their activities in the country. Additionally, 93% of companies and 81% of specialists would recommend Uzbekistan as a prime relocation destination for IT talent.

Uzbekistan’s IT sector has seen explosive growth since 2020. The number of foreign IT Park resident companies has surged to 752, a 54-fold increase. Total resident legal entities rose to 2,846, and the number of export-oriented firms jumped from 62 to 750.

Expanding Global Reach

Uzbekistan’s export geography has grown substantially—from 26 countries in 2020 to 90 destinations as of mid-2025. Major export markets now include:

North America (46% of total exports)
EU and UK (21%)
CIS and Asia-Pacific (27%)
Middle East (6%)

This rise reflects the global demand for digital services sourced from Uzbekistan and a growing recognition of the country’s potential in the international tech arena.

Image: CERR

Attractive Conditions and Incentives

Uzbekistan offers a highly favorable tax regime for IT Park residents:

No corporate income tax
No mandatory social contributions
7.5% personal income tax rate

Additionally, tools like the IT Visa and IT Card support long-term relocation, allowing foreign IT professionals earning over $30,000 annually to enter and remain in the country for up to three years, access healthcare and education, and purchase property.

These measures are well received, 91% of foreign firms reported that tax conditions pose no barriers to operating export-oriented IT businesses from Uzbekistan.

Who Are the Newcomers?

The average foreign specialist relocating to Uzbekistan is 38 years old, married, and often raising children. CERR reports that 66% are married and 40% have children under 16, signaling long-term interest and family relocation.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the outlook is largely positive, the report notes several areas needing improvement:

Banking and financial services – cited by 44% of companies and 41% of specialists
Residency permit procedures – noted by 35% of respondents
Practical use and awareness of the IT Card – 78% haven’t used it; 73% call for better awareness among officials and institutions

Other areas for development include:

Rental housing availability (53%)
Equitable access to education and healthcare (31%)
Digital infrastructure development (noted by 36% of specialists and 21% of firms)

Despite these challenges, the steady influx of foreign professionals and the low rate of outmigration indicate that Uzbekistan’s current strategies are working. With targeted improvements, the country is well-positioned to become one of Eurasia’s leading destinations for international IT relocation.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the volume of corporate bonds in Uzbekistan has reached USD 200 mln. That’s still less than 1% of GDP, but already twice as much as a year ago.