Enterprise Uzbekistan gets common-law tech regime to 2100

Uzbekistan is creating a distinct business jurisdiction for technology companies, allowing rules based partly on English common law while locking in key investor protections until 2100. This opens the door to foreign bank branches, regulatory sandboxes and tax-free treatment for certain activities.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed the law on the Enterprise Uzbekistan International Digital Technology Centre after it cleared the Senate on 7 August. The Senate had earlier said the project could help Uzbekistan raise digital-services exports to $5 billion by 2030 and support more than 300,000 high-paying jobs.

Regulations may incorporate English and Welsh common law, as well as practices from major international financial centres. English will be the official language of the jurisdiction, and the Tashkent International Commercial Court will hear civil, commercial, corporate, and employment disputes under the regime.

«Signing the Law is a key milestone for Enterprise Uzbekistan. We now have a solid legal foundation that is clear to global technology companies and investors,» Bokhodir Ayupov, vice-president of global business development at Enterprise Uzbekistan, said in a press release.

Enterprise Uzbekistan allows foreign companies to participate through legal entities, branches, or representative offices. The framework targets software, AI, cloud computing, R&D, digital content, outsourcing, and other tech companies.

Read more: Independent courts and English common law: What Uzbekistan must do to win investors’ trust

What the law changes for global tech companies

The rules remain locked in until 2100. The special regime has one of Uzbekistan’s longest policy horizons for investors, and benefits cannot be reduced or terminated early.
Businesses qualify for tax-free rates. Zero profit tax and VAT apply to exports and activities covered by the regime. Other taxes and fees may rarely apply. Foreign workers and investors pay no income tax on dividends and other qualifying investment income.
A common-law business environment results. Enterprise Uzbekistan can use English and Welsh common law and international financial centre practices to develop corporate governance, contract, and investment rules. Foreign founders, funds, and lawyers should find transactions more familiar.
Startups can test products before full regulation kicks in. Innovative products and services can operate in a regulatory sandbox for up to 12 months, including simplified licensing and temporary exemptions. Successful projects could stay or expand in Uzbekistan.
Foreign banks could open branches. International banks can open branches in the centre with the approval of Uzbekistan’s Central Bank. Accredited banking, insurance, investment, venture, and payment providers will be available to residents.
Foreign specialists can get three-year visas. Visas can be issued at Uzbek consulates, international airports, or within the country. Employment rules will explicitly allow remote work, flexible hours, and alternative remuneration structures with minimum employee protections.
Cloud and cross-border tech companies have different data rules. The centre will allow cloud-based storage and processing under its data-protection framework, ensuring security, integrity, and reliability. Digital filing and protection will be available for intellectual property.
AI development is legally guaranteed. AI research, development, testing, and deployment will be allowed, subject to public safety, human rights, and Uzbekistan’s international obligations, giving AI companies a clearer legal basis for experimental work.
Additional protections for investor assets. Investments, funds and property rights are protected against nationalisation, expropriation, freezing and similar restrictions except where expressly permitted by law and backed by mandatory court decisions.

What is Enterprise Uzbekistan?

In 2024, a presidential decree established Enterprise Uzbekistan in Tashkent’s IT Park to attract international technology companies, venture capital, research, and digital exports. The special regime constitutional law was not yet passed when the project began operations this year.

Read more: Central Asia named world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem region

Uzbekistan has been developing the project with international advisers for several years, including work with EY on its regulatory framework. The broader strategy is to make the country a base from which technology companies can serve international markets rather than competing solely for Uzbekistan’s domestic demand.