Uzbekistan’s New 5-Year Donation-Based Golden Visa: Complete Guide
Uzbekistan has launched a new 5-year donation-based Golden Visa program, effective from June 1, 2025, aimed at attracting foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals. This long-term residency scheme offers a simplified path to residence without the need for real estate purchases, making it an appealing option for those seeking to establish a foothold in Central Asia.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa offers significant advantages for investors and their families:
- Long-Term Residency: 5-year residence permit, renewable upon meeting ongoing eligibility criteria.
- Family Inclusion: Spouse, children, and parents can obtain residency with the same duration.
- No Physical Presence Requirement: Unlike many golden visa programs, there is no minimum stay requirement, allowing flexibility for global citizens.
- Access to Services: Visa holders and their families can access medical and educational services on par with Uzbek citizens.
- Business Opportunities: Freedom to work, invest, or establish businesses in Uzbekistan without a local sponsor.
- Visa-Free Travel: While Uzbekistan’s passport offers visa-free access to only 73 countries, residency status may facilitate easier travel within Central Asia and visa-on-arrival options for certain destinations.
- Path to Citizenship (Potential): Although not explicitly stated, a 2022 bill proposed citizenship for investments of $1 million or more. Long-term residency may position applicants favorably for future naturalization, subject to government discretion.
Investment Requirements
To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants must make a non-refundable donation to Uzbekistan’s economy. The investment amounts are as follows:
- Primary Applicant: A minimum donation of $200,000 USD.
- Family Members: An additional $100,000 USD per family member (spouse, children, or parents) included in the application.
The donation must be directed to government-approved funds or projects, such as those supporting economic development, infrastructure, or public services. The exact mechanism for the donation (e.g., specific funds or institutions) will be clarified closer to the program’s launch, as per the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade (MIFT).
Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to a broad range of applicants, with the following eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: Open to all foreign nationals and stateless persons, with no restrictions on country of origin.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their home country and any country of residence in the last five years, confirming no criminal convictions.
- Financial Standing: Proof of legal source of funds for the donation, verified through bank statements, tax returns, or other financial documents.
- Health Requirements: Applicants must undergo a medical examination to confirm they are free of communicable diseases, as required by Uzbekistan’s immigration policies.
- No Prior Visa Denials: Applicants must not have been previously denied entry or residency in Uzbekistan.
Family members (spouse, children, and parents) are eligible to be included in the application, provided the additional donation is made for each.
Application Process
The application process is designed to be straightforward, with the following steps:
- Document Preparation:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- Police clearance certificates.
- Proof of legal source of funds (e.g., bank statements, asset declarations).
- Medical fitness certificate.
- Completed visa application form (available on Uzbekistan’s e-visa portal or through embassies).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- For family members: marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other dependency documents, duly attested.
- Submission:
- Applications can be submitted online via Uzbekistan’s e-visa portal (visa.mfa.uz) or through Uzbek embassies/consulates abroad.
- Alternatively, applications can be processed in Uzbekistan through the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Entry, Exit, and Citizenship (EE&C) offices.
- Donation Payment:
- Once the application is pre-approved, applicants must transfer the donation to a designated government account or fund. Payment details will be provided by MIFT or relevant authorities.
- Due Diligence:
- A background check is conducted to verify the applicant’s criminal record and source of funds. This process typically takes 7-30 days, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Visa Issuance:
- Upon approval, the Golden Visa is issued electronically or as a residence permit card, valid for 5 years. The card includes a 14-digit personal number and QR code for identification.
- Registration:
- Within three days of arrival in Uzbekistan, visa holders must register with local authorities to maintain compliance.
Additional Requirements and Considerations
- Renewal: To renew the visa after 5 years, applicants must demonstrate continued financial stability and compliance with Uzbekistan’s laws. A new donation may be required, though details are pending.
- Tax Implications: Uzbekistan does not impose personal income tax on foreign-sourced income, making it attractive for high-net-worth individuals. However, visa holders must comply with local tax regulations for income generated in Uzbekistan.
- No Real Estate Requirement: Unlike earlier residency programs requiring real estate purchases (e.g., $400,000 in Tashkent or $200,000 in other regions), this donation-based visa simplifies the process.
- Due Diligence: Uzbekistan’s authorities conduct thorough checks to prevent money laundering, requiring full transparency of funds.
Why Invest in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan, with a population of over 34 million and a strategic location in Central Asia, is an emerging hub for investment. Key highlights include:
- Economic Growth: Stable macroeconomic conditions with external debt at 18% of GDP and over 5,000 foreign companies operating in the country.
- Sectors for Investment: Energy, agriculture, tourism, and natural resources (cotton, gold, natural gas) offer significant opportunities.
- Cultural Appeal: A rich heritage along the Silk Road attracts tourists and investors interested in cultural projects.
- Reforms: The government has liberalized visa policies, introduced e-visas, and simplified business registration to attract foreign capital.
Comparison with Other Golden Visa Programs
| Feature | Uzbekistan Golden Visa | UAE Golden Visa | Portugal Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Type | Donation ($200,000) | Real Estate/Business ($545,000) | Funds/Cultural ($250,000) |
| Visa Duration | 5 years | 5 or 10 years | 2 years (renewable) |
| Family Inclusion | Yes ($100,000 per member) | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Presence | None | None | 7 days/year |
| Path to Citizenship | Potential (unclear) | 30 years | 5 years |
| Processing Time | 7-30 days | 7-30 days | 3-6 months |
Challenges and Risks
- Limited Information: As the program is new, some details (e.g., exact donation channels, renewal conditions) are yet to be finalized. Applicants should monitor updates from MIFT or Uzbek embassies.
- Geopolitical Risks: Uzbekistan’s proximity to conflict zones (e.g., Afghanistan) may concern some investors, though the country remains politically stable.
- Passport Strength: Uzbekistan’s passport ranks low for visa-free travel (73 countries), limiting its appeal for those seeking global mobility.
- Language Barrier: Uzbek and Russian are the primary languages, which may pose challenges for non-speakers.
How to Stay Updated
For the latest information, applicants should:
- Visit the Uzbekistan e-visa portal (visa.mfa.uz).
- Contact the Embassy of Uzbekistan or the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade.
- Monitor announcements from reliable sources, as the program’s fine print may evolve before June 2025.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan’s 5-year donation-based Golden Visa is a compelling opportunity for investors seeking long-term residency in a strategically located, economically vibrant country. With a relatively low entry point of $200,000, no physical presence requirement, and family inclusion, it competes with established programs like those in the UAE and Portugal. However, applicants should conduct thorough due diligence and seek professional advice to navigate the process and ensure compliance.
