Uzbekistan's Tax System and Regulatory Framework in 2025

The current tax legislation in Uzbekistan is governed by the Republic of Uzbekistan Tax Code, which came into effect on January 1, 2020. Key reforms introduced under this code include higher corporate income and excise tax rates, a reduced value-added tax (VAT) rate, the elimination of tax exemptions in small industrial zones, and revised customs duty incentives. The government is currently reviewing amendments to the Tax Code, though no official updates have been released as of 2025.

Tax Administration Authorities

The primary authority responsible for tax regulation and collection is the State Tax Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Regional tax offices operate under its direct supervision. All entities and individuals with tax obligations must register with local tax authorities and submit required documentation in accordance with procedures outlined in the Tax Code.

Key Taxes and Applicable Rates

Corporate and Personal Income Tax

Uzbekistan applies a hybrid taxation system combining territorial and residence-based principles for both corporate and personal income taxes.

• Resident Enterprises: Entities incorporated in Uzbekistan, foreign companies deemed tax residents under applicable treaties, foreign firms managed de facto from within the country, and individual entrepreneurs earning over 1 billion UZS annually are classified as resident taxpayers.
• Non-Resident Enterprises: Those operating through a permanent establishment in Uzbekistan are taxed on income derived from domestic business activities conducted via that presence.

Other Major Taxes and Rates

Besides income taxes, Uzbekistan levies several other significant taxes including VAT, excise duties, natural resource usage fees, property and land taxes, social contributions, and turnover taxes. As of January 1, 2023, the standard VAT rate was lowered from 15% to 12%.

Business Tax Regime

This regime targets small-scale taxpayers—individual entrepreneurs or legal entities whose annual revenue falls between 100 million and 1 billion Uzbekistani soums. It offers simplified compliance and lower administrative burdens compared to standard taxation frameworks.

Special Economic Zones in Uzbekistan

Legal Basis for Special Economic Zones

The foundation for special economic zones (SEZs) is established under the Law on Special Economic Zones, enacted in May 2020. These designated areas feature defined boundaries and unique regulatory environments aimed at attracting foreign investment, advanced technologies, and modern management practices to accelerate regional economic development.

Overview of Key SEZs

The Uzbek government actively promotes free economic zones as strategic platforms for investment attraction. These zones span multiple regions and cover diverse sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and tourism.

• Navoi Free Economic Zone: Established as the country’s first SEZ, it focuses on high-tech production using imported foreign technology.
• Angren Free Economic Zone: A preferred destination for international investors due to favorable tax, currency, and customs policies.
• Jizzakh Free Economic Zone: Developed with participation from Chinese enterprises; it mirrors the incentive structure of the Navoi zone.
• Sirdaryo Free Economic Zone: Originally a subdivision of Jizzakh SEZ, now home to the Pengsheng Industrial Park, a major Sino-Uzbek joint venture.

Regional Investment Policies

Uzbekistan maintains a uniform national investment framework without designated priority administrative regions. All investors, domestic or foreign, are treated equally under centralized laws and regulations, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions. However, SEZs offer enhanced benefits, making them focal points for targeted industrial growth.

For businesses exploring offshore operations or international workforce deployment, SailGlobal provides expert advisory services in global mobility, cross-border compliance, and expatriate management tailored to Central Asia’s evolving regulatory landscape.