Uzbekistan Adopts Tax Break Regime to Lure Tech Firms to Central Asia

Uzbekistan has adopted legislation creating Enterprise Uzbekistan, a special business regime granting technology companies tax exemptions on qualifying investment returns and a regulatory sandbox for product testing. The regime, approved in August, is expected to become operational in early 2027. Under the framework, participants will be exempt from corporate tax on priority activities and dividends, with zero-rated VAT on internal sales and exports. Foreign specialists meeting highly qualified criteria will be exempt from personal income tax on eligible salaries and dividends, and foreign employees can obtain visas of up to three years without separate work permits. The sandbox will allow companies to test new technologies for up to 12 months under simplified rules. Officials said the regime will remain in force until 2100, addressing investor concerns over regulatory stability. Golden Gate Ventures opened a Tashkent office in June, citing cross-border deal flow. Officials are inviting companies to help shape detailed regulations before the 2027 launch.