Knowledge

Foreign Direct Investment

Registration, licences, foreign ownership, profit repatriation, and investment protections.

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Common structures include a direct subsidiary, a joint venture with a local partner, or an SPV. Choice depends on sector, control, tax, and regulatory considerations.

Most sectors permit up to 100% foreign ownership. A limited set of strategic sectors — for example, subsoil, media, and financial services — have specific rules or approvals.

Foreign investors typically hold long-term land-use rights rather than freehold. Special Economic Zones offer accelerated allocation and simplified terms.

Company registration in Uzbekistan is handled through the state registration authority; SEZ registration is administered by the zone. Typical timelines are days to weeks depending on structure.

Depends on activity. Financial services, healthcare, extractive industries, and telecommunications carry licensing regimes; most other activities require standard registration only.

Uzbekistan permits profit repatriation subject to tax compliance. Dividends, service fees, royalties, and loan repayments are typical channels, each with its own tax treatment.

Yes — through domestic legislation, more than 50 bilateral investment treaties, and, in many cases, international arbitration recourse.

Sector- and zone-specific tax holidays, reduced corporate rates, customs and VAT relief in Special Economic Zones, and investment-agreement benefits for large projects.

Large-scale investors can negotiate investment agreements with the government to secure specific incentives, protections, and undertakings tailored to the project.

Standard company registration typically takes days to a few weeks. Sector-specific licensing and SEZ registration add time depending on the activity.

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