How to become an IT resident in Uzbekistan

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively developing its digital economy, viewing the IT sector as a key driver of national growth and innovative development. As part of this strategy, the IT residency mechanism was created—a special legal status that provides companies and individual entrepreneurs with significant tax and administrative benefits, facilitating business development and access to international markets. IT residency status is regulated by Presidential Decree No. PP-3832 of July 3, 2018, "On measures to develop the digital economy."

This regulation laid the foundation for the creation of IT-Park Uzbekistan, the main institution providing support to innovative companies and creating favorable conditions for the development of the IT industry in the country. Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs whose activities include software development, IT consulting, digital services, cybersecurity, data processing, and other areas of information technology are eligible for IT residency status. The main goal of the program is to stimulate the export of IT services, create new jobs, and develop human capital in the field of digital technologies.

Obtaining IT residency status requires completing several sequential steps. The first step is registering a company or sole proprietor in accordance with the established procedure. This can be either a new enterprise or an existing one wishing to join the IT Park ecosystem. The second step is submitting an application through the official IT Park Uzbekistan portal, along with constituent documents, a business plan, and a brief description of the company's IT activities. IT Park's expert council then reviews the documents and assesses the company's compliance with the established criteria. Following a positive decision, the parties sign an agreement officially confirming IT residency status.

Residents receive significant benefits, including exemption from corporate income tax, corporate property tax, unified social tax, and personal income tax. Furthermore, IT residents have the right to conduct transactions in foreign currency and open bank accounts abroad, significantly simplifying interactions with international clients and partners.

It's important to note that the IT residency program is focused not only on large companies but also on supporting startups and young professionals, who are a vital resource for the industry's development. Residents gain access to mentoring, acceleration programs, educational courses, and international exhibitions. IT-Park also develops regional branches, attracting talent from across the country and facilitating digital transformation at the local level.

The IT residency program promotes the growth of IT services exports and strengthens Uzbekistan's position as a regional IT hub. Therefore, obtaining IT residency status is not just a formality, but a strategically important step for companies seeking to develop in the dynamically growing digital economy. The combination of tax incentives, transparent procedures, and government support creates an attractive environment for local and international IT companies.

For convenience, the process can be presented as a checklist for applicants for IT residency status: register a company or individual entrepreneur, prepare and submit an application with constituent documents and a business plan on the IT-Park Uzbekistan portal, wait for an expert review, and, upon approval, sign an agreement with IT-Park.

In conclusion, it can be emphasized that Uzbekistan demonstrates a systematic approach to the development of the IT industry, combining legislative incentives with practical tools to support innovation. The IT residency program not only contributes to export growth and job creation but also strengthens the country's international image as a promising IT hub in Central Asia.