Moving to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan operates one of the most liberal entry regimes in Eurasia following Mirziyoyev-era reforms: 60+ nationalities enter visa-free, others use a streamlined e-Visa. For longer stays, the IT Park Uzbekistan IT Visa is a genuinely distinctive 3-year pathway for tech workers and founders, while heritage-based residency exists for ethnic Uzbeks.

Uzbekistan's economy is rapidly diversifying beyond traditional sectors (cotton, gas, gold, minerals) into banking, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and technology. The IT Park Uzbekistan initiative has become a magnet for foreign tech workers and outsourcing companies, with beneficial tax status (7.5% corporate income tax, 0% IT-product VAT, plus the IT Visa). Foreign professionals concentrate in banking (EBRD, IFC, ADB, TBC Bank), international development (USAID, UNDP, World Bank), oil and gas services, consulting (Big Four), and IT/startups. Tashkent is the dominant hub; Samarkand and Bukhara have growing tourism sectors.

Uzbekistan's healthcare system operates in parallel tiers: public hospitals provide subsidized or free care for residents but are variable in quality and equipment; private clinics in Tashkent serve most expats and middle-class Uzbeks. Major private providers include Akfa Medline, Shox Medical Center, Mediton, and Tashkent International Medical Clinic (TIMC, historically oriented to the diplomatic community). For complex procedures, many expats and Uzbek citizens travel abroad — Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara), Germany, South Korea, and India are common destinations. Consultation fees at private clinics range from UZS 200,000-600,000 (USD 16-48); hospitalization in a private room costs UZS 500,000-2,000,000/day. Pharmacies (dorikhona) are abundant, and medications are inexpensive. The government has expanded the mandatory state insurance coverage; foreigners on IT or work visas are increasingly integrated. Most expats maintain international health insurance (Allianz, Cigna, IMG) for medical evacuation coverage. Emergency care is available through 103 with response times generally reliable in Tashkent.

Uzbekistan is undergoing rapid digital transformation. The my.gov.uz portal consolidates over 400 government services, authenticated via OneID and biometric verification. Mobile internet from Ucell, Beeline Uzbekistan, Uzmobile, and Humans delivers 4G/LTE nationwide; 5G has been piloted in Tashkent. Fixed broadband from UzTelecom, Comnet, and Sarkor delivers 50-300 Mbps in cities. Internet freedom has improved significantly since 2019 — Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube are accessible without VPN, though occasional platform restrictions occur.

Uzbek culture blends Turkic, Persian, Islamic, and Soviet influences with deep pride in Silk Road heritage. Hospitality (mehmondo'stlik) is a cornerstone — guests are welcomed with tea, non (the traditional round bread, treated with reverence and never placed upside-down), and often an elaborate spread even on short notice. The mahalla (neighborhood council) remains a genuine social institution, organizing life events and mediating minor disputes. Plov (also called osh) is the national dish; Tashkent, Samarkand, and Ferghana each claim distinctive regional versions, and plov-cooking is a ceremonial communal tradition. Islam is the predominant religion but practiced moderately in urban areas; the country is constitutionally secular. Navruz (March 21, spring equinox) is the most important cultural holiday, celebrated with sumalak (a sweet ceremonial wheat pudding stirred through the night), festive meals, and community gatherings. Traditional music (shashmaqam), crafts (silk ikat from Margilan, ceramics from Rishtan, suzani embroidery), and the tiled madrasahs of Samarkand and Bukhara are central to cultural identity.

• •Accept tea (choi) when offered. Green tea (kok choi) is standard in summer; black tea (qora choi) in winter. Hosts will refill continuously; leave some in the cup when finished.
• •Treat non (bread) with respect. Do not place it upside-down, do not cut it with a knife (tear with hands), and do not waste it. It carries strong cultural and religious symbolism.
• •Greet elders and seniors first. 'Assalomu alaykum' (Uzbek/Arabic, peace be upon you) is the formal greeting; 'Zdravstvuyte' (Russian) is also widely used. Handshakes between men are normal; women may shake hands or place their hand on their heart.
• •When invited to a wedding (to'y), bring a gift (money in an envelope is traditional) and expect a long, communal celebration. To'y are enormous social events — hundreds of guests is normal.
• •Navruz festivities (March 21) include sumalak, sports competitions, and community gatherings. It is not a religious holiday; everyone participates regardless of background.