Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), in collaboration with IT Park, has conducted a comprehensive study assessing Uzbekistan’s business climate and integration processes for relocants. The findings confirm the emergence of a stable and attractive ecosystem for international IT businesses and foreign professionals.

The research involved both quantitative and qualitative analysis, including surveys of foreign specialists and companies, as well as focus group discussions with IT Park resident company executives.

Integration of Foreign Specialists and IT Companies

The analysis sheds light on the conditions and integration of foreign IT professionals and companies in Uzbekistan, helping to evaluate policy progress and identify areas for improvement in attracting international talent and investment.

According to the CERR study, the average relocant in Uzbekistan is a qualified foreign specialist around 38 years old, married, and with children. Specifically, 66% of those surveyed are married, and 40% are raising children under the age of 16.

The stable macroeconomic environment and special conditions for IT businesses foster high levels of trust: 96% of surveyed companies and 82% of specialists intend to continue operations in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, 93% of companies and 81% of individual professionals recommend Uzbekistan as a favorable destination for relocation.

IT Sector Growth and Export Expansion

The number of foreign companies that have become IT Park residents has reached 752 — a 54-fold increase since 2020. The total number of IT Park residents has grown from 411 to 2,846, while the number of export-oriented firms has increased from 62 to 750.

The export geography of Uzbekistan’s IT companies has also broadened significantly. While exports in 2020 were directed to 26 countries, by June 2025 this number had grown to 90. Key export markets include North America (46% of volume), the European Union and the United Kingdom (21%), the CIS and Asia-Pacific regions (27%), and the Middle East (6%).

This reflects growing demand for digital services from Uzbekistan across both developed and emerging markets.

Over the past 5–7 years, foreign business activity and the influx of qualified professionals have expanded considerably. Since early 2022, the number of foreign IT Park residents has increased by 77%, and the inflow of foreign specialists has grown by 87%.

Incentives and Tax Regime

Uzbekistan offers comprehensive benefits for IT companies and foreign specialists. IT Park residents are exempt from corporate income tax and mandatory social contributions, and the personal income tax rate is reduced to 7.5%.

These measures have been positively received by businesses: 91% of foreign companies report that the tax burden does not create barriers for export activity, enhancing Uzbekistan’s image as an emerging international IT hub.

To support foreign investors, mechanisms such as the IT Visa and IT Card have been introduced. These allow multiple entries for up to three years with the possibility of renewal without leaving the country. Available to IT specialists earning at least $30,000 annually, these statuses grant access to healthcare and education on the same terms as Uzbek citizens, enable free movement within the country without additional registration, and allow for property purchases without restrictions.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the positive assessment, respondents identified areas for further improvement.

Notably, 44% of companies and 41% of specialists expressed a desire for improved accessibility and efficiency in financial and banking services. Simplifying procedures for obtaining residency permits remains a priority for 35% of respondents, especially those seeking long-term residence.

The IT Card program also needs refinement: 78% of respondents said they are not currently using it, and more than half of users cited the need for enhanced functionality and better awareness among government officials, banks, and notaries (73%).

Additional areas for improvement include the rental housing market (53%), equal access to medical and educational services (31%), and digital infrastructure development (36% of specialists and 21% of companies).

Conclusion

The sustained presence of foreign specialists and the absence of significant outflows of skilled talent affirm the effectiveness of current policies. Uzbekistan continues to demonstrate strong potential to strengthen its position as a leading destination for international IT relocation in the Eurasian region.