Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As of 1 March 2025, the number of officially registered self-employed individuals in Uzbekistan has reached 4.78 million. In February alone, the figure grew by over 173,000, and compared to the same period last year, the number of self-employed has surged by 81.8% (+2.1 million), according to the Tax Committee’s press service.

Samarkand region remains the leader in self-employment with 539,800 registered individuals, followed by Tashkent (469,700) and Kashkadarya (466,700) regions. The capital ranks fifth with 428,600 self-employed residents, trailing Andijan (432,200) but ahead of Fergana (427,900) and Namangan (420,500) regions.

The majority of self-employed individuals work in personal services, with 2.02 million people—92.8% more than a year ago. Agriculture ranks second with 1.23 million workers (+75.7%), followed by the social sector, employing 504,700 people (+57.7%).

The private passenger transportation sector includes over 737,000 self-employed individuals, with 75,900 new registrations in the first two months of 2025. The number of self-employed in manufacturing grew by 64.8% year-on-year to 437,900, while the production of consumer goods and services sector doubled to 453,000. The IT sector saw a 91% increase, reaching 129,300 self-employed workers. Women account for 42% of self-employed individuals, while men make up 58%.

Since September 1, 2022, self-employed individuals have been allowed to operate as private passenger transport providers. To do so, they must register as self-employed, obtain a permit from the Public Service Center or the Unified Portal of Interactive Government Services (EPIGU), and pay a fee. Private drivers are exempt from taxes but can voluntarily pay an annual social tax of 1 BRV (Base Rate Value), which contributes to their work experience and pension eligibility.

In November 2023, the list of permitted self-employment activities was significantly expanded to include clothing production, atlas fabric manufacturing, beadwork, and children’s goods production.

At a January 2025 meeting, the president instructed that self-employed individuals be allowed to work permanently in the taxi sector. Previously, a temporary regulation was in place, which expired at the end of 2024.

However, starting in 2026, the list of activities eligible for self-employment will be reduced.