Hajra Naz
Uzbekistan has introduced a new long-term residency option through Presidential Decree PF-67, signed on April 18, 2025. Starting June 1, 2025, foreign nationals and stateless individuals will be eligible to apply for a five-year residence permit by making a non-refundable donation of US$250,000 to a government-designated account.
Uzbekistan has launched a new long-term residency option. It was introduced through Presidential Decree PF-67, signed on April 18, 2025. Starting June 1, 2025, the program will open for applications. Foreign nationals and stateless individuals can apply. They must make a non-refundable donation of US$250,000. The payment goes to a government-designated account. In return, applicants will receive a five-year residence permit.
For each accompanying dependent, such as a spouse, child, or parent—an additional US$150,000 is required. This initiative marks the third option in Uzbekistan’s expanding investment migration portfolio and is open to all nationalities, including Pakistani citizens, with no nationality-based restrictions.
Read More: Pakistanis Can Now Apply for 5-Year UAE Visas: All Details Here
Existing Residency Options in Uzbekistan
This new donation-based route complements two existing investment migration pathways:
1. Investment Visa Program
Established by Presidential Decree UP-5611 and updated in 2019, this program offers:
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A three-year renewable residence permit for a minimum equity investment of US$250,000 in a locally registered company.
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A ten-year renewable permit for those investing US$3 million in qualifying production or service sectors.
Dependents are included at no extra cost, and the program is available to all nationalities.
2. Real Estate Investment Route
Revised under Presidential Decree UP-101, this option provides permanent residency for those purchasing property in:
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Tashkent or surrounding region: minimum investment of US$300,000
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Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Fergana: US$200,000
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Other regions including the Republic of Karakalpakstan: US$100,000
As with the investment visa, dependents are included free of charge. However, this program is only open to citizens of approximately 85 approved countries.
Why Uzbekistan’s Golden Visa Stands Out
Unlike traditional programs based on property ownership or business investment, Uzbekistan’s new golden visa is based on a direct donation, making the application process simpler and faster. It is also open to all nationalities, including Pakistani citizens, without restrictions.
While the visa does not grant citizenship, it provides a renewable five-year residency. Future eligibility for permanent residence or naturalization may depend on further legal developments.
For families, the financial implications are more significant. A family of four, for example, would need to contribute USD 700,000. In such cases, the real estate route may offer better value for those who qualify.
Financial Considerations for Families
Unlike the two previous pathways, the new donation-based program involves higher costs for families. For example, a family of four would need to contribute US$700,000 under this route. This makes the real estate pathway a more budget-friendly option for larger families who meet the eligibility criteria.
No Changes to Existing Residency Programs
Presidential Decree PF-67 does not override or replace the earlier visa programs. Instead, it adds a new layer to Uzbekistan’s existing investment migration framework.
Awaiting Implementation Guidelines
The rollout of the new program is pending a Cabinet of Ministers resolution, to be issued in coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This forthcoming resolution will establish critical operational procedures, including:
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The official treasury or bank account for donations
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Application and processing procedures
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Required anti-money laundering (AML) documentation
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Permit renewal rules after five years
It will also clarify whether the five-year period under this permit will count toward eligibility for citizenship. Until this resolution is finalized, no payments can be accepted, and the program remains in preparation.
A New Chapter in Uzbekistan’s Global Appeal
This golden visa reflects Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to modernize its economy, diversify its appeal, and boost tourism and foreign partnerships. As the country transforms, it’s positioning itself not just as a tourist destination, but as a potential home base for retirees, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and global citizens.
Key benefits for long-term residents include:
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Affordable cost of living
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Low real estate prices outside major cities
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Rich cultural heritage
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Emerging opportunities in transport, agriculture, energy, and tech
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Regional mobility within Central Asia
Impact on Travel and Migration Industries
The new golden visa is expected to spur demand in sectors such as:
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International Education
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Real estate development
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Legal and visa consultancy
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Luxury accommodation and expat services
Agencies may soon offer residency-focused tour packages, particularly targeting applicants from Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, where awareness of Uzbekistan’s reforms is growing.
A Strategic Move in a Shifting Global Market
With traditional Western golden visa markets tightening, Uzbekistan’s launch offers a fresh, flexible alternative. Portugal has ended its real estate visa option, Ireland has halted its investor program, and the EU is scrutinizing golden visa schemes more closely.
In contrast, Uzbekistan offers a neutral, culturally rich, and cost-effective option. This development puts the country on the radar for residency planning firms and high-net-worth individuals seeking new mobility pathways.
