Visa & Work Permit Guide for Foreign Employees in Uzbekistan

Introduction

Bringing foreign employees to Uzbekistan — whether for short-term project work or long-term assignment — requires navigating visa categories, work permit procedures, and immigration registration requirements. This guide provides a practical overview of what employers and employees need to know.

Visa Categories

Business Visa (B-2)

For short-term business activities: meetings, negotiations, contract signing, training, and conferences. Does not permit employment. Typically issued for 30 days with possible extension.

Work Visa (M)

Required for foreign nationals employed by an Uzbek-registered entity. Issued on the basis of a confirmed work permit. Valid for the duration of the work permit (typically one year, renewable).

Investor Visa

Available to foreign nationals making qualifying investments in Uzbekistan. Offers extended stay and simplified renewal procedures.

E-Visa

Available to citizens of many countries for tourism and short business visits. Applied for online through e-visa.gov.uz. Processing time is typically 2–3 business days.

Work Permit Process

Step 1: Employer Application

The employing company submits a work permit application to the Agency for External Labor Migration, including justification for hiring a foreign worker.

Step 2: Documentation

Required documents typically include:

• Passport copies (notarized)
• Educational qualifications (apostilled and translated)
• Medical certificate
• Employment contract or draft contract
• Company registration documents
• Justification for foreign hire

Step 3: Processing

Processing typically takes 10–15 business days. The work permit is issued for a specific employer and position — changing either requires a new permit.

Step 4: Visa Issuance

With the confirmed work permit, the employee applies for a work visa at the Uzbek embassy or consulate in their home country.

Registration Requirements

All foreign nationals in Uzbekistan must register with OVIR (the internal affairs migration department) within 3 business days of arrival. Registration is typically handled by the employer or the hotel.

Failure to register carries fines and can complicate future visa applications. For long-term employees, registration must be renewed when changing address.

Exemptions and Special Provisions

• Citizens of certain CIS countries may work without a work permit
• IT Park resident employees may benefit from simplified visa procedures
• Free Economic Zone participants may have expedited processing
• Highly qualified specialists in certain fields may qualify for simplified procedures

Compliance Obligations for Employers

Employers of foreign workers must:

• Maintain current work permits for all foreign employees
• Ensure timely visa renewals before expiration
• Report any changes in employment status
• Comply with quotas on foreign workers (where applicable)
• Provide workplace conditions meeting Uzbek labor standards
• Maintain proper employment records

Non-compliance can result in fines for both employer and employee.

Timelines to Plan For

• Work permit application to approval: 10–15 business days
• Visa processing at embassy: 5–10 business days
• OVIR registration: must be completed within 3 days of arrival
• Total process from initial application to employee arrival: typically 3–6 weeks

We recommend initiating the process at least 6 weeks before the intended start date.

How Lexford Group Helps

We manage the entire visa and work permit process:

• Work permit application preparation and submission
• Visa support documentation
• OVIR registration coordination
• Permit and visa renewal tracking
• Compliance monitoring
• Airport pickup and initial settlement support
• Coordination with our employee housing services for foreign workers