It has made tremendous strides in transitioning to a market-based economy over the past several decades. As with any other nation, Uzbekistan provides a unique set of obstacles to businesses seeking worldwide expansion. Among other things, you will need to ensure that all of your employees have the legal permissions and visas required to live and operate in Uzbekistan.
Employment (ยซEยป) visas are required for foreign nationals who want to work directly for an Uzbek (local) business for the duration of their work permit. The permission is valid for three to twelve months and may be renewed indefinitely at the discretion of the Uzbek Ministry of Labor.
If a foreign national is sent to Uzbekistan on behalf of a foreign company according to the service agreement (or other agreement) with an Uzbek company, the foreign national is not considered to be engaged in employment activity in Uzbekistan, is not paid by the Uzbek company, and requires a Business (ยซB-2ยป) visa to visit and reside in Uzbekistan.
Types of Work Visas
Uzbekistan has several visas that people from other countries can apply for. In Uzbekistan, as in many other nations, visa classifications vary based on the purpose of travel. The following are some of the most prevalent visas:
- A-1 visas for students and interns
- T visas for tourists
- Permanent employees of diplomatic representations are eligible for D-1 visas
- E visas for noncitizens employed
- B-2 visas for business representatives
- Foreign employees will need a visa of type E to work
Requirements to obtain a work visa
To obtain a work visa in Uzbekistan, applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- A passport that wonโt expire for at least three months
- A copy of the information page from the applicantโs passport
- Two-color passport photographs
- A properly filled-out visa application form
- An employment contract with an Uzbekistan-based company
- Documents demonstrating the applicant’s employment experience, such as letters of recommendation from previous employers
- A letter from a doctor certifying that the applicant has tested negative for HIV
- Evidence of lodging in Uzbekistan, such as a signed lease copy
Application Process
The employer must get a Corporate Work License before a foreign national can apply for a work permit in Uzbekistan. This license typically lasts between six and twelve months and allows the employer to hire a specified number of foreign nationals.
The company must also demonstrate why it needs to hire a foreign worker. To achieve this, they will need to investigate the Uzbek labor market to determine if any qualified applicants are available to fill the role. After the company determines the need for foreign hires, the prospective employee can initiate the visa application process.
Foreign nationals must apply for a type E work visa through their home country’s Uzbek embassy or consulate. They must also apply for a work visa with the Uzbek Ministry of Labor. The proper officials must approve the visa application in the applicant’s home country.
After getting a work visa, foreign nationals are permitted up to 30 days to enter the country. The employment visa is valid for one entrance only. Foreign nationals must register their address with the local police station upon entering Uzbekistan. After registering their address and receiving a work visa, foreign workers can begin employment there.
Other important considerations
Because Uzbek work permit applications might take a long time to process, you and your employees should plan and apply well in advance. From the time an employee applies to the time they are allowed to fly to Uzbekistan, it can take two to three months.