Moving to Uzbekistan

One attractive aspect of Uzbekistan for foreign citizens is the very low cost of living compared to Europe and the United States.
The country is actively modernizing its education and healthcare systems to meet international quality standards.

Tashkent is the country's largest city and its capital. Historical monuments, modern shopping centers and cultural events are concentrated here. Tashkent is the economic and educational center of Uzbekistan. It is home to offices of large companies, universities and research centers.

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world with a rich historical heritage. Here you can admire magnificent architecture, including Registan Square and Guri Amir Square.

Bukhara is famous for its ancient buildings, mosques and bazaars. This city is a true open-air architectural museum.

Namangan - Namangan is located in the eastern part of the country and is famous for its nature with its mountain landscapes and picturesque valleys. It is a great place for nature lovers.

Andijan is an important industrial center and also preserves its cultural heritage, offering residents and visitors a variety of entertainment and educational opportunities.

Karshi is known for its cultural diversity and is a place where traditional and modern aspects of urban life combine.

In order to obtain a residence permit in Uzbekistan, foreigners must fulfill the following basic requirements:

• You must be in possession of a valid foreign passport. The passport must be valid for the entire period of stay applied for.
• You must have health insurance that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Uzbekistan.
• You must not have a criminal record in your home country or in Uzbekistan. You must present a certificate confirming that you have no criminal record.
• Confirm that you have sufficient financial means to live in Uzbekistan. You must provide a bank account statement or other proof of income.
• You must have a permanent residence in Uzbekistan for the entire period applied for. This can be a rental contract, a letter of guarantee from an employer for the provision of accommodation, etc.

In order to obtain a residence permit in Uzbekistan, a foreign citizen must fulfill the following requirements
1. fill out the application form for a residence permit according to the established template
2. submit the package with the required documents to the relevant consulate of Uzbekistan
3. pay the state fee for registration of the residence permit
4. pass the obligatory dactyloscopic registration and medical examination.
5. receive notification of the completion of the residence permit and pick up the completed document at the consulate.

The normal period of validity of the residence permit for foreigners in Uzbekistan is 1 to 3 years. After the expiry of the validity period, the residence permit can be extended for a new period if the necessary conditions are met.
Staying in Uzbekistan with a residence permit is only permitted if you are registered at the place of residence. If you leave the country for a period of more than 6 months, the validity of the residence permit expires.

The cost of living in Uzbekistan can vary considerably depending on the city, comfort level, lifestyle and other factors. Let's take a look at the most important aspects that influence costs in different areas:

Housing:

Rental housing: Rental prices in Uzbekistan vary depending on the region and type of accommodation. In the capital Tashkent, housing rents can be higher compared to smaller cities.

Food and groceries:

Food: Staples such as bread, milk, fruit and vegetables are usually available at relatively low prices in markets and supermarkets.

Transportation:

Public transportation: fares on public transportation such as buses and the metro are generally cheap.

Cabs are also an affordable way to get around, although prices can vary depending on the city and provider.

Healthcare:

Health services: Access to healthcare services is generally inexpensive, especially at public healthcare centers. However, private healthcare services can be more expensive.

Education:

Schooling: public schools offer free education, while public schools may charge varying levels of fees.

Higher education: Tuition fees may vary depending on the chosen field of study and the status of the institution.

Entertainment and services:

Restaurants and cafés: Food prices in restaurants and cafés can vary, but are generally affordable compared to European standards.

Entertainment: The cost of theater and cinema tickets and other entertainment events can also vary.

Overall, the cost of living in Uzbekistan is relatively low compared to other countries, making the country an attractive destination for those looking for affordable accommodation options while saving money.

Health insurance for expats in Uzbekistan is an important aspect of ensuring safety and confidence in the quality of medical care. Expats are advised to take out health insurance that covers medical expenses such as doctor visits, emergencies, medical evacuation and hospital treatment. The choice of insurance company is important and expatriates should opt for companies that specialize in international insurance products after carefully researching the policy terms and conditions. Make sure that the insurance policy covers the entire period of your stay in Uzbekistan and familiarize yourself with the claims handling procedures. Due to the lack of specialized medical services in some areas of Uzbekistan, medical evacuation may be necessary and the insurance should include appropriate benefits. Taking out health insurance contributes to medical security and reduces the financial risk of unexpected medical events.

Yes, it is possible to work as a foreigner in Uzbekistan. To do so, it is necessary to obtain a work permit from the Uzbek government. The foreign employee must find an employer who is willing to support their application for work and issue an official invitation. An application for a work permit is then agreed with the employer and submitted to the relevant authorities. The foreigner submits the required documents, e.g. copies of passport, educational qualifications, medical certificate, etc. The application is checked and, if the decision is positive, taken into consideration. The application is examined and, if the result is positive, a work permit is issued. The foreigner then registers with the local authorities and is granted temporary residence in Uzbekistan. Additional licenses or certifications may be required for some industries. The work permit is temporary and tied to a specific place of work. If the employer changes, a new permit must be obtained.

Pro

Hospitality and friendliness: The people of Uzbekistan are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Guests are welcomed with an open heart.

Rich cultural and historical heritage: Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage, including the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, which attract tourists from all over the world.

Culinary: Uzbek cuisine is famous for its delicious dishes such as pilaf, kebab, lagman and sumalak.

Affordable prices: The cost of living in Uzbekistan is generally lower than in many other countries, making the country attractive to expats.

Natural beauty: Uzbekistan is rich in diverse nature, from mountains to deserts. There are many opportunities for travel and adventure.

Disadvantages:

Economic challenges: There are economic difficulties in the country, which can affect employment and living standards.

Bureaucracy: The bureaucratic processes can be complex and costly, making it difficult to resolve some issues.

Infrastructural problems: Some areas of the country may experience infrastructural problems, such as inadequately developed roads and transportation facilities.

Climatic conditions: Summers in Uzbekistan can be hot and winters can be cold, which can be challenging for people who are not used to extreme climatic conditions.