Uzbekistan

When traveling to Uzbekistan, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Uzbekistan, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings
• » Attend conferences and conventions
• » Tour a company facility
• » Conduct market research

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?

Most nationals must obtain either a B-1 Business Visa or a B-2 Business Visa to enter Uzbekistan to conduct business activities, which may be obtained from an Uzbek Consulate or Embassy prior to travel.

Nationalities from several countries including Russia, South Korea, and members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa to enter Uzbekistan for business purposes. Please consult with your immigration counsel before traveling to confirm eligibility for a B-1 Business Visa, B-2 Business Visa, or visa waiver.

What types of activities require work authorization?

Uzbek law does not explicitly define which activities are permitted on a Business Visa, and many professional activities, including research and training, may be permitted so long as they are not remunerated in Uzbekistan. However, a legal assessment is required to determine whether the intended activities are permissible as a business visitor.

If I am traveling to Uzbekistan for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Uzbekistan. The most common type of work authorization for Uzbekistan is the Individual Work Permit.

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are some exemptions to long-term work authorization requirements for certain select professions, including journalists, employees of non-governmental organizations, and scientists working in accordance with intergovernmental agreements. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in Uzbekistan. Please consult with your immigration counsel for a legal assessment before traveling to determine eligibility for a long-term work authorization exemption.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.