Streamlined Citizenship Process Implemented in Uzbekistan
Grab Your Passports, 20,000 More Can Call Uzbekistan Home. In an exciting turn of events, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed amendments to the law "On Citizenship of the Republic of Uzbekistan," making it easier for certain individuals to gain Uzbek citizenship. The updated law, published in the newspaper "Narodnoe Slovo," offers citizenship to stateless individuals who have been residing in the republic since January 1, 2005, or for at least 15 years, and have not held foreign citizenship[1].
Moreover, stateless children, whose parents are citizens of the republic, will also be recognized as Uzbek citizens. The new law will take effect on its official publication date, which is June 15[1].
This move comes after Mirziyoyev announced the simplification of Uzbek citizenship in his address to parliament in December 2020[1]. He stated that these changes would enable an additional 20,000 people to become Uzbek citizens[1].
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is also gearing up to welcome foreigners through a new residence permit program, announced under Presidential Decree PF-67[2]. This program, set to launch on June 1, 2025, invites foreign nationals and stateless persons to apply for a five-year residence permit by making a one-time donation of at least $250,000 to a government-designated account[2][4]. For each dependent (spouse, children, parents), an additional $150,000 contribution is required[2][4]. The program is open to all nationalities without restrictions[2][4].
However, the application process, anti-money laundering procedures, and renewal rules are yet to be defined by the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Internal Affairs[2][4]. This new residence permit program is part of Uzbekistan's broader efforts to encourage foreign investment and the presence of individuals.
[1] News Source 1: [URL][2] News Source 2: [URL][3] News Source 3: [URL][4] Government Decree: [URL]
- The updated law on Uzbek citizenship, now easier for some to obtain, grants citizenship to stateless individuals who have resided in Uzbekistan since 2005 or for at least 15 years, and have not held foreign citizenship.
- The new policy-and-legislation, signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, further extends Uzbek citizenship to stateless children with citizenship parents.
- In a bid to encourage foreign presence, Uzbekistan is preparing a new residence permit program, open to all nationalities, including stateless persons.
- Under the forthcoming residence permit program, originally announced by Presidential Decree PF-67, foreign nationals and stateless persons can apply for a five-year permit by making a one-time donation, with additional contributions for dependents.
