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UZBEKISTAN LEGAL NEWSLETTER: JANUARY 2026
In January 2026, Uzbekistan adopted several new laws and regulations to open up certain sectors of the economy, improve digital governance, and encourage investment. These changes include new licensing rules for activities in the oil, gas, and scrap procurement, new legal provisions on the use of artificial intelligence, and digital reforms in the migration system. The government also introduced a regulatory sandbox for investment platforms to support online fundraising and alternative financing mechanisms.
1. LICENSES FOR ENGAGEMENT IN SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
On 15 January, a new Law was adopted to expand private sector participation in selected sectors of the economy. These measures form part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to align its regulatory framework with the requirements for accession to the World Trade Organization.
The Law re-introduces licenses allowing engagement in activities related to the extraction, processing, and sale of oil and gas, including compressed natural gas, liquefied hydrocarbon gas, and gas condensate. A separate licence is also introduced for wholesale and retail trading of natural gas.
The Law further establishes new categories of licences for activities involving the collection (procurement), processing, and sale of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap and waste.
2. LEGISLATION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
On 21 January, a law was adopted introducing amendments to certain regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan related to the use of artificial intelligence. In particular, the following changes were introduced:
- the definition of artificial intelligence has been incorporated into the Law "On Informatisation". Artificial intelligence is defined as a set of technological solutions enabling the imitation of human cognitive functions (including self-learning and problem-solving) and allowing, when performing specific tasks, the achievement of results comparable to those produced by human intellectual activity;
- the same Law now establishes that, when making legally significant decisions affecting human rights and freedoms, it is impermissible to rely exclusively on conclusions generated by information resources and information systems created on the basis of artificial intelligence technologies;
- in addition, liability for the unlawful processing of personal data using artificial intelligence has been introduced into the Code of Administrative Responsibility. The unlawful processing of personal data using artificial intelligence technologies, as well as the dissemination of such data through mass media, telecommunication networks, or the global information network (Internet), entails an administrative fine ranging from 50 to 100 basic calculation values (approx. from USD 1,690 to USD 3,380), with confiscation of the instruments used to commit the administrative offence.
Law No. ZRU-1115 of 21 January 2026
3. ENHANCEMENT OF MIGRATION SYSTEM
On 19 January, a Presidential Resolution aimed at advancing digitalisation and improving governance in the field of migration was adopted. In addition to measures designed to strengthen information security and cybersecurity through the introduction of modern information technologies, the Resolution approves a number of key initiatives, including the following:
- from 1 February 2026, when receiving identification documents (passports, national IDs) individuals will simultaneously be provided with a free electronic digital signature certificate and automatically registered in the “Electronic Government” system;
- from 1 May 2026, on a pilot basis, Smart Migration Stations will be established in the Tashkent, Samarkand, and Ferghana regions, as well as in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, enabling individuals to independently access a range of migration-related public services;
- from 1 May 2026, foreign citizens and stateless persons who entered the Republic of Uzbekistan on the basis of an electronic visa will be entitled to a one-time extension of such visa for a period of up to 30 days.
Presidential Resolution No. PP-14 of 19 January 2026
4. REGULATORY SANDBOX FOR INVESTMENT PLATFORMS
Further to Presidential Decree No. PP-255 of 21 August 2025 on measures to regulate investment activities carried out using modern information technologies, the National Agency for Perspective Projects adopted Regulation No. 3753 establishing a special legal regime (“regulatory sandbox”) for investment platforms. The regime will take effect on 1 October 2026. Under the new framework:
- investment platforms are defined as automated digital systems facilitating investment attraction and electronic agreement execution;
- only resident legal entities may operate platforms and must be included in the state registry;
- platforms must be hosted on servers located in Uzbekistan and comply with AML/CFT, data protection and record-keeping requirements;
- the Regulation outlines procedures for registration, supervision and exclusion from the special regime.
The framework aims to support digital fundraising mechanisms, broaden access to alternative financing sources, and strengthen investor safeguards within Uzbekistan’s evolving investment ecosystem.
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