✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Uzbekistan?

Yes — foreigners can buy residential and commercial real estate, but there are restrictions on land ownership and certain conditions apply to non-residents.

🏠 Uzbekistan has gradually opened its property market, especially in urban areas and new developments.

⚖️ Foreign Ownership Laws in Uzbekistan (2025)

🔹 Foreign Individuals:

• Can buy apartments and commercial property in designated urban zones (e.g., Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara)

• Cannot buy land — land is state-owned and only leased

• Can own the building or structure on leased land (common for villas, businesses)

🔹 Foreign Companies:

• Can lease land for commercial or industrial projects

• Must register a legal entity in Uzbekistan to hold long-term leases or develop large-scale properties

🔹 Citizens of Some Countries:

• Investors from countries like the UAE, Türkiye, Russia, and South Korea are increasingly active due to diplomatic agreements and bilateral property MOUs

📌 Most purchases by foreigners are in new construction projects or managed residential complexes.

🏙️ Top Cities to Invest in Uzbekistan (2025)

🔹 1. Tashkent

• Capital and economic center

• High demand for mid-to-high-end apartments, student housing, and commercial space

• New metro expansions and major residential projects underway

🔹 2. Samarkand

• Major tourism destination

• Rising interest in boutique hotels, serviced apartments, and short-term rentals

• Government incentives for heritage restoration projects

🔹 3. Bukhara

• Popular for cultural tourism and growing expat interest

• Potential for hotel conversions and vacation rentals

🔹 4. Namangan & Andijan

• Industrial and economic zones

• Interest from logistics, warehouse, and manufacturing investors

💰 Average Property Prices in 2025

Note: Prices can vary widely depending on location, property type, and whether it's part of a foreign-investor-approved project.

📈 Rental Yields & ROI

Rental markets are especially strong in Tashkent's central districts and Samarkand's heritage areas.

🛠️ Buying Process for Foreigners

1. Choose property within a foreign-investor-eligible development

2. Sign preliminary agreement with the developer or seller

3. Verify land ownership/lease terms and property registration

4. Foreign buyer applies for approval (if applicable)

5. Finalize deal through a notary and register ownership

Typical closing time: 30–60 days
Foreigners should work with licensed legal representatives for translation and compliance

🧾 Taxes & Costs

Foreigners are taxed only on income from within Uzbekistan.

🛂 Does Buying Property Grant Residency?

✅ Yes, in some cases. As of 2023, Uzbekistan allows foreign property owners who purchase real estate above $100,000 in designated areas to apply for temporary residence permits.

• Applies mostly in Tashkent and Samarkand

• Residence permit is valid for up to 3 years, renewable

• Property must be registered in the buyer's name

📌 This makes Uzbekistan one of the few Central Asian countries offering property-linked residency.

🏘️ Who Should Invest in Uzbekistan?

✅ Ideal for:

• Regional investors from Russia, Türkiye, UAE, or Korea

• Buyers seeking early-stage emerging market exposure

• Those interested in residency through real estate

• Investors focused on short-term rental income in tourism zones

❌ Not ideal for:

• Those expecting Western-level legal frameworks or financing

• Buyers uncomfortable with land lease structures

🔮 2025 Trends in Uzbekistan’s Property Market

• Tashkent’s New City Project attracting major development

• Growth in smart cities and mixed-use projects

• Samarkand Silk Road complex expanding tourism-linked housing

• Foreign demand rising from Middle East and CIS region

• Gradual improvements in legal transparency and digital land registry

🧭 Final Thoughts

Uzbekistan offers a unique blend of affordability, high rental yields, and strategic geographic access between Europe and Asia. While the legal system is still developing, recent reforms are making the country more foreign-investor friendly—especially for those seeking residency through real estate or capitalizing on tourism-driven growth.

With a long-term view, Uzbekistan is becoming one of Central Asia’s most promising property markets.