Under Presidential Decree PF-67, the program allows eligible applicants to obtain a five-year residence permit by making a non-refundable donation to a government-designated account. This approach simplifies the residency process, making it more accessible to global investors.

Investment Requirements

• Main Applicant: A one-time donation of USD 250,000.
• Each Dependent (spouse, child, or parent): An additional USD 150,000.

For instance, a family of four would need to contribute a total of USD 700,000. This cost structure may be more suitable for individual applicants or smaller families, as larger families might find alternative residency routes more economical.

Application Process and Timeline

While the program is scheduled to commence on June 1, 2025, the Uzbek government is expected to release detailed guidelines, including:

• Designated treasury or bank account details for donations.
• Official application forms and processing timelines.
• Anti-money laundering (AML) documentation requirements.
• Renewal procedures post the initial five-year period.

Until these details are published, banks cannot legally accept any payments for the new program.

Benefits of the Golden Visa

• Long-Term Residency: Five-year residence permit with the possibility of renewal.
• Family Inclusion: Opportunity to include immediate family members under the same application.
• No Physical Presence Requirement: Applicants are not mandated to reside in Uzbekistan continuously.
• Access to Services: Visa holders and their families can access medical and educational services on par with Uzbek citizens.

Comparison with Existing Residency Options

Uzbekistan currently offers two other investment-based residency pathways:

1. Investment Visa Route:
   • Three-year renewable residence permit: Requires an investment of approximately USD 250,000 as equity or capital injection into a locally registered company.
   • Ten-year renewable residence permit: Necessitates a USD 3 million investment in enterprises involved in producing goods and services.
   • Family inclusion without additional costs.
2. Real Estate Route:
   • Property purchases starting from USD 100,000 to USD 300,000, depending on the location.
   • Offers indefinite residency.

The new donation-based route simplifies the entry requirements but may be cost-prohibitive for larger families compared to these existing options.

Strategic Implications

By introducing this donation-based Golden Visa, Uzbekistan aims to:

• Attract Foreign Capital: Encourage investments that contribute to economic growth and diversification.
• Enhance Global Competitiveness: Position itself as an attractive destination for global investors seeking residency options.
• Simplify Residency Acquisition: Offer a straightforward pathway to residency without complex investment requirements.

This move places Uzbekistan alongside countries like St. Kitts and Nevis or Antigua and Barbuda, which also use donation models to grant residency or citizenship.

Uzbekistan's new five-year donation-based Golden Visa program represents a significant step in its efforts to attract foreign investment and integrate into the global economy. By offering a simplified and flexible residency pathway, the country opens its doors to high-net-worth individuals seeking new opportunities in Central Asia.