New rules to ease licensing and business startup procedures in Uzbekistan

The decree introduces several measures to streamline entrepreneurship and regulatory compliance. From January 1, 2026:

• Individual entrepreneurs will be allowed to register a firm name.
• Changes in primary information, such as address, passport, or other identification details, will automatically update in YTT certificates, licenses, permits, and notifications free of charge.
• The “Business in 15 Minutes” system will be launched, enabling applicants to access seven types of government services immediately through a “single window” platform.

From March 1, 2026, additional reforms will take effect:

• When legal entities are fined for violations in licensing, permitting, or notification procedures, their officials will no longer be held personally administratively responsible.
• An optional pre-assessment service will be available through the “License” information system, allowing entrepreneurs to evaluate the compliance of their applications and documents with licensing and permitting requirements before submission.

Officials said these measures aim to simplify business registration, reduce administrative barriers, and increase transparency in licensing and permitting processes, creating a more favorable environment for entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan.