Uzbekistan slashes bureaucratic bottlenecks in construction permitting

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree titled "On measures to introduce result-oriented management and simplify public services in the construction sector."

According to the document, a number of public services in the construction sector will be consolidated across the country starting September 1, 2026. This consolidation will introduce a unified public service – the system for issuing architectural and urban planning requirements.

Additionally, starting July 1, 2026, the process of connecting facilities to engineering and communications networks will operate on a "one application – one payment – all connection points" principle.

The decree also abolishes several redundant approval procedures. Specifically, project developers will no longer be required to re-obtain approvals from regional councils for urban planning expertise if proposed design changes do not impact the building's structural integrity, fire safety, or primary function.

Furthermore, entrepreneurs will be granted an additional five working days to rectify any deficiencies identified during the evaluation of their public service applications.

The monitoring of construction sites will also see updates. Beginning September 1, 2026, the installation of video surveillance cameras will become mandatory at specific job sites. This requirement applies to multi-story residential buildings, social facilities, hotels, tourism infrastructure, commercial and industrial properties, as well as state-funded projects with a budget exceeding UZS 3 billion.

Officials note that these measures are designed to enhance transparency in the construction sector, advance the digitalization of public services, and foster a more favorable business environment for entrepreneurs.