Uzbekistan introduces tax incentives to attract foreign talent to creative industry projects

Foreign professionals participating in creative industry projects in Uzbekistan will receive a range of tax exemptions under a new law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as the government steps up efforts to attract international expertise to the sector.

The legislation, signed on July 7 and published on Lex.uz, introduces new tax incentives and other support measures for the country's creative economy. The bill was approved by the Legislative Chamber in all three readings in March before receiving Senate approval in May.

Under the new rules, foreign contractors involved in projects implemented by residents of the Creative Industry Park and the Art and Culture Development Foundation will be exempt from value-added tax, withholding tax on profits and personal income tax.

The exemptions apply to income earned from work and services directly related to creative activities. The preferential tax regime will cover income received between January 1, 2026 and January 1, 2030.

The law also amends the legislation on public procurement, allowing government agencies to award contracts directly, in cases specified by law, for the organization and staging of national or international cultural events.

Another amendment eases the requirements for newly established companies seeking residency in the Creative Industry Park. They will no longer be required to generate at least 80% of their annual revenue from creative activities before obtaining resident status.

However, applicants must still secure approval of their business plans from the park's administration. If, after the first year of operation, a resident company fails to meet the required share of revenue from creative activities, it will be required to repay the full amount of benefits it received.