The progress being undertaken in Uzbekistan is truly astounding. If someone was to be launched into space 10 years ago and then only returned today, they would not recognise the country Uzbekistan has become.
One of the modernisation projects of this rapidly developing Central Asian republic is its new digital nomad visa. Called “Uzbekistan - My Second Home”, the new visa will allow foreign nationals to live in Uzbekistan for one year.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has made tourism and increasing foreign arrival numbers his top priority. In 2023 it was reported that over 7 million tourists visited Uzbekistan, which is famous for its Silk Road History, ancient mosques and madrassas, as well as its more modern Soviet history. In 2022 the country received 5.2 million visitors with Uzbekistan seeing dramatic year on year increases. Other plans include low interest loans for hotel and infrastructure construction as well as subsidies to decrease airfares.
The "Uzbekistan – My Second Home" visa has been a long time coming, with plans first developed in 2020, but put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. At first it has been announced that the program will be valid just for Khorezm province. More than any other part of Uzbekistan, this province, which is home to Khiva, is reliant on tourism and foreign spending.
To provide for the influx of new residents, the government has sponsored the building of new hotels and guest houses, including the aforementioned low interest loans. Small business owners will also be able to apply for grants. Given the government of Uzbekistan is expecting a large influx of cosmopolitan foreign nomads, they have also given instructions to allow for 24 hour cafés, restaurants and shopping facilities, as well as other conveniences previously not available in this part of the country.
While there are plans to allow for access to the rest of the country, the exact criteria have not been decided yet. Likewise, it is planned that applicants will be able to easily apply online, however, this is not yet available.
While many people will wait until it is available for Samarkand or Tashkent, Khorezm province has 256 different historical sights as well as the jewel in the Uzbekistan crown – Khiva. This means "Uzbekistan – My Second Home" visa holders will have more than enough to fill their days with, and with subsidised flights and already bargain train fares, it’s a great launching pad to explore the rest of Uzbekistan.
Likewise, as the visa will be multiple entry, the "Uzbekistan – My Second Home" visa, will also allow you to explore the rest of Central Asia. Khiva is roughly a 40 minute drive from the nearest border crossing with neighbouring Turkmenistan, meaning the Gates of Hell is an overnight trip you’re your home.
Facts about the "Uzbekistan – My Second Home" visa
- The visa will be valid for one year from issue.
- Visa recipients will be able to have their spouse and children join them.
- Applicants can also be singles.
- The applicant must move to Khorezm province under the current scheme.
- There are no restrictions on your job type or income.
- At the moment you need to apply at an embassy.
- The visa in multiple entry, allowing you to leave and come back to Uzbekistan.
Read more about other types of visas here .
