Uzbekistan may not be the first country you think of when planning a move abroad, but this fast-changing Central Asian nation is gaining attention among adventurous professionals. For many expats, it offers a fascinating mix of career opportunities, deep cultural heritage, and a surprisingly comfortable lifestyle. If you’re considering building your career here, here’s what you need to know — and how to make the most of your time in Uzbekistan.
Why Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, thanks to ambitious reforms, foreign investment, and an open-door policy towards international business. Sectors like tourism, infrastructure, IT, and renewable energy are seeing rapid growth, creating demand for foreign expertise.
Opportunities for expats are especially strong in:
1.Education — international schools such as Tashkent International School, British School of Tashkent, and Westminster International University in Tashkent regularly hire qualified foreign teachers and administrators.
2.Tourism and hospitality — as the country promotes destinations like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, hotels, travel companies, and cultural projects are seeking multilingual professionals.
3.IT and Startups — Tashkent’s emerging tech scene, supported by government innovation hubs, welcomes developers, designers, and business strategists with global experience.
4.Energy and Infrastructure —foreign engineering, construction, and project management specialists are in demand as Uzbekistan expands its renewable energy and transport networks.
Work culture
Uzbekistan’s workplace culture blends traditional respect for hierarchy with a growing appetite for innovation. Relationships matter — personal trust and face-to-face meetings often carry more weight than emails. Formality is common in established industries, while startups and creative companies lean towards more relaxed and collaborative styles.
In many offices, Uzbek and Russian are increasingly used, and English is standard in international organizations.
We have spoken with an expat — Dillon Wolfe, an international educator from England living and working in Uzbekistan, who shared his experiences. Read his story here.
Tip: learning basic Uzbek or Russian will help you earn respect and navigate both work and daily life more smoothly.
Salaries and cost of living
While salaries for local positions may be lower than in Western countries, expats hired by international companies or for specialized roles often receive competitive packages, sometimes including housing, transport, and health insurance.
The cost of living is significantly lower than in Europe or North America. Tashkent is the most expensive city, but still offers great value for money.
You can expect:
Apartment rent in central Tashkent: $400-$800/month
A cup of coffee: $2
A taxi ride: $2-$5
Gym membership: $20-$40/month.
Visas and work permits
Most expats are sponsored by their employers, who handle the necessary work permits and residency registrations. Citizens of many countries can enter visa-free for 30-90 days, but to work legally, you’ll need the correct documentation.
Citizens from countries without visa-free entry to Uzbekistan can apply for an e-visa through e-visa.gov.uz by completing an online form, uploading a photo and passport copy, and paying a $20 fee. The visa, issued within three working days, is valid for 90 days and allows stays of up to 30 days, with options for single, double, or multiple entries.
Where expats live and work
Tashkent — the political, economic, and cultural hub with the largest expat community, international schools, coworking spaces, and modern apartments.
Samarkand and Bukhara — popular with those working in tourism, cultural heritage, and hospitality. Smaller expat communities but rich in history.
Navoi and Angren — growing industrial and energy hubs attracting foreign specialists.
Most expats choose central districts with easy access to supermarkets, cafes, gyms, and public transport.
Daily life and community
Uzbekistan is known for its warmth and hospitality — you may find yourself invited to weddings, family dinners, or holiday celebrations within weeks of arriving. Traditional cuisine, vibrant bazaars, and a mix of Islamic and Soviet-era architecture create a unique daily backdrop.
Tashkent offers a lively social scene with international restaurants, rooftop bars, art galleries, and outdoor festivals. You can also connect with other foreigners through expat Facebook groups, embassy events, or coworking hubs. Here’s the link to top remote work spots in Tashkent, if you want to meet new people.
Tip: be ready to adapt — from bargaining in local markets to trying plov for breakfast, embracing the culture will make your stay much more rewarding.
Final thoughts
Working in Uzbekistan as an expat is an opportunity to be part of a country in transformation. It’s a place where you can grow professionally, discover centuries-old traditions, and enjoy an affordable yet comfortable lifestyle. Whether you’re here for a short-term contract or planning a longer stay, Uzbekistan offers a rich mix of history, hospitality, and modern ambition.
If you’re looking for a new career adventure in Central Asia, Uzbekistan could be your next unexpected — and unforgettable — destination.