Registration

Registration procedures have been further improved by resolution of the President (#PP-357, 24/05/06) which simplified the pre-existing “one-window” registration system (introduced by resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers #357, 2003) by the creation of the “notification method” for most types of new enterprises. The “notification” system has eliminated the necessity of obtaining a full legal review of documents; limited denial of registration on frivolous grounds and reduced the number of state bodies involved in the process. The registering body (see below) now performs some of the functions done by others such as issuance of statistics codes, seal permit etc. Documents may be submitted in person or by mail and their number has also been reduced.

The period for the issuance of a certificate of registration has been shortened to two working days after the submission of documents. According to the business community registration is no longer the problem in setting up a business. The simplified notification procedure does not apply to enterprises involving in activities that require land plots, gas and electricity connections or licenses: they fall under the earlier “one-window” registration.

The state registration of legal entities is conducted by:

• Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan – audit and insurance companies, stock exchanges, joint-stock companies (including state joint-stock companies and holdings) created by a decision of President or Cabinet of Ministers for governance in sectors of economy as well as enterprises with foreign investments, tax consulting companies and markets founded in Tashkent;
• Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, departments of justice in the regions – enterprises with foreign investments, tax consulting companies and markets founded in respective regions,
• Khokimiyats (governor’s office) of the districts and cities – all enterprises, including enterprises with participation of foreign capital, except for the above mentioned cases.
• Registration fees:
• Five minimum monthly salaries and also 500 USD – for enterprises with foreign investments;
• Four minimum monthly salaries – for insurance and audit firms, stock exchanges, state joint-stock companies and markets.

The following documents should be included in the application for registration:

• Two original copies of charter documents in Uzbek certified by the Uzbek notary
• Document confirming the postal address of the legal entity
• Bank document confirming payment of the fees for the state registration of the legal entity
• Certificate on the uniqueness of the legal name of the legal entity issued by the district (municipal) organs of statistics office
• Sketch of the seal and stamp of the legal entity in three copies.

In addition to the above mentioned documents enterprises with foreign investments and enterprises with participation of foreign capital should provide the following: An extract from the national trade register of the foreign participant in the legal entity or passport if foreign participant is natural person. These documents should be legalized by the Uzbek embassy (consulate) in the home country of the foreign participant. If the foreign investor invests intellectual property into a charter fund, then the applicant should provide a report of the assessment made by an appraiser; Documents confirming that each founder has deposited to charter fund at least 30% of its share in charter capital (bank statement of the deposit of funds or customs document confirming import of property.

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Licensing

Licensing is conducted by various state agencies depending on the type of activity which is being licensed (see appendices for state agencies involved in licensing). There are two types of licenses. Standard (simple) licenses are limited to legal entities and individuals who meet the requirements imposed for carrying out the relevant activities. Individual licenses are issued to legal entities and individuals based on special terms and requirements. The number of individual licenses is restricted according to the area of the activity, the type of activity, and the purpose of the activity. Individual licenses are issued, as a rule, on a competitive (tender) basis.

Thirteen categories of licenses (audit services, medical, pharmaceutical and veterinary activities, river transportation services, manufacture of jewelry from precious metals and stones, professional activity in securities market, valuation services, insurance and insurance brokerage services, commodity exchanges, tourist services, pawnshop activity, wholesale trade services) are issued for unlimited terms and the rest should be given for not less than five years. Legislation defines the minimum and the maximum term of the license for certain industries. Also, based on the application the license can be issued for a specific period. To obtain a license, the applicant should submit to the relevant licensing agency the following documents:

• an application with the following information: for a legal entity - name, organizational and legal form , location (postal address), name of its bank, clearing account number; for individuals - name, surname, patronymic and identity card data; and for both - category of activity, term of the specified of activity
• for legal entities - notarized copy of the certificate of state registration of the legal entity; for individuals - notarized copy of the certificate of state registration of the individual entrepreneur;
• the document confirming payment of the application fee (payment stub);
• other documents confirming the ability of the applicant to meet the requirements and terms, defined under law for a license for a certain activity.

A license can be suspended for more than 10 days only by a court order.