Uzbekistan Raises Minimum Salary Requirement for Foreign Workers

In a move set to take effect on September 1, 2026, Uzbekistan has announced an increase to the minimum monthly salary for foreign workers holding accreditation cards. The new threshold has risen from UZS 1,271,000 to UZS 1,360,000, a 7% hike from the previous figure. This adjustment was enacted following a presidential decree issued on June 23, 2026, which simultaneously raised the national minimum wage to UZS 1.36 million per month.

This adjustment also impacts salaries of employees at budget-funded organizations and student stipends, both of which saw a 7% increase under the same decree. Accreditation cards, which enable foreign employees to work at representative offices of overseas commercial organizations in Uzbekistan, were revised accordingly. These cards, typically valid for up to 12 months, facilitate employment at the accredited office without additional work authorization from the External Labor Migration Agency.

Applications for these cards are managed by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, while the application process for foreign employee accreditation cards is handled separately under regulations established in February 2024. The revised salary requirement is a direct reflection of the country's commitment to aligning domestic wage levels with economic growth.