Who may apply?

A legally capable foreign citizen or stateless person who has reached the age of 18 and is a compatriot may apply for citizenship of Uzbekistan under the simplified procedure if the applicant:

• has at least one direct-line ancestor residing in Uzbekistan and holding Uzbek citizenship;
• has a lawful source of income;
• undertakes to comply with the Constitution;
• has sufficient knowledge of the state language for everyday communication.

The requirement concerning a relative may be waived for compatriots with significant scientific, technical, cultural or sporting achievements, or with a profession and qualifications of particular interest to Uzbekistan.

Which documents are required?

The main documents include:

• an application and questionnaire;
• an identity document;
• a birth certificate and, where applicable, marriage-related documents;
• the passport or ID card of the ancestor who is a citizen of Uzbekistan;
• proof of a lawful source of income;
• a certificate confirming the presence or absence of a criminal record;
• proof of payment of the state duty or consular fee.

If a child is included in the application, the child’s documents must also be submitted. A child aged 14 to 18 must provide written consent.

Who is exempt from the language requirement?

The language requirement does not apply to:

• persons who have completed at least general secondary education in Uzbekistan;
• persons aged 60 or older;
• persons declared legally incapable or having limited legal capacity;
• persons with Group I disability.

Where should the application be submitted?

A person residing in Uzbekistan submits the documents to the internal affairs authority at the place of residence or temporary stay.

A person residing abroad submits them to a consular office of Uzbekistan or to the consular section of an Uzbek diplomatic mission.

The documents are reviewed by the Commission on Citizenship Matters under the President, which submits its recommendation to the President.

Important: if a positive preliminary decision is made, the applicant receives a guarantee letter valid for one year in order to renounce foreign citizenship. Its validity may be extended for another year.

After the applicant submits proof of renunciation of foreign citizenship, admission to citizenship of Uzbekistan is formalized by a decree of the President.