Photo: sputniknews.ru
Starting March 1, 2026, Uzbekistan will introduce a system of payments to film companies for creating scenes that directly or indirectly showcase the country’s tourist appeal, historical and cultural heritage, or other positive qualities. The measure is outlined in a presidential decree signed on November 20 by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, according to the press service.
The document does not specify exact amounts, but it states that payment for promoting Uzbekistan will be provided regardless of how the relevant scene is produced — on location in the country, in a studio, or through computer graphics.
In this connection, the Tourism Committee has been authorized to negotiate with major international film studios.
According to the decree, the committee is responsible for coordinating the Rebate procedure — the reimbursement of part of production costs to foreign film companies shooting in Uzbekistan.
The reimbursement rates are defined as follows:
👉 10% for expenses up to 3 billion soums ($250,000)
👉 15% for expenses from 3 billion to 5 billion soums ($420,000)
👉 20% for expenses from 5 billion to 10 billion soums ($840,000)
👉 25% for expenses above 10 billion soums (but no more than 4 billion soums, or $335,000, per film)
The authorities are offering broader support beyond the film industry. Beginning February 1 next year, foreign tourists will be able to receive a refund of value-added tax (VAT) paid on purchases in cash when leaving the country — giving visitors the choice of how they prefer to receive their cashback.
A series of business incentives will also begin on March 1, 2026. Each year, officials will select ten top tourism startup projects to receive subsidies covering 50% of costs for developing and implementing new services, up to 1 billion soums (nearly $84,000). The government will also reimburse half of hotel expenses related to obtaining internationally recognized “green” certifications.
Starting April 1, companies organizing international events and conferences (MICE tourism) will be eligible for reimbursement of 50% of the VAT they paid, provided the event brings at least 100 foreign participants to the country.
Additionally, until January 1, 2027, tourism-sector entrepreneurs will be exempt from customs duties on imported buses, electric buses, and minibuses. Tour operators in Karakalpakstan importing transport for extreme tourism will be allowed to pay customs duties and recycling fees at 25% of the standard rate, in installments over three years.
Similar incentives — valid through 2030 — apply to companies building hotels under a brand listed in the top 50 of the Brand Finance ranking. These companies will be allowed to import machinery, furniture, equipment, and other items needed to outfit the hotel in accordance with partner requirements, without additional costs.
Beginning July 1, 2026, several online services will be launched, enabling tourists to choose optimal travel routes and transport, purchase a “single ticket” for museums and cultural or entertainment venues, use a “digital guide” during tours, and more.
