Honorary Citizen

On 5 August, 2019, The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution “On the procedure for conferring the status of “Honorary Citizen”.

According to the document, the status of “Honorary Citizen” is granted to foreign citizens and stateless persons who have made significant investments in the development of the economy, science, culture and art, education, healthcare and the social sphere, as well as carrying out charity activities in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

A proposal to grant this status may be initiated by the president. In this case, the decision is made by the Senate, and the certificate is signed and presented by the Senate chairman. If this status is assigned at the initiative of state and economic authorities, the decision is taken respectively by the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Councils of people’s deputies of the regions and the city of Tashkent. In this case, the certificate is signed and presented by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, khokims of the regions and the city of Tashkent.

Foreign citizens who have been conferred the status of “Honorary Citizen” are granted certain rights to:

-obtain a multiple visa, including by members of his family for up to 3 years without paying a state fee, as well as the right to unlimited extension of this visa without the need to travel outside the territory of Uzbekistan;

-apply for and renew temporary registration with internal affairs bodies for up to 3 years without paying a state fee, including for family members;

-obtain a permanent residence permit and a residence permit in Uzbekistan at the place of temporary residence without paying a state duty, including for family members;

-be accepted as a matter of priority as official in local governments on issues of socio-economic development of the territory.

It should also be noted that this status is not a basis for obtaining citizenship of the Republic of Uzbekistan.