April 6, 2023

Specifics of opening bank accounts by non-residents

Opening of bank accounts in banks of Uzbekistan for non-resident companies (the new procedure regarding the remote opening of bank accounts comes into force on May 1, 2023) (the previous procedure lost its force on February 9, 2023 – see: (https://lex.uz/docs/1475907)

To open an account (accounts) with a commercial bank of Uzbekistan, foreign legal entities must have a registered individual taxpayer number (TIN) in Uzbekistan (https://lex.uz/ru/docs/6379608).

Foreign legal entities can obtain a TIN in Uzbekistan in the following cases:

 

 

The purpose of obtaining a TIN in Uzbekistan Legal grounds Types of activities in Uzbekistan The mode of bank accounts in a commercial bank of Uzbekistan
1.       

Tax registration of a permanent establishment (PE) of a foreign company in Uzbekistan. It is carried out at the place of activity in Uzbekistan.

A contract with a resident of Uzbekistan or another PE or other grounds provided for by the Tax Code of Uzbekistan.

Performance of works, services or delivery of goods under a contract with a resident of Uzbekistan or another PE registered in Uzbekistan.

The PE account in a local bank (demand deposit accounts in national and foreign currencies) can be used for economic activities.

2.       

Tax registration of a representative office of a foreign commercial organization accredited in Uzbekistan.

The representative office cannot carry out economic activities. Marketing (advertising) and the collection of commercial information are allowed. In case of violation, it may be deprived of accreditation.

The account of the rep office in a local bank (demand deposit accounts in national and foreign currencies) can be used for administrative and organizational expenses of the representative office (office, equipment, equipment, services, personnel, advertising, marketing, etc.).

3.       

Tax registration of a foreign supplier of medicines for digital labelling of products supplied to Uzbekistan by a non-resident manufacturer of medicines.

Without the right to carry out economic activity.

The account in the local bank is NOT opened.

4.       

Tax registration of a foreign legal entity registered as a participant in open electronic trading of commodity exchanges.

Contract with a stockbroker in Uzbekistan.

Implementation of economic activities under the contract.

The account in a local bank (demand deposit accounts in national and foreign currencies) is limited to performing banking operations stipulated by the contract.

5.       

Tax registration of a foreign legal entity registered as a subject selling (acquiring) shares at organized auctions on the securities market.

Contract with an investment intermediary in Uzbekistan.

Implementation of economic activities under the contract.

The account in a local bank (demand deposit accounts in national and foreign currencies) is limited to performing banking operations stipulated by the contract.

6.        Tax registration of a foreign legal entity registered as a participant in the trading of crypto assets on the crypto exchange. Contract with the crypto exchange of Uzbekistan. Implementation of economic activities under the contract.

The account in a local bank (demand deposit accounts in national and foreign currencies) is limited to performing banking operations stipulated by the contract.

Opening of bank accounts in banks of Uzbekistan for resident companies

A foreign legal entity (along with individuals) may also establish a national company to carry out full-fledged economic activities. In this case, the entity holding the bank account will be a resident company of Uzbekistan.

Foreign legal entities can obtain a TIN for their subsidiary or dependent company registered in Uzbekistan in the following cases:

1) when registering a resident (i.e. local) subsidiary; or

2) when registering a resident (i.e. local) joint company,

In other cases, non-resident legal entities cannot open a bank account.

For individuals, there are no restrictions similar to those mentioned above.

Opening an account for companies registered in offshore zones

Companies from the listed jurisdictions may have difficulties opening bank accounts: (https://lex.uz/ru/docs/2186012#2186394)