Contract Lawyer in Uzbekistan

Commercial contracts under Uzbek law

Contracts are where commercial strategy meets legal risk. A well-drafted agreement allocates responsibility clearly, anticipates foreseeable problems and gives each party a workable route if things go wrong. In Uzbekistan, contractual relations are governed primarily by the Civil Code, supplemented by sector-specific legislation and, for foreign trade transactions, by currency and customs regulation. Many provisions familiar to international businesses operate differently under Uzbek law, and contracts prepared on foreign templates do not always achieve the intended result locally.

LEXGLOBAL is a law firm in Uzbekistan registered with the Ministry of Justice in 2024. Our contract practice advises local and international companies on the agreements that underpin their day-to-day business, as well as on larger project contracts. Our lawyers draw on long-term experience with international companies and cross-border projects in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

What the practice covers

Drafting and review

We prepare contracts from first draft and review documents proposed by counterparties. Our review goes beyond identifying non-compliant clauses: we highlight provisions that are unusual, one-sided or unlikely to be enforceable, explain their practical consequences and propose alternative wording. Where a contract will be signed in several languages, we check that the versions are consistent and clarify which version prevails.

Typical contract types

• Supply and purchase agreements, including foreign trade contracts
• Distribution, dealership, agency and commission agreements
• Construction, EPC, subcontracting and engineering contracts
• Service, consultancy and outsourcing agreements
• Leases of commercial premises and equipment
• Loan, guarantee and security arrangements between group companies
• Confidentiality, cooperation and framework agreements

Negotiation support

We participate in negotiations alongside your commercial team or advise from the background, depending on the situation. Our role is to protect key positions, identify where flexibility is acceptable and help the parties reach a document that both can perform.

Key issues for foreign companies

Governing law and dispute resolution

Uzbek law allows parties to certain cross-border contracts to choose a foreign governing law and international arbitration. However, some matters, such as rights to real estate located in Uzbekistan or relations subject to mandatory local rules, will be governed by Uzbek law regardless of the parties' choice. We advise on realistic options for governing law, forum and enforcement, taking into account where the counterparty's assets are located.

Penalties, damages and limitation of liability

Penalty clauses are widely used in Uzbek commercial practice, and courts apply specific rules to their calculation and reduction. Limitations and exclusions of liability common in international contracts may be restricted by mandatory provisions of the Civil Code. We structure these provisions so that they are both commercially acceptable and defensible in local proceedings.

Language, form and formalities

Some contracts require notarisation or state registration, and certain counterparties, particularly state-owned enterprises, have their own procurement and approval procedures. We identify these requirements early so that signing timetables are realistic and the contract takes effect as planned.

Legal services in Uzbekistan beyond signing

Contract work does not end at signature. We advise on performance issues, amendments, variation of prices and timelines, suspension and termination, and on the documentation that will matter if a dispute arises. Where a disagreement develops, we prepare claim letters and responses, assess the strength of the position and advise on settlement options before litigation or arbitration becomes necessary.

How we work

We work in Uzbek, Russian and English, which allows us to draft and negotiate directly in the language of each party. As a lawyer in Tashkent with an international client base, we aim to give practical, commercially relevant advice: short, clear comments where the issue is simple, and detailed analysis where the stakes justify it. For clients with recurring contract needs, we can develop standard templates and internal guidance so that business teams can conclude routine agreements efficiently, with legal review reserved for non-standard terms.