Real Estate and Construction Lawyer in Uzbekistan

Real estate and construction law in Uzbekistan

Real estate and infrastructure remain among the most active sectors of the Uzbek economy. Industrial parks, logistics hubs, office and residential developments and energy and utility facilities are being built across the country, often with the participation of foreign investors and international contractors. At the same time, the legal framework governing land, buildings and construction has its own logic, and rights that appear straightforward on paper may be limited by the category of land, the conditions of its allocation or gaps in registration.

As a law firm in Uzbekistan advising local and international companies, LEXGLOBAL helps clients understand these rules early, structure transactions correctly and protect their position throughout the life of a project. Our lawyers have long-term experience with international companies and cross-border projects in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, including large construction and infrastructure work.

Land and property rights

Understanding what can be acquired

The regime for land in Uzbekistan is set primarily by the Land Code and the Civil Code. The type of right available to an investor (ownership, lease or another form of use) depends on the category of land, its designated purpose and the status of the acquiring entity, including whether it has foreign participation. Before any commitment is made, we analyse which rights can lawfully be obtained for the intended use and what restrictions follow from them.

Title review and due diligence

We review title documents, state registration records, allocation decisions, encumbrances and any historic transactions with the property. Particular attention is paid to the lawfulness of the original allocation of the land, consistency between the land plot and the buildings on it, unauthorised construction and pending claims. The result is a clear report that identifies risks and proposes practical ways to address them in the transaction documents.

Acquisition and leasing

We prepare and negotiate sale and purchase agreements, leases and subleases of offices, warehouses, retail and production premises. For occupiers we focus on term, rent review, maintenance obligations, fit-out, early termination and registration requirements. For landlords and developers we help create lease documentation that is enforceable and consistent across a portfolio.

Construction projects

Contract structuring

Construction in Uzbekistan is regulated by the Town Planning Code, the Civil Code and a body of technical and permitting rules. We draft and negotiate general contracting, EPC, design and subcontracting agreements, and adapt international forms such as FIDIC to Uzbek law where required. Key issues include allocation of design and ground risk, pricing mechanisms, variations, liquidated damages, performance security, warranty periods and acceptance procedures.

Permits and commissioning

We assist with obtaining town planning documentation, construction permits, approvals of connected utilities and the formal acceptance and commissioning of completed facilities. Where permits are issued under the Law “On Licensing, Permitting and Notification Procedures”, we help clients plan the sequence of applications so that approvals do not delay the construction schedule.

Foreign contractors

For foreign contractors, we advise on the choice of presence (branch, representative office or local subsidiary), registration for tax purposes, engagement of local and foreign personnel and the import of equipment and materials. These questions are best resolved before the bid is submitted, as they affect pricing and the contractual structure.

Disputes and claims

Delays, defects, payment arrears and variation claims are common in construction. We help clients document claims properly during the project, conduct pre-trial negotiations and, where needed, represent them before the economic courts of Uzbekistan and in arbitration. Our aim is to protect the commercial relationship where possible and to preserve the client's legal position where it is not.

Why work with LEXGLOBAL

• Experience with international contractors and investors on cross-border projects in Uzbekistan and Central Asia
• Practical, commercially relevant advice focused on getting the project built
• Documentation and communication in Uzbek, Russian and English
• A long-term legal partner from site selection to commissioning and operation

If you are planning to acquire, lease or develop property, or need a lawyer in Tashkent to support a construction project, our team can provide legal services in Uzbekistan tailored to your timeline and risk profile.