From 2026, a number of payments in Uzbekistan can be made using bank cards or electronic payment systems, according to a government decree.
According to the information, the innovation will take effect from April 1, 2026. The measure is aimed at reducing the share of the shadow economy by 2030. The document provides for a reduction of the shadow economy in GDP by 1.3 times, as well as an increase in the share of non-cash payments of the population in trade and services to 75%.
It is planned that from April 1, payments for the following items will be transferred to non-cash payment:
- services provided by state bodies;
- payment for electricity, natural gas, drinking water;
- alcoholic and tobacco products;
- sale of petroleum products to the population through gas stations and electric vehicle charging services;
- goods and services worth more than 25 million soums;
- sale and purchase of real estate, vehicles of categories M, N, O and G, the age of which does not exceed 10 years, and specialized vehicles.
Earlier, it was reported that the shadow economy grew to one-third of Uzbekistan’s GDP. The share of the informal sector has increased.
