Uzbekistan launches film rebate and country placement programs

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A new mechanism to promote the tourism potential of the country through the film industry is being implemented in Uzbekistan. By resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 8 July 2026 No. 372, measures have been approved for the widespread introduction of a system to increase the tourism attractiveness of the country through film production.

The document provides for the launch of two new state support instruments.

The first is a rebate program, which provides for partial compensation of the expenses of foreign film companies conducting filming on the territory of Uzbekistan.

The second is a country placement system, aimed at financially stimulating foreign film projects that demonstrate the tourism potential, historical and cultural heritage, and natural attractions of the republic.

Under the rebate program, the amount of compensation will depend on the volume of confirmed expenses incurred on the territory of Uzbekistan. For expenses up to 3 billion soums, 10 percent is subject to reimbursement; from 3 to 5 billion soums - 15 percent; from 5 to 10 billion soums - 20 percent; and over 10 billion soums - 25 percent. At the same time, the maximum amount of compensation for a single film project will be 4 billion soums.

One of the key elements of the new system will be the Film in Uzbekistan digital platform, the launch of which is scheduled before 1 November 2026. The platform will consolidate information about the country's filming locations, existing infrastructure, service capabilities, and the development potential of film tourism. It will also serve as a tool for promoting Uzbek locations at international film markets and specialized exhibitions, while foreign producers will be provided with organizational and advisory support.

Before 1 October 2026, the Tourism Committee will form a unified list of objects available for filming. It will include state institutions, historical and cultural monuments, parks, props, historical costumes, and specialized equipment. Conditions of use and unified rental rates will be approved for each object, which will subsequently be posted on the Film in Uzbekistan platform.

To finance the program in 2026, 5 billion soums have been allocated from the republican budget. Starting from 2027, the corresponding funds will be provided annually as a separate line item in the State Budget.

All procedures for obtaining compensation will be carried out in an electronic format. After submitting an application and passing verification, each film project will be assigned an individual identification number and a QR code. Upon completion of the filming process, the foreign film company must submit supporting documents through the digital platform within 60 days.

Review of the application will take up to 15 working days, and if necessary, the applicant will be given time to eliminate comments. After a positive decision is made, the compensation will be transferred to the applicant's bank account within five working days.

The introduction of the rebate program and the country placement system is expected to be an important step in developing the film industry, attracting international film projects, promoting the tourism brand of Uzbekistan, and strengthening the country's position as an attractive platform for global film production.