Filming Permits in Uzbekistan — The Practical Guide
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The reputation that Uzbekistan is hard to film in is mostly a myth: it’s straightforward once you know the process. Paramedia has filed around 10 permit applications through the Cinematography Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and we handle the whole thing for foreign productions.
The General Filming Permit
Foreign companies apply for a general filming permit via the government e-portal. Timeline in our experience: about 5 working days (average ~4; fastest 3). The permit covers filming in the country — specific locations (a particular building, market or heritage site) may need their own agreement or fee.
The #1 mistake foreign applicants make: leaving out the required script/synopsis. Missing or weak application answers are what cause delays, not the system itself — and that’s the part we get right.
Indicative permit costs: standard filming permit ~$250 · heritage-site permit ~$200 · government-location permit $200–$500. Filming without a permit risks fines and project interruption.
The 20% Filming Rebate
Uzbekistan actively encourages foreign productions and currently offers a filming rebate of up to 20% on qualifying local spend — a real reason to budget the shoot here.
Visas
Filming doesn’t add a separate visa category. If your nationality can enter Uzbekistan visa-free, you don’t need a special filming visa. If you do need an entry visa, check requirements and timing with the Uzbek embassy where you’re applying; a filming permit can help evidence the purpose of your visit.
Bringing Your Own Equipment
Two practical realities
ATA Carnet is not practised in Uzbekistan, despite being referenced. Plan for the local temporary-import process instead.
Location agreements
Prosumer cameras generally enter without issue. Expensive professional/filming kit is best covered by a permit and a temporary-import declaration — equipment goes into a customs holding unit, a trackable number is issued, and a declarant completes the form. Clearance runs 2–48 hours when the equipment list and paperwork are prepared in advance. Poor preparation is the single biggest cause of delays.
Related Production Services
Keep in Touch!
30 Navoi Street,
Tashkent 100011, Uzbekistan
Office: +998 55 510 50 60 Mobile: +998 97 850 60 00
produciton@pm.me
