Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan Law No. LRUz-1164 signed by the President on August 13, 2026, introduces amendments and additions to several pieces of legislation such as the Family Code, the Law “On Archival Affairs,” and the Law “On Licensing, Permitting Procedures, and Notifications.”
What’s changing:
- More options for a child’s surname. An amendment to the Family Code now allows a child’s surname to be based on the father’s first name, in addition to the existing option of using the grandfather’s name according to national tradition (through either the father’s or mother’s line).
- The Ministry of Justice gains broader authority over archival affairs. The Ministry will now take the lead on shaping unified state policy in this area, drafting regulations, and setting procedures for assessing the value of documents — functions that previously sat largely with the “Uzarchive” agency.
- Private archives are now allowed. Legal entities can establish their own archives simply by notifying the relevant authorities, without needing prior approval. These private archives, however, are barred from handling documents that form part of the state-owned portion of the National Archive Fund.
- A legal framework for electronic archives has been introduced. The law sets out requirements for electronic archives, including the necessary hardware and software, digitization tools, search and processing capabilities, assurance that digital copies match the originals, and compliance with information and cybersecurity standards.
- A Unified National Archive Information System is being established. The system, owned by the “Uzarchive” agency, is designed to automate the collection, accounting, storage, and use of archival documents, and to enable information-sharing between organizations.
- Document retention periods have been clarified:
- Documents from state bodies and state-owned enterprises — 15 years
- Documents from local government authorities — 10 years
- Classified documents — 30 years
- Personnel records — 75 years (for files closed before 2019) or 50 years (for files opened from 2019 onward)
- Archival certificates needed for social protection purposes will be issued free of charge.
- A “License-Free Business Entry” regime has been introduced. Entrepreneurs will be able to carry out licensed or permit-requiring activities for up to three months without first obtaining the license or permit, simply by notifying the authorized body free of charge through an electronic system. During this period, they won’t be held liable for operating without the required document.
The law took effect on the date of its official publication, August 14, 2026.
The law makes it easier for entrepreneurs to enter licensed lines of business, brings archival practices in line with modern digital standards, strengthens the legal framework around document management, and gives families more flexibility in choosing a child’s surname.
