Uzbekistan sets 3-5 year prison terms for repeat unauthorized apartment construction

September 29, 2026 at 11:17 AM1 min

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Uzbekistan has introduced criminal penalties of three to five years in prison for repeat unauthorized construction of multi-apartment buildings. The law, signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on September 28, also sets five to seven years for violations causing death or other grave consequences. The changes take effect three months after official publication.

Key Facts

Law No. O‘RQ-1179, signed on September 28, 2026, introduces criminal liability for repeat unauthorized construction of multi-apartment buildings.
Repeat offenders face three to five years in prison after an administrative penalty has already been applied.
Violations of urban planning legislation that cause death or other grave consequences carry five to seven years in prison.
The law enters into force three months after its official publication.
Construction and installation works now require a permit from territorial inspections for control in construction and housing and communal services.

Criminal Penalties

The Criminal Code now punishes repeat unauthorized construction of multi-apartment buildings with imprisonment of three to five years. The penalty applies when the violation is committed after an administrative punishment has already been imposed for the same act. If a violation of urban planning legislation results in death or other grave consequences, the punishment is five to seven years of imprisonment.

Permit Requirements

Starting construction and installation works now requires a permit from territorial inspections for control in the construction and housing and communal services sector. The law also expands the powers of the Inspectorate for Control in Construction and Housing and Communal Services in the area of seismic safety. The inspectorate will monitor compliance of buildings under construction with norms, participate in assessing their stability, and take measures to improve seismic resistance. Electronic building passports will be created in seismically hazardous areas.