A concise guide for foreign citizens to navigate the essential steps of obtaining their Personal Identification Number and Electronic Digital Signature in Uzbekistan.
For foreign citizens living or planning to conduct business in Uzbekistan, obtaining a Personal Identification Number of an Individual (PINFL) and an Electronic Digital Signature (EDS) is a crucial step. These tools unlock access to numerous government services, enable electronic document signing, and significantly simplify interactions with state bodies and businesses.
What is PINFL and How to Get It?
PINFL (Personal Identification Number of an Individual) is a unique 14-digit number assigned to every citizen of Uzbekistan and foreign citizens residing in the country. It's used for personal identification in government information systems, when receiving various services, processing documents, paying taxes, and more.
How to obtain a PINFL as a foreigner:
Visit State Services Centers (SSCs) or departments of migration and citizenship registration of the internal affairs bodies (OVD). Applications are submitted at your place of temporary registration or permanent residence.
Prepare the necessary documents:
Passport: Your original international passport.
Photograph: One electronic photograph on a white background.
Power of Attorney (if applicable): If the PINFL is being obtained by your representative, a notarized power of attorney is required.
Certificate of foreign citizen registration: If you are applying through the migration departments, this document is mandatory.
The procedure typically takes a short amount of time, and the PINFL is usually issued quite quickly after all documents are submitted.
What is EDS and Why Do You Need It?
An Electronic Digital Signature (EDS), also known as ЭЦП in Uzbekistan, is the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature in electronic document management. It ensures the legal validity of electronic documents and confirms their authenticity and integrity. EDS is required for:
Submitting tax reports and interacting with tax authorities.
Accessing electronic government services via the my.gov.uz portal.
Participating in public procurement and electronic tenders.
Signing electronic contracts and other legally significant documents.
Working with electronic document management systems.
An EDS is issued for a period of two years.
How Can a Foreigner Obtain an EDS?
You can obtain an EDS through two main methods:
Offline (at State Services Centers - SSCs):
Possess a PINFL: You must have already obtained your PINFL.
Passport: Your original passport.
USB flash drive: The EDS will be recorded onto it.
Go to the nearest State Services Center with these documents. Specialists will assist you with the application and EDS issuance.
Online (via the e-imzo.uz portal):
This method is convenient if you already have a PINFL.
Visit the e-imzo.uz website and follow the instructions for online EDS acquisition. The process may take 1-2 days. You'll need to complete several steps for identity verification and key generation.
Important points:
Keep your EDS secure: Like a physical signature, your EDS is your identifier. Do not share it with third parties and protect your USB drive.
Monitor its validity period: Remember that an EDS is valid for two years. Make sure to renew it in a timely manner to avoid disruptions in your work with electronic systems.
Obtaining a PINFL and EDS are relatively simple, but crucial, procedures that significantly streamline life and business operations for foreign citizens in Uzbekistan. Ensure you have all the necessary documents prepared for a smooth and problem-free process.