Presidential decree extends notary age limit in Uzbekistan

The maximum age for working as a notary in Uzbekistan has been raised from 65 to 70 years. This is stated in the Presidential Decree “On additional measures for the further development of the notary institution and the widespread introduction of modern information and communication technologies in the sector,” adopted on September 9.

According to the decree, starting from March 1, 2026, notaries will be authorized to issue writs of execution for undisputed claims up to 1,000 times the minimum wage in the following cases:

•  claims based on notarized transactions;
•  claims for the direct collection of movable property serving as security for a debtor’s obligations, under a written and notarized agreement;
•  claims to collect debts for rent, mandatory contributions and payments from property owners in apartment buildings, as well as utilities and communication services.

From April 1, 2026, the maximum age limit for holding the position of notary will be increased from 65 to 70 years. In such cases, a notary may continue working until the age of 70, with their consent, based on the results of an interview conducted by the Higher Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice.

The decree also introduces a new two-stage unified selection procedure for the appointment of notaries, replacing the previous competition system and qualification exam for private practice. This procedure will make use of information technologies:

•  In the first stage, applicants will take tests in state and public administration, anti-corruption, civil law, notary law, and inheritance law.
•  In the second stage, those who pass the tests will prepare draft notarial acts on a special electronic platform and answer a case study during a practical exam conducted by the Higher Qualification Commission.

Further reforms coming into force on April 1, 2026, include:

•  if a private notary is unable to perform professional duties for valid reasons, their license may be suspended upon request;
•  alternative disciplinary measures such as warnings and fines will be introduced, alongside suspension or termination of licenses;
•  all notarized documents will be certified by the notary’s signature, seal, and/or QR code.

It is worth noting that earlier, starting from December 1 of this year, the Civil Registry Office announced the abolition of the requirement for couples registering a marriage to provide medical examination results.