Uzbekistan is moving closer to welcoming international payment services Apple Pay and Google Pay, as the Central Bank confirms that technical preparations for their launch are underway. The key legal barrier — strict data localization rules — has been softened, but full market entry will still depend on a new wave of detailed regulations and successful negotiations with the companies.
Regulatory reset opens the door to global payment services
The turning point came with recent amendments to Uzbekistan’s law on personal data. Previously, all personal data of Uzbek citizens had to be stored on servers physically located inside the country, which made it practically impossible for global platforms such as Apple Pay and Google Pay to operate using their standard cloud-based infrastructure.
The new version of the law removes the blanket localization requirement. Now only a narrow set of information — biometric and genetic data, as well as data of telecom operator subscribers — must be stored within Uzbekistan. Other categories of personal data, including payment information and digital identifiers, may be processed abroad, provided certain security and compliance conditions are met.
These conditions are significant. Authorities must still approve a list of countries that provide adequate protection of personal data, set requirements for standard contractual clauses between Uzbek and foreign partners, and define acceptable international standards for data storage and information security. None of these detailed by-laws have yet been fully adopted, which means that cross-border data transfers remain in a legally uncertain zone even after the main law was updated.
For Apple Pay and Google Pay, this transition is crucial. It signals that Uzbekistan is ready to align with the way global payment ecosystems are structured — using distributed cloud infrastructure and international data centers — but also that regulators intend to keep tight control over where and how local citizens’ data is handled.
Central Bank starts technical work while business talks continue
The Central Bank’s press service has confirmed that technical work is under way to prepare the launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay in Uzbekistan. This includes aligning local payment infrastructure with the requirements of the two platforms, ensuring secure connections between banks, card processing systems and the international providers.
At the same time, sources familiar with the process explain that the coming months will focus on discussions and negotiations rather than an immediate commercial launch. Talks with Apple and Google are planned to cover compliance with Uzbek data protection rules, the technical architecture of transactions, risk management, and the economic terms under which local banks will participate.
Uzbek banks will need to adapt their own systems for tokenization, card provisioning into digital wallets and real-time fraud monitoring. Merchants — from supermarkets and shopping malls to hotels and transport operators — must ensure that their point-of-sale terminals support NFC for contactless payments, and that their acquiring banks can process transactions initiated from Apple Pay and Google Pay.
For regulators, the challenge is to balance innovation and control. The Central Bank will have to approve operational rules, licensing arrangements and reporting requirements, ensuring that international mobile wallets integrate smoothly with local payment schemes and banking services without compromising financial stability or data security.
Transforming the payment landscape for retail, tourism and services
The launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay would be a structural change for Uzbekistan’s consumer economy. Contactless payments via smartphone and smartwatch could become standard in urban retail, hospitality and transport, making everyday transactions faster and more convenient for residents and visitors alike.
For foreign tourists, the ability to pay using familiar international wallets at hotels, restaurants and retailers would remove a major friction point. This aligns with the government’s broader agenda to improve the tourist experience and make Uzbekistan more accessible for international business travelers, conference visitors and long-stay guests.
The move also creates pressure and opportunity for local payment schemes and banks. Domestic cards that are not yet integrated into international networks may need technical bridges or co-branding solutions to work with global wallets. Banks that upgrade their systems to support Apple Pay and Google Pay will be closer to international standards, which can help them expand cross-border services in future.
Local fintech companies are likely to face more competition as global players arrive, but they can also benefit from new partnerships, shared infrastructure and a rising overall demand for digital financial services. The payment habits of consumers — especially younger, urban populations — may shift quickly once international wallets become available.
Opportunities and remaining risks for international investors
For international companies looking at Uzbekistan, the regulatory changes around data and payments are a signal that the country is serious about integrating into global digital value chains. Allowing certain personal data to be processed abroad, under clear conditions, makes it easier to use established international platforms for payments, e-commerce, customer analytics and cloud-based enterprise systems.
However, the picture is not risk-free. Until secondary regulations are adopted — including the list of jurisdictions considered to provide adequate data protection and the precise wording of standard contractual clauses — companies will need to proceed carefully, working closely with local legal advisers and monitoring official decisions. The timing of the full-scale launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay will depend both on these regulatory details and on the internal decisions of the platforms themselves.
Overall, Uzbekistan is moving away from an isolated data environment towards a more open yet regulated model. This is a necessary step for attracting serious foreign investment into its digital economy, modern retail, hospitality and infrastructure sectors, but the transition phase will require patience and close attention from international stakeholders.
Why this matters for furniture, construction and interior brands
For international companies in furniture, construction, interior and exterior solutions, design and architecture, the upcoming launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay is more than a fintech story. Modern, globally compatible payment infrastructure is a prerequisite for selling high-value products and services to both local consumers and foreign visitors. Furniture and home improvement chains, showrooms, design studios, DIY stores and appliance retailers in Uzbekistan will be able to accept seamless mobile payments, support online reservations and deposits, and connect loyalty programs or configurator apps directly to customers’ digital wallets.
The relaxed data localization regime also makes it easier for these companies to use international CRM systems, cloud-based project management tools and omnichannel retail platforms without building separate infrastructure inside the country. As secondary regulations are clarified, Uzbekistan will become a more predictable and attractive environment for foreign brands planning to open flagship stores, develop mixed-use complexes, partner with local developers or offer cross-border design and fit-out services. In short, progress on Apple Pay and Google Pay is a strong indicator that the wider business and investment climate is evolving in a direction favorable to global furniture, construction and interior players.
