The key facts

  • The fine for an actual marriage with a person below marriage age was raised from 5–10 to 10–15 BRV (4.4–6.6 million soums)
  • Parents face a fine of 20–25 BRV (8.8–11 million soums) instead of 7–15 BRV for marrying off a minor
  • The fine for a religious marriage ceremony without registration rose to 30–50 BRV (13.2–22 million soums)

Law Signed and Entered into Force

On October 14, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law tightening penalties for violations of legislation on marriage age or the procedure for concluding marriage. Amendments were made to Article 47.3 of the Administrative Liability Code and took effect on the date of signing.

Fine Amounts

Entering into actual marital relations with a person below marriage age is now punishable by a fine of 10 to 15 base calculation units — according to Kun.uz, this is 4.4–6.6 million soums (previously 5 to 10 BRV). Marrying off a minor by parents or their substitutes is punishable by a fine of 20 to 25 BRV (8.8–11 million soums; previously 7 to 15 BRV). For performing a religious marriage ceremony between persons whose marriage is not registered with civil registry offices, including with the participation of minors, the fine has been raised to 30–50 BRV — 13.2–22 million soums (previously 15 to 30 BRV).

Context: Marriage Age and Support Measures

The marriage age in Uzbekistan is set at 18 for men and women; in exceptional cases, khokims may lower it to 17 for valid reasons — pregnancy, the birth of a child, or the minor being declared fully capable. It was also planned to enshrine in legislation exhaustive grounds for lowering the marriage age. In spring, the president signed a decree on encouraging marriages among financially independent youth: from 2027, young families entering marriage for the first time, where both spouses are at least 21 years old, will be provided with additional benefits and support measures.

Statistics and Rewards for Reports

According to the cited data, 40% of marriages in Uzbekistan are concluded between people aged 18–19. Since September 1, a procedure has been in effect under which 15% of the fine collected for violations of legislation on marriage age or the procedure for concluding marriage may be used to reward persons who report such cases.