Guide to Residency in Uruguay

Obtaining a residency visa in Uruguay is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Uruguay gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research and Understand the Requirements for Residency
  • Visit the official website of the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-relaciones-exteriores/) to get detailed information on the types of residency and the requirements for each.
  • Consider consulting with a local Uruguayan attorney or a relocation service that specializes in assisting foreigners with the residency process.
• Gather Necessary Documentation
  • Prepare your passport and ensure it is valid for at least the duration of the residency process.
  • Obtain a birth certificate and, if applicable, a marriage certificate. These documents must be apostilled or legalized depending on the country of issuance.
  • Request a police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any country where you have lived for the past five years, also apostilled or legalized.
  • Acquire proof of income or means of support, such as pension statements, employment contracts, or bank statements.
  • Get a health certificate from a Uruguayan health institution after arriving in the country.
• Apply for a Tax Number (Cédula de Identidad)
  • Visit the Dirección General Impositiva (DGI) website (https://www.dgi.gub.uy/) to learn about the process of obtaining a tax identification number.
  • Go to a local DGI office with your passport and provide the necessary information to apply for your tax number.
  • Once you have your tax number, you will be able to open a bank account and conduct other financial activities in Uruguay.
• Enter Uruguay and Apply for Residency
  • Travel to Uruguay with all the prepared documents.
  • Make an appointment with the National Directorate of Migration (Dirección Nacional de Migración) website (https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-interior/direcciones-nacionales/direccion-nacional-migracion) to submit your residency application.
  • Attend the appointment and submit all the required documents, including the application form, which can be obtained from their office or downloaded from their website.
  • Pay the application fee, which can vary depending on the type of residency you are applying for.
• Complete Additional Requirements in Uruguay
  • Register with the local police department for a residence certificate.
  • Attend a medical exam at a public health institution in Uruguay to obtain a health certificate.
  • Open a local bank account using your tax number to demonstrate financial solvency.
• Wait for Residency Approval
  • After submitting your application, the processing time can take several months. During this period, stay informed about the status of your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation.
  • Once your residency is approved, you will be notified and can then obtain your Uruguayan identity card (Cédula de Identidad).
• Obtain Permanent Residency
  • After living in Uruguay with temporary residency for the required period, usually two to three years, you can apply for permanent residency.
  • Follow the updated procedures provided by the National Directorate of Migration for permanent residency applications, which may include additional documentation and fees.

Please note that the process and requirements for obtaining residency in Uruguay can change, so it is important to verify the current procedures with the Uruguayan authorities or through legal counsel.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Uruguay?

"In order to visit Uruguay, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Uruguay, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and a criminal background check. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," commented one member living in Uruguay.

"Applying for residency is a process and sometimes could take over a year. There is a lot of beauracracy involved with lots of paperwork needed. You are able to visit Uruguay on a passport for 90 days before having to travel outside the country to get your passport stamped, which by default, renews your passport for another 90 days," mentioned one expat living in Uruguay.