Residence in Uruguay

Uruguay offers residence with no minimum investment requirement, providing access to excellent healthcare and top-tier education, as well as the right to live, work, and study in the country. Known for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and low cost of living, Uruguay ranks high on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in South America.

With a stable economy and favorable business environment, Uruguay offers attractive investment prospects. As a member of MERCOSUR — an economic and political bloc in South America that promotes free trade and cooperation among its members — Uruguay provides access to larger regional markets, enhancing its appeal for international business ventures. MERCOSUR members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Benefits of Uruguayan residence

• Exceptional quality of life and a peaceful environment
• Access to top-tier healthcare and education systems
• Stable real estate market offering significant opportunities to investors
• Attractive tax incentives, including an 11-year ‘tax holiday’ on foreign-sourced income and further exemptions on foreign pensions and capital gains
• Convenient application process
• Flexible physical presence requirement based on individual circumstances and established ties to the country

Requirements for Uruguayan residence:

Main applicant requirements

• Submit a certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin and any country of residence in the last five years

For all applicants except those from a MERCOSUR country

• Present a valid health card from an authorized provider, and ensure that vaccines are approved by a Uruguayan vaccination center
• Earn a minimum monthly income of USD 1,000 in one of the following ways:
  
  
  • Employment or entrepreneurship: Demonstrate a monthly income sufficient to cover living expenses, shown through a notarial certificate or social security records
  • Retirement or pension: Provide a notarial certificate detailing the monthly amount received and the method of access in Uruguay
  • Income from abroad: These cases will be evaluated individually

The minimum monthly income amount, for all options, increases depending on family size and specific circumstances.

The purchase of real estate over USD 500,000 facilitates obtaining tax residence in Uruguay.

Procedures for Uruguayan residence

The process of obtaining residence in Uruguay is managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, specifically the National Directorate of Migration. For individuals who can travel visa-free to Uruguay, the application can be submitted directly from within the country. While applicants must prove their income, provide health and criminal records, and demonstrate an intention to reside in Uruguay, the physical presence requirement varies depending on individual circumstances, offering significant flexibility to accommodate various needs. For citizens of MERCOSUR countries, there is no need to prove income or provide a health card.

Acquiring Uruguayan citizenship after permanent residence

Gaining Uruguayan citizenship for those who reside in Uruguay for at least six months a year is possible after three years for married couples and five years for singles. For naturalization, applicants must demonstrate mastery of conversational Spanish and sufficient integration into Uruguayan society. Uruguay allows dual citizenship with the benefit of visa-free travel to over 150 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area.