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.

• Prepare Required Documents
  • Gather and apostille required documents in your home country:
    • Birth certificate
    • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
    • Police record
  • Translate documents into Spanish
• Enter Uruguay as a Tourist
  • Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to enter Uruguay as a tourist. Verify if this applies to your country.
  • Upon arrival, you will receive a tourist visa valid for 90 days, which can be renewed.
• Apply for a Tax Number (RUT)
  • Visit the Dirección General Impositiva (DGI) website: https://www.dgi.gub.uy/
  • Fill out the online form to register for a RUT number.
  • Print the confirmation and keep it for your records.
• Open a Bank Account
  • Choose a bank and make an appointment.
  • Provide required documents:
    • Passport
    • RUT number
    • Proof of address
• Find a Place to Live
  • Search for accommodation through real estate agencies or online platforms.
  • Sign a lease agreement (contrato de alquiler).
• Apply for Temporary Residency
  • Gather required documents:
    • Valid passport
    • Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
    • Police record (apostilled and translated)
    • Proof of income
    • Lease agreement
    • Health certificate (obtained in Uruguay)
  • Visit the Dirección Nacional de Migración website: https://www.gub.uy/tramites/residencia-temporaria
  • Fill out the online application form.
  • Make an appointment and submit required documents.
• Wait for Approval
  • Processing time may vary. You can check the status of your application online.
• Obtain Your Cédula (ID Card)
  • Once your residency is approved, you can apply for a cédula at the Registro Civil.
  • Provide required documents:
    • Approval letter
    • Passport
    • Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
• Renew Your Residency
  • Temporary residency is typically valid for one year and can be renewed.
  • Follow the same process as the initial application, but provide updated documents.
• Apply for Permanent Residency (after a certain period)
  • Meet the requirements for permanent residency, such as having lived in Uruguay for a certain number of years.
  • Gather required documents and apply at the Dirección Nacional de Migración.

Notes

The process may take several months, and it is important to keep all documents up to date. It is recommended to consult with a lawyer or immigration specialist for personalized advice.

All official procedures are done in Spanish. It is helpful to have at least a basic understanding of the language or to have the assistance of a translator.

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.