Immigration and Legal Residence

Uruguay has become a host country for foreigners providing a strong and solid immigration and economic policy; it provides a steady growth and a high level of foreign investment regarding the GNP has been established.

Living in Uruguay brings about a high standard of life quality, pleasant weather and environment and high educational level.

Regarding business matters, Uruguay has wide tax benefits for investments and attractive regimes in free zones, free ports and airports. Access to MERCOSUR, a free trade zone with a GDP of US$ 2.5 billion, also including Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Likewise, it keeps an excellent cost-benefit ratio of manpower in the region due to top rating human resources.

How can we help?

We provide you with all the advice and support necessary throughout the process of obtaining your residence, from the required documentation to the completion of the procedure, culminating in the acquisition of the Uruguayan Identity Document.

Types of Residences:

Legal Residence:

Any foreigner who has entered the country can apply for legal residence within the first 180 days, provided they meet the requirements stipulated by the law. Legal residence allows the interested party to obtain a Uruguayan identity document. It does not have an expiration date, nor is it lost by being absent from the country. However, the definitive identity document is valid for three years, and once expired, the procedure must be started again from the beginning.

Temporary Residence: 

This is the procedure that every foreign citizen must undergo if they decide to temporarily reside in Uruguay for a period of no less than 180 days and a maximum of two years, which can be extended for an additional two years.

Permanent Residence (Law 19,254):

All foreigners who are spouses, registered partners with legal procedures carried out in Uruguay, parents and/or siblings of Uruguayan nationals, as well as nationals of Mercosur Member and Associated States, can apply for this residence.

Temporary Mercosur Residence:

Any foreign national from the Mercosur member countries and Associated countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana) who wishes to temporarily reside in Uruguay for a maximum period of two years can obtain this residence, which can be extended for an additional two years.

Our added value:

• We support individuals and families when it comes to settling in the country, offering comprehensive and personalized guidance.
  
• We provide guidance in the process of opening bank accounts in our country.

• We have direct contact with exclusive real estate agencies in the country who can advise you (free of charge) you about the different housing options in Uruguay.
• Our team of specialized lawyers in Labor Law and Corporate Law can advise and assist you with all your needs related to your employment situation or the establishment of your business in the country.

Would you like to access more information about costs, time frames and requirements?