Visas And Residency In Uruguay
Uruguay has drawn a steady stream of expats for a long time. Uruguayans tend to have unlimited patience, they’re non-confrontational, non-violent, good-natured, and friendly.
It’s a country that enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America, the culture is honest and hard-working, and levels of corruption are low.
Overall, this country is safe, stable, peaceful, and friendly.
Most importantly, Uruguay is the newest country to introduce laws for digital nomads.
Remote workers can now apply for a residency permit to work legally in Uruguay for a period of six to twelve months.
The culture in Uruguay is European-like, and the primary cultural influence is Italian. You’ll find tango clubs, opera houses, orchestras, and more fine dining options, cafes, and downhome restaurants than you can imagine.
We like Uruguay not only for these reasons, but also for its four mild seasons, long stretches of coastline, charming old quarter (in Montevideo), and laid-back way of life… but also for its friendly tax legislation, its absolutely low cost of living, and its real estate investment opportunities right now.
Montevideo’s old town is being rejuvenated, thanks to foreign (not only American) investment, but it’s not too late to get a super-good buy on a classic-style apartment in a good location.
Beyond the capital, you can find even better buys, on estancias and big tracts of productive land.
Best known beach buy in the country is Punta del Este, which has been a draw for Argentine and other South American sun-seekers for decades. This Gold Coast, but an hour-and-a-half from Montevideo, has been enjoying such a boom that rental owners we know have lately reported extraordinary returns, as much as 12% net and more per year.
Located on South America’s eastern seaboard, Uruguay is surrounded by Brazil and Argentina.
While Uruguay qualifies as sleepy, which is both a pro and a con, cities like Rio de Janiero and Buenos Aires are only a quick flight away (or ferry ride in the case of Buenos Aires).
The capital city of Montevideo— the southern-most capital in the western hemisphere—is home to almost half of Uruguay’s 3.49 million residents.
Founded in 1724, this colonial city as seen Spanish, British and Portuguese influence over the centuries. Since 2006, Montevideo has consistently ranked as having the highest quality of life in Latin America.
Since 2010, it held the spot as the most economically powerful city in South America. This city attracts expats for its vibrant, eclectic, and rich culture. It’s also said to be the fifth most gay-friendly city in the world.
In general, Uruguay has an extremely open-minded and progressive culture.
Americans can stay in Uruguay without a visa for 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can renew this tourist visa for another 90 days.
Uruguay Visa: Becoming A Resident
Becoming a resident is a straightforward process. If you enter the country on a tourist visa you can apply for residency while you’re there—in person at the country’s National Migration Office or online.
The documents you’ll need are:
- Passport and passport photos
- Health card issued in Uruguay (you can get this by taking a medical exam at an authorized clinic in Uruguay)
- Clean criminal record
- Your birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of income ($1,500 a month minimum requirement and this can include a pension or social security)
- Proof of address in Uruguay
The process for residency takes about a year to 18 months. In the meantime, you’ll be issued with a temporary residence card. Once it’s approved, you’ll receive your permanent residence card (called a Cedula).
The benefit of having a cedula is that you are allowed the same luxuries and facilities available to any other national of the country.
The easy residency also allows you to import your household items before residency has even been granted.
Once you’re a resident in the country you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship is relatively easy to get when you move to Uruguay, given the low financial requirements for doing so (great for retirees).
It usually takes around three (for married couples) to five years (for a single person) to get approval for citizenship. You’ll need to prove that you’ve integrated into your new life in Uruguay and that you can speak conversational Spanish.
There are some caveats to this easy residency and, later, citizenship. You must stay in the country more than 183 consecutive days in a given year. This is known as the Days Test.
However, if you have family ties in the country you can apply for residency. For example, if your spouse and children live there and your children go to school in Uruguay.
Or, if you make a business or real estate investment and stay in the country for at least 60 days in any given year, you can also apply.
The minimum real estate investment amount is $390,000. The minimum amount to invest in a business is $1.7 million.
When it comes to individual sovereignty, Uruguay is king. For those who want to fly under the radar, diversify their financial assets, obtain a second citizenship, or even live off the grid, you won’t beat Uruguay.
With a solid financial system, First World infrastructure, a stable and consistent democratic government, there are few better places to establish yourself, be it through residency, investment, or citizenship.
We can’t think of a better country in which to become a citizen and obtain a second passport. It’s quick, easy, and, if you ever need that second citizenship, you won’t find a better place to call home.
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