Deciding to emigrate from your home country is a significant step, and if you have chosen Uruguay as your new home, you are on the right track. For those looking to settle in Uruguay, either temporarily or permanently, Vivir en Uruguay offers professional advice and personalized attention to facilitate this process.
Focus on the essentials and let us handle the red tape for you. The residency process is divided into two key phases: first, the collection and analysis of documents by our experienced team, ensuring that you face no setbacks. We will then assist you in all the necessary hearings, giving you valuable advice for each step. These hearings are crucial in your path to residency in Uruguay.
This article discusses how to obtain legal residency in Uruguay, explaining the requirements and facilities available, and how we can support you in your aspiration to live in the safest and most stable country in Latin America.
Why Choose Uruguay?
Before diving into the details of how to obtain residency, it is important to understand why Uruguay is a popular choice among migrants. With a strong democracy, a high standard of living, and a welcoming atmosphere, Uruguay stands out as one of the most attractive destinations in South America. In addition, its inclusive immigration policy and accessible residency processes make it even more attractive.
Types of Residency in Uruguay
There are several types of residences available in Uruguay, each adapted to different needs and situations. The most common types are:
a. Temporary Residence: Ideal for those planning a short stay in Uruguay.
b. Permanent Residence: For those who wish to settle indefinitely in Uruguay.
c. Definitive Legal Residency: Different from permanent residency, this option is for those who do not qualify for permanent residency but still wish to live in Uruguay on a long-term basis.
Temporary Residence
This form of residency is appropriate for foreigners who plan to stay in Uruguay for a period of not less than 180 days and up to a maximum of two years. This time may be extended, depending on the reason for your temporary stay. The stay may be renewed for an additional two years, for a total maximum of four years. To apply for it, the interested party must contact the National Directorate of Migration.
Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru or Suriname can benefit from the MERCOSUR Temporary Residency, which offers simplified procedures for temporary residency.
In general terms, the requirements for this procedure include:
- The original identity document used to enter the country.
- Passport type photograph.
- Valid health card issued by institutions authorized by the Ministry of Public Health of Uruguay.
- Current vaccination certificate that complies with the Uruguayan vaccination schedule.
- Evidence of the activity justifying admission as a temporary resident.
For those over 18 years of age, criminal record documentation from the country of origin and from any country where he/she has resided during the last five years, duly legalized, apostilled and, if applicable, translated into Spanish.
Employment letter with details of the activity, hiring period and remuneration, together with a notarized certificate verifying the company’s information.
Students must present an official certificate from their educational institution. If they are financially dependent on a family member, they must demonstrate this relationship. If they receive funds from abroad, a notarized certificate detailing this income is required. This residency is granted for one year, renewable to complete the duration of their studies, without exceeding two years.
Additionally, children under 18 years of age must:
- Present authorization from their parents to reside temporarily in Uruguay.
- Attach your birth certificate.
- Establish a responsible adult in Uruguay if they do not live with their parents.
- Prove your student status with an official certificate from your educational institution.
If a foreigner wishes to extend his/her stay beyond the period assigned by the temporary residence, whether common or MERCOSUR, he/she must initiate the procedure for Permanent Residence before the expiration of his/her temporary residence.
Permanent Residence
Permanent Legal Residency is the appropriate option for foreigners who wish to reside in Uruguay for more than two years, or for those who, after finishing their temporary residence, seek to settle permanently in the country. To apply for this residency, it is necessary to go to the National Directorate of Migration.
Once granted, permanent residency allows indefinite stay in the country. Citizens from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname, as well as foreign relatives of Uruguayan citizens, enjoy facilitated procedures for their settlement. In these cases, the process can be initiated free of charge at the Uruguayan embassy or consulate in the country of origin. Mercosur permanent residence.
To apply for Legal Permanent Residency, the foreigner must comply with several requirements and present the following documentation:
- Passport type photograph.
- Original identity document used to enter Uruguay.
- Updated occupational health card issued by entities authorized by the Ministry of Public Health of Uruguay.
- Valid vaccination card, certified by a vaccinator in Uruguay, showing compliance with the country’s vaccination requirements.
- Proof of means of livelihood commensurate with the activity to be developed (except for citizens of MERCOSUR member countries).
- Criminal record certificate legalized, apostilled and, if necessary, translated into Spanish, from the country of origin and from any country where he/she has resided during the last five years for a period of at least six months. Brazilian documents are exempt from translation.
- Birth and/or marriage certificate, if applicable. The birth certificate is mandatory for minors under 18 years of age and must not be more than one year old at the beginning of the procedure, and must be legalized or apostilled and, if required, translated.
- Police certificate of good conduct.
- Clear evidence of intent to remain in the country.
Permanent Legal Residency
Definitive legal residence is for those who do not qualify for permanent residence, including those who are not Mercosur citizens or do not have family ties to Uruguayans.
It is ideal for individuals who plan to stay in the country for more than two years, or for those whose temporary residency is about to expire and wish to become permanent legal residents.
Nationality for Children and Grandchildren born outside of the country
This section addresses a unique situation: children and grandchildren of Uruguayan citizens born outside Uruguay are not required to obtain a conventional residency to live in the country, but must go through a specific procedure to recognize their hereditary right to Uruguayan citizenship.
According to the legislation of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, direct descendants of Uruguayan citizens (children and grandchildren) are entitled to Uruguayan citizenship by birth, regardless of their place of birth. This means that they do not need to follow the usual legal residency process to live in Uruguay and are entitled to obtain Uruguayan documentation, such as a passport.
In addition, Uruguayan citizenship is inalienable, even if the individual was not born in Uruguay. Therefore, children and grandchildren of Uruguayans born abroad can have dual citizenship, enjoying rights in both countries without any prejudice.
If you find yourself in this situation, you only need to register your birth at the Uruguayan Civil Registry and carry out the corresponding procedures to formalize your Uruguayan citizenship. If you are outside Uruguay, this process can be done in large part by a representative in Uruguay, such as Vivir en Uruguay.
Application Process
The process of applying for residency in Uruguay can be complex, and this is where Living in Uruguay can be of great help. The process generally includes:
a. Gathering documentation: It is crucial to gather all necessary documents, such as passport, birth and marriage certificates, and criminal records.
b. Documentation Analysis: At Vivir en Uruguay, we review your documentation to make sure it meets the requirements and is ready to be submitted.
c. Submission of the Application: We will guide you through the online and in-person submission of your application, either at a Uruguayan consular office abroad or at the National Directorate of Migration in Uruguay.
d. Hearings: We will coordinate your hearings and provide you with advice for each stage of the process.
Practical Advice
Obtaining residency in a new country can be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips:
- Research: Familiarize yourself with the laws and culture of Uruguay.
- Get organized: Keep all your documents and papers in order.
- Patience: Bureaucratic processes can take time.
Assistance in obtaining legal residency in Uruguay
At Living in Uruguay, we understand the emotional burden and challenge of emigrating. We are committed to being your trusted partner from the beginning, guiding you through every step of the process of obtaining legal residency in Uruguay.
Our team of specialized professionals is here to ensure that your transition to life in Uruguay is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you are considering making Uruguay your home, do not hesitate to contact us for expert advice and support every step of the way.
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