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"Your First 30 Days in Uruguay" — everything you need to know before and after you arrive, in a PDF you can take with you.
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Whether you're a tourist, a digital nomad, a temporary resident, or a tax resident—each situation requires specific documents. Here's what you need based on how long you're staying, along with the exact steps and official links.
The first thing that determines the paperwork you’ll need to complete is how long you plan to stay in Uruguay. Spending three months there is not the same as staying for the long term. Each situation requires different documents—and the good news is that Uruguay makes the process relatively simple compared to the rest of the region.
Most nationalities can enter without a visa. All you need is a valid passport. The tourist stay is 90 days, extendable for another 90 days at the National Immigration Office (for a total of 180 days per year).
Most countries in Latin America, Europe, the U.S., and Canada do not require a visa. You can check your eligibility at: liveinuruguay.uy/es/entryprocedures
Uruguay has one of the most accessible digital nomad visas in the world. It can be applied for online, costs approximately $312 UYU (less than $10 USD), and allows you to live and work legally for up to 6 months, renewable once (up to 12 months in total). You must be physically present in Uruguay at the time of application.
If you have legal residency in Uruguay, you qualify for the tax exemption on foreign income. Uruguay has a territorial tax system—income earned abroad is generally not taxed here for the first 10 years. Source: uruguayxxi.gub.uy
If you plan to stay, you'll want to apply for a residence permit. The process varies significantly depending on your nationality.
For citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. It is significantly simpler and faster than the standard procedure.
For all other nationalities. The process takes between 3 and 6 months at the National Immigration Office.
All documents from your country must be apostilled or consularly legalized before you submit them. If your country is a signatory to the Hague Convention, the apostille process is straightforward. Check with your consulate before you travel.
It is granted after three years of continuous legal residence in Uruguay (any status qualifies). Mercosur citizens can skip the temporary stage and apply for permanent residency directly.
Once you begin the residency application process, you can apply for a Uruguayan ID card. This is the document you’ll use on a daily basis: it’s required to open a bank account, rent an apartment, access the healthcare system (FONASA), obtain a driver’s license, and for almost any other administrative procedure.
Delivery time: 2 to 4 weeks for delivery to your home.
Uruguay has a territorial tax system: income generated outside the country is generally not taxed locally. To qualify for this benefit as a formal resident, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
You can choose between two options for your foreign capital income:
In both cases, much less than in most countries. Income from Uruguayan sources is generally subject to personal income tax (progressive rate of 0%–36%).
Income from capital and real estate derived from non-resident entities is now considered income from Uruguayan sources for tax residents. This primarily affects investors with complex offshore structures. If this applies to you, consult a local accountant before making any decisions. Source: guyer.com.uy
A consultation with a Uruguayan accountant who specializes in helping foreigners (~$100–150 USD) could save you thousands. The NomadUY community has a list of recommended accountants who regularly work with expats and digital nomads.