Uruguay is one of Latin America’s safest and most prosperous countries. It is known for its political stability, tax-friendly policies, and high quality of life. This South American gem has become a haven for multiple expats, including digital nomads, investors, and retirees.
With its healthcare system and robust infrastructure, Uruguay is a country where expats can comfortably and rewardingly live full-time. What’s more, obtaining citizenship in Uruguay is straightforward!
That said, while many people choose Uruguay for residency or citizenship, this isn’t a recommendation to relocate there. The goal here is to outline how the process works so you can make your own informed decision.
After a few years of residency in Uruguay, you can obtain one of the strongest passports in the world, with visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries. This article will walk you through the timeline and steps to acquire Uruguayan citizenship.
Why Do Many People Choose Uruguay for Citizenship?
Uruguay stands out in many ways, from its high GDP per capita to its vast food production. This South American country is one of the best places to protect yourself and your family against potential world war, as its strategic location makes it an excellent escape from military conflict. Doomsday scenarios aside, below are some reasons to consider pursuing citizenship in Uruguay:
Political & Economic Stability
Political and economic stability is key to securing your offshore Plan-B. Obtaining citizenship in Uruguay grants you this security, as the country constantly ranks as one of the most politically stable in Latin America and the world. This metric indicates that institutions and legislation remain relatively stable, regardless of the party in power.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life
Uruguay offers excellent perks like affordable healthcare, modern infrastructure, and low crime rates. Its life expectancy is the second highest in South America, after Chile. The numerous cultural and gastronomic offerings also make for excellent leisure time. Finally, Uruguayans are known for their friendliness and strong sense of community and are often welcoming of foreigners.
Freedom & Travel
Uruguay’s passport is one of the strongest in Latin America, providing visa-free access to countries like the UAE, Japan, Russia, and the entire Schengen Area. With citizenship in Uruguay, you can legally call this country your home and continue travelling the world to do business, invest, and further develop your Plan-B.
Favourable Tax System
Uruguay has a reputation for business—and tax-friendly policies. For instance, expats can benefit from an 11-year tax holiday, which makes foreign-sourced income tax-free. There are also multiple legal ways to obtain tax residency without staying more than half a year in the country.
Residency: The First Step to Citizenship
To begin your journey toward Uruguayan citizenship, you must first obtain residency, and one of the most popular ways to do so is through real estate investment. By investing at least $560,000 USD in property and spending 60 days per year in the country, you can qualify for tax residency; alternatively, investing $2.4 million USD in property removes the stay requirement.
Uruguay offers a stable but more expensive residency program than Panama or Paraguay, two of the most popular options in Latin America. However, other residency permits are available for Mercosur nationals, individuals with ties to Uruguay, and those seeking to live permanently.
Expats with the financial means might want to fast-track their residency by investing in real estate or government-approved companies. To acquire permanent residency in Uruguay, you will need to gather the following documents:
- Valid ID document (passport or identity card)
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Criminal background check
- Vaccination certificate from Uruguay
- Passport-sized photo
Additional documentation includes:
- Marriage certificate or recognition of cohabitation
- For employees: a notarized income certificate
- For pensioners or retirees: a notarized certificate or a payment receipt
- For business owners: a notarized certificate with complete oversight of the company
Eligibility Requirements for Citizenship & How To Apply
After acquiring permanent residency in Uruguay, the time required to be eligible to qualify for citizenship is 3 years for applicants with established families in Uruguay and 5 years for everyone else. During that time, staying out of the country can’t exceed 6 months. Other requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having good conduct
- Demonstrating habitual residency
- Certificate of residency in Uruguay
- Certificate of migratory movements
- Proof of nationality (e.g., apostilled birth certificate, passport)
- Evidence of means of livelihood
- Presenting two witnesses
If no changes or additional documents are requested, the citizenship approval process usually takes about two months, but it can vary depending on the number of applications being processed.
CONCLUSION
Uruguay offers stability and a high quality of life in South America. The pathways to residency are straightforward, and obtaining citizenship typically takes around five years.
Even though you might face challenges, like learning a new language and navigating unique passport requirements, and while I personally don’t recommend Uruguay as a Plan-B destination, understanding how to become an Uruguayan citizen is important if this country is under your radar.
Editor’s Note: If you’re considering Uruguay—or any other country—as part of your Plan B, it’s vital to understand how global trends could impact your freedom, finances, and future.
Doug Casey has spent decades helping people prepare for precisely these moments of uncertainty. His latest special dispatch reveals his proven strategy to protect yourself and your wealth through international diversification before the window closes.
Click here to access see it now and learn more about Doug Casey’s Plan B.
