Uruguay is a South American country that is attracting increasing interest from foreigners looking to relocate. It has a stable political environment, a growing economy, and new opportunities for newcomers.
If you are looking for a country with a low cost of living, high quality of life, and a strong passport with visa-free access to Schengen countries, then Uruguay can be an excellent option for you.
Uruguay allows dual citizenship, so you don’t have to give up your current passport. You can get Uruguay citizenship without leaving your other nationality.
A naturalized citizen in Uruguay has the same rights as a native citizen, including the ability to vote, participate in elections, and access all public services.
How to Get Uruguay Citizenship?
Uruguayan citizenship is based on the country’s constitution. A person can become a Uruguayan national either through naturalization or by birth. This means that a foreigner can legally become a Uruguayan citizen by following the pathways established by Uruguayan law.
Alternatively, a person born in Uruguay automatically becomes a Uruguayan citizen, regardless of their parents’ nationality. This is the natural way of acquiring citizenship in Uruguay.
Let explain the ways one by one through which a foregin can obtain Uruguay nationality.
Uruguay Citizenship requirements
Here are the general requirements for Uruguay citizenship:
One of the most important requirements is spending a specific amount of time living in the country, depending on the category under which you apply.
Proficiency in the local language, Spanish, is also required. To obtain your Uruguayan passport successfully, you must be able to speak, read, and write in Spanish.
You should also understand Uruguay’s culture and traditions and be actively involved in society. This includes learning about the country’s laws and history.
Finally, you must have a sustainable income. No country wants to grant citizenship to someone who cannot support themselves and may become a financial burden on the government.
Uruguay Citizenship by Naturalization
Naturalization is a common legal way to become a citizen of another country. To gain citizenship through naturalization, you don’t need to make any investments, marry a citizen, or meet other specific conditions; you simply need to live legally in Uruguay for a specified period.
The first step in the naturalization process is obtaining a residence permit. You must enter Uruguay with a visa, then apply for temporary residence, which typically lasts between one to two years, followed by permanent residency.
After living in Uruguay legally for five years, you become eligible to apply for citizenship. While the primary requirement is the time spent in Uruguay, you will also need to submit additional documents and meet certain criteria when applying for citizenship.
Additionally you will need to learn Spanish language, have a stable income, have a valid residence permit, birth certificate, clean criminal record.
Uruguay citizenship by investment
Unfortunately it’s not possible to get Uruguay nationality by investment directly but it’s possible to open a way for citizenship.
You can an investor visa for Uruguay and after living for 3 year’s you can apply for Uruguay nationality. But it’s not possible to get Uruguay passport with investment.
It’s possible to obtain a Uruguay residence with minimum $100.000 investment in the country. First you will receive an investor visa than when you arrive to Uruguay you can request residence permit.
Uruguay Citizenship by Marriage
If you are married or you want to marry a Uruguayan national than the residency requirement is reduce for you to three years.
In this three years you need to live in Same house like a family, you should be really married.
So after three years of marriage you can submit a citizenship application to immigration service and they will forward your file to the interior affairs ministry.
When you are to submit a citizenship application you need to have these documents:
- Proof of marriage, marriage certificate
- Proof Spanish language
- Valid residence permit
- Valid Passport
- Police clearance certificate
- Income proof
Uruguay Citizenship by Birth
Uruguay is one of the countries that grants citizenship by birth, meaning if your child is born in Uruguay, he or she automatically becomes a Uruguayan citizen.
In addition, the child’s parents can also apply for Uruguayan citizenship, but only after living in Uruguay for three years.
The waiting period for Uruguayan citizenship is longer than in other South American countries. For example, if your child is born in Brazil, the parents can obtain Brazilian citizenship after one year. In Argentina, parents receive citizenship immediately, but in Uruguay, they must live there for three years before becoming eligible.
How to apply for Uruguay citizenship 2024?
To apply for Uruguay citizenship you need to book an appointment at electoral court, if you are the capital you can book an appointment at electoral court if you are in other regions you can do it at electoral offices.
Once your appointment confirmed you will have to present there in the date with original documents which are required suc as:
- Passport
- Uruguay residence permit
- Marriage certificate if person is married
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Liveable income Proof ( bank statement or salary payslips)
- Spanish language certificate
You will need to submit all these documents and than wait for the result it may take up to 12 and sometimes even to 18 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Uruguay?
Obtaining permanent residency in Uruguay typically involves a multi-step process that can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, depending on several factors.
If you are meeting the requirements and have a strong profile it’s possible to get Uruguay permanent residency in 2 years.
What are Uruguay passport visa free countries?
With a Uruguayan passport, citizens can travel to 98 countries without needing a visa. Additionally, when including countries that offer eVisas or visas on arrival, Uruguayan citizens can access a total of 151 countries without needing a traditional sticker visa. This includes the ability to visit Schengen Area countries in Europe and the United Kingdom.
Can I travel visa free to US with Uruguay passport?
No, Uruguay passport is required to obtain a visa for United States of America. Before it Uruguay was eligible for visa free entry to US but currently Uruguayan citizens need a visa for United States.
