Uruguay has a very unique process when it comes to acquiring residency in the country, Unlike most countries, where you have to apply outside of the country, in Uruguay you can submit your residency application in Uruguay at the National Directorate of Migration, Dirección Nacional de Migración (DNM) after you arrive.
However there is one important fact to take note of and that is the criteria of “intent to reside permanently in Uruguay”, and they do actively examine immigration records prior to issuing a permanent residency card known as a “Cedula”. If they see that a person has come into Uruguay, filed for residency and then immediately left and has not come back for a long period of time or is in fact living elsewhere most of the time then the application will be rejected.
Can you do the Residency Procedure yourself?
Acquiring residency in Uruguay is a fairly easy process especially if compared to other countries. The biggest drawback in this country is the language barrier. So if you don’t speak Spanish it is definitely advisable to take someone with you that understands the process and speaks the language, otherwise the process may take unnecessary time, become very frustrating and costly.
We have a very reliable and experienced lady who charges a very reasonable fee. She will assist you with all the requirements and any further concerns you may have. Please contact us for further details and we will put you in touch with her.
Now that have made your decision to move to Uruguay it’s time to get together all the documents you will require.
Passport:
You will require a valid passport as well as a copy of that passport and 2 passport photos. Immigration will keep the copy of the passport.
Birth Certificate:
The birth certificate (full/unabridged) must be issued as well as apostilled by your country of birth. Once you arrive in Uruguay it has to be translated into Spanish by a Government registered translator. This applies to each member of the family.
Marriage certificate:
Marriage certificates (full/unabridged) must be issued as well as Apostilled by the country in which you got married. Translation is also required.
If you are/were divorced you need to have your divorce decree together with a letter of impediment. (this can be drawn up by a Notary). This also needs to be translated.
Police Clearance Certificates:
These are only valid for 6 months. So be sure to get the timing correct when you apply for them. You have to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate from each country where you have lived for a period of time as well as from your country of birth. These have to be Apostilled in the same country. Once in Uruguay they need to be translated.
Proof of Income:
The Uruguayan Immigration requires a proof of income as well as a proof of the source of that income irrespective of where it comes from.
If you are employed in Uruguay then 3 months of payslips are accepted. If your income is from abroad then you have to present a proof of where its coming from i.e House rental, Pension payout, or your own business registered abroad etc.
Medical check-up:
This brief medical examination is done in Uruguay. Most hospitals and private clinics issue “health cards”.
Vaccinations:
Be sure to have all your vaccination certificates/cards with you as the authorities require proof that all adults (over 18) have had the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
The health ministry’s decree does not state that the proof needs to be legalised however getting it apostilled will avoid problems.
Children under 18 must be able to show they have been given all the vaccines required for Uruguayan children. These are currently: measles (at five years old), Hib B vaccine, chickenpox, hepatitis B (at twelve), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis A, PCV13 and polio.
If any applicant is not able to show they have been given these vaccinations they can simply go to any vaccination center to get the vaccinations done. Vaccinations are free of charge at any public health center or paid for at the private ones.
Please Note: If a person can show an allergy or other medical condition which means they should not have a vaccination, this is sufficient to exclude the requirement. So please be sure to present the necessary documentation. If its in English it would require translation.
