Dual citizenship unlocks a realm of opportunities and may become a valuable asset for anyone considering a Plan B or an asset protection strategy. A second home can be an indispensable resource in unforeseen circumstances in the home country of origin.

Uruguayan legislation embraces the concept of dual citizenship, presenting a pathway to international business facilitation and streamlined global travel. Possessing a Uruguayan passport extends access to 132 countries without the need for visas, establishing it as a robust travel document. This passport allows for a three-month visa-free stay in Europe and simplifies the visa acquisition process for entry into the United States, with many Uruguayans holding 10-year American visas.

Acquiring a Uruguayan passport involves a two-stage process. Initially, obtaining a residence card is necessary, and after residing in Uruguay for a specified duration, one becomes eligible to apply for citizenship and the associated passport.

For those married to a Uruguayan citizen, the path to citizenship involves maintaining legal resident status for three years before applying. Conversely, individuals not married to a Uruguayan citizen must fulfill a residency requirement of five years under a legal residence permit before becoming eligible for citizenship. It is essential to explore the benefits that Uruguayan legal and tax residence status can provide during this period.

Benefits of Uruguay for digital nomads: 

When discussing geography, International Wealth readers often recall Uruguay's unique position along the South Atlantic coast, sandwiched between its more famous counterparts, Brazil and Argentina. Despite its proximity to these neighbors, Uruguay boasts its distinct identity and a plethora of valuable perks, particularly for digital nomads. Let us study the principal advantages of relocating to Uruguay as a digital nomad:

  1. Flexible Visa Procedures: Uruguay stands out for its straightforward digital nomad visa process, known for its simplicity in both application procedures and requirements. Notably, there are no stringent income criteria, making it accessible to freelancers and individuals whose work deviates from conventional standards. While family members can't be included in the same application, most foreigners are eligible for a digital nomad visa through separate submissions.
  2. Freedom: Uruguay is well-known for a higher level of personal freedom compared to other Latin American countries and beyond. The nation's strong democratic values, anti-corruption efforts, and freedom of the press create an environment where digital nomads feel at home, enjoying their freedom to the fullest.
  3. Climate: Uruguay offers a comfortable living environment throughout the year, with the summer months (November to April in the Southern Hemisphere) being particularly favorable for outdoor activities. While certain regions may experience flooding, maintaining awareness of weather forecasts and heeding local authorities' advice during natural disasters is advisable.
  4. Cost of Living and Quality of Life: While Uruguay may not be the most budget-friendly option for digital nomads, it justifies its relatively higher costs with high living standards. Uruguay's reputation as Latin American Switzerland holds, but real estate is affordable compared to other countries in the region.
  5. Safety: Uruguay distinguishes itself as an exceptionally safe destination, serving as an ideal starting point to explore the vast landscapes of Latin America. Its strong economic and political stability contribute to a sense of security, setting it apart from other crime-ridden countries in South America. The standardized fare systems make transportation, including taxis, reliable and secure, although exercising caution against petty theft is advisable.
  6. Convenient Time Zone and Infrastructure: Operating in the GMT-3 time zone, Uruguay is a favorable choice for digital nomads with clients in both Western Europe and the eastern coast of the US and Canada. The government actively invests in developing infrastructure to support digital nomads, including coworking spaces and resources for networking opportunities.
  7. Thriving Digital Nomad Community: Uruguay's thriving digital nomad community is attracted by its low cost of living, delightful cuisine, exceptional wines, stunning beaches, and reliable Wi-Fi. Even though its population is not very large, Uruguay makes foreign digital nomads feel welcome. This is evident even in busy cities like Montevideo.
  8. Language and Culture: Although Spanish is the official language, Uruguay's culture boasts a unique charm influenced by European and Spanish heritage.
  9. Harmony of Urban and Natural Environments: Uruguay has achieved a harmonious balance between urban living and untouched natural beauty, despite its small size.
  10. Residency to Citizenship: Uruguay offers an appealing pathway to citizenship for long-term residents, with relatively liberal requirements. Among other criteria, those include living in the country for three years (if married to a Uruguayan citizen) or for five years in other cases.
  11. Tax Advantages: Uruguay exempts fiscal residents from personal income tax (PIT) on income from foreign sources and considers tax incentives to attract skilled IT professionals. A proposed bill aims to subject IT specialists immigrating to Uruguay to a fixed rate of 12% Non-Resident Income Tax (NRIT) – an alternative to the progressive PIT rates ranging from 0% to 36%. Eligibility criteria include relocation under a labor agreement with companies operating in Uruguay, foreign citizenship or Uruguayan citizenship with foreign residency within the past five years, working in Uruguay for at least eight months of the year, and refusing to use the Uruguayan social security system.

Requirements for Getting Uruguay Citizenship

To start the process of becoming a citizen in Uruguay, the applicant submits the documents directly to the immigration authorities. The typical processing time for such applications is around six months.

Essential documents required for the application include the following:

  • Permanent residence certificate
  • Statement of the bank account
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Copy of the residence card

Additionally, two witnesses must accompany the applicant to verify their identity during the application process.

The cost of the service is 1700 USD, with an additional payment of 600 USD required to cover state duties and associated taxes.

If you meet the corresponding residency requirements in Uruguay and are eligible to apply for full citizenship, we offer our assistance in acquiring citizenship in this country. Contact us at info@internationalwealth.info to get full support in the process.