Uruguay Residency by Investment

Permanent residency in 1 to 2 years: no fixed minimum

USD 2M or USD 100K/yr: 11-year tax holiday tier

Citizenship in 3 to 5 years: dual permitted

Permanent residency in 1 to 2 years: no fixed minimum

USD 2M or USD 100K/yr: 11-year tax holiday tier

Citizenship in 3 to 5 years: dual permitted

What Are the Benefits of Uruguay Residency?

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Fast application processing

2 - 5 months

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Permanent residency

Immediately upon approval

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An opportunity to live in Uruguay

You reside indefinitely and become a tax resident if necessary

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Business climate

International business expansion and entry into the South American market, especially the MERCOSUR region

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Independent means residency

granted to individuals who can demonstrate a consistent revenue stream from abroad

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Real estate opportunities

option to purchase commercial and residential real estate with an annual return of up to 5%, and a return on initial investment in 3–5 years

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Rights of a resident

a residence permit is issued with the rights to work, do business and study in Uruguay

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Residence for the whole family

family members (spouse, financially dependent parents, and children) can apply for a residence permit together with the main applicant

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Tax benefits

Uruguay has a favorable tax regime, with low taxes and generous incentives for foreign investors. Uruguay has a territorial tax system

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Access to Mercosur region

With residency in Uruguay and a potential passport, you have preferential access to other Mercosur countries

When Does Uruguay Residency Make Sense?

When you want one of Latin America's most stable, predictable residency regimes

When you can deploy USD 2,000,000 in real estate or USD 100,000 annually for the 11-year tax holiday

When you want a 3 to 5 year path to citizenship and a strong passport with visa-free access to 156 countries

When net wealth tax exemption on foreign-held assets matters for your structure

How Do You Get Uruguay Residency?

01

Detailed step-by-step process

02

Requirements for all eligible applicants

03

Required documents for each step of the program

04

Answers to frequently asked questions

Uruguay Residency by Investment

Uruguay Residency Requirements and Eligibility

Investment options:

Legal residency (Inversionista category): no fixed investment minimum; demonstrable economic presence in Uruguay (property, business, or other meaningful presence) under Uruguay immigration law

Legal residency (income verification route): typically USD 18,000 bank balance plus USD 1,500 to USD 2,000 monthly passive income per applicant (pension, dividends, rental income)

Tax residency under Law 20.446 (real estate route): USD 2,000,000 in Uruguayan real estate (approximately 12.5 million Unidades Indexadas) to qualify for the 11-year tax holiday on foreign-source income

Tax residency under Law 20.446 (Innovation Fund alternative): USD 100,000 annual contribution to the National Innovation Fund to qualify for the 11-year tax holiday

Government processing and administration fees, payable to the Direccion Nacional de Migracion (DNM)

Document apostille, certificacion notarial, Spanish translation, and biometric capture costs

More details

Law 20.446 and Uruguay Tax Holiday Overview

Uruguay offers two distinct residency pathways. Legal (immigration) residency requires no fixed investment minimum and is available through demonstrated income, business activity, the Inversionista category, or the Digital Nomad Permit, with permanent residency typically granted in 1 to 2 years. Tax residency, restructured under Law 20.446 effective January 1, 2026, now requires approximately USD 2,000,000 in Uruguayan real estate or USD 100,000 annually to the National Innovation Fund to access the 11-year tax holiday on foreign-source income. Citizenship follows after 3 years (married) or 5 years (single) of legal residency.

Uruguay combines stable democracy, a strong banking sector, and rule of law with full dual citizenship and visa-free access to approximately 156 countries on the Uruguayan passport. Tax holiday entrants who obtained residency before January 1, 2026 retain their original 11-year exemption terms under grandfathering provisions.

How Long Does Uruguay Residency Take?

Officially published timeline

1 to 2 years

Real timeline, based on our practical experience

1 to 3 years

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Why Work with Golden Harbors?

Deep specialization: Golden Harbors advisors work across global citizenship and residency mobility solutions. We know the nuances and pitfalls of each program and help you avoid them.

We handle the paperwork and manage all interactions with counterparties while you focus on everyday life. You retain remote oversight at every step.

Convenient team structure: our team is located across the U.S. and Europe, providing strong coverage and reach to assist you.

We take preparation seriously: planning, due diligence, and data cross-checks minimize the risk of application rejection. We only work with vetted, government-licensed partners in Uruguay.

Tested by time:

with years of learning and working across industries and global mobility solutions, our team has mastered all the nuances and potential pitfalls, ensuring we help you avoid them

Convenient team structure:

Our team is located in both the U.S. and Europe and Uruguay, providing optimal coverage to assist you

We take care of the paperwork

and handle all interactions with counterparties, ensuring your everyday comfort. You still maintain remote control over each step

We take preparation seriously:

Planning, due diligence, and data cross-checks minimize the risk of rejection. We only work with vetted, government-licensed partners in Latin America

Uruguay Residency Application Steps

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1

Sign a service agreement with Golden Harbors, complete intake forms, and pay the initial retainer and due diligence fees.

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Golden Harbors prepares your full Uruguay residency submission package: apostilled identity documents, source-of-funds evidence, police clearance certificates, and category-specific documentation (Inversionista, income verification, or business investment).

14

Travel to Uruguay for in-person filing at the Direccion Nacional de Migracion in Montevideo; submit your application with Golden Harbors counsel and receive your temporary residence permit.

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The Direccion Nacional de Migracion completes background and security checks and reviews your residency category compliance under Uruguay immigration law.

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Receive your Uruguay permanent residence card (Cedula de Identidad para Extranjeros) and register with Direccion General Impositiva (DGI) if establishing tax residency under Law 20.446.

Up to 14 days

Uruguay Residency by Investment FAQ

What Changed in Uruguay Tax Residency Under Law 20.446?
How Does Legal Residency Differ From Tax Residency in Uruguay?
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Uruguay Citizenship?
Who Can Apply Together as a Family?
Does Uruguay Allow Dual Citizenship?

Uruguay Residency Consultation

Every client is unique

Every case requires an individual approach and solution. Our years of experience in the industry allow us to provide both.

We will answer all your questions and provide detailed information about the available second passport and residency programs to help you make the right choice.

Victoria

Lead Attorney at Golden Harbors

Victoria Cold

Victoria

Lead Attorney at Golden Harbors

Golden Harbors Is a Secure Way To

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additional residency or a Golden Visa

and also

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Our Articles and Research

Does Uruguay Residency Not Fit?

If you are looking for a comprehensive review of whether this program is the best fit for you, please get in touch with your trusted advisors at Golden Harbors

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Lead Attorney at Golden Harbors

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