Why Expats are Moving to Uruguay

Why not move to a country that focuses its flag on sunshine?

Learn more about moving to Uruguay in IL Postcards.

If you are interested in moving to Uruguay then you may want to visit for a short period first in order to get a feel for the country. A valid passport is required for entry into Uruguay with the exception of citizens from the boundary countries. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to stay in Uruguay for less than 90 days. Business-oriented visas are available; please contact the embassy for details.

Attaining your visa when moving to Uruguay

Any foreign visitor can apply for a residency visa in order to move to Uruguay and should apply to the immigration office in his or her country of residence. In general terms, the requirements are: owning a property in the country, and/or a bank account with adequate funds, having a clean police record in the country of residency, and having proof of income in Uruguay or a work permit. All documents will have to be authenticated by a public notary. Any person visiting Uruguay for business purposes can either go to the consulate or embassy of the country or the website: www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy.

According to Uruguayan immigration law, people who move to Uruguay and are granted permanent residency in Uruguay are also entitled to a Uruguayan passport. This applies to the primary visa holder, as well as their spouse and children (under 18 years of age). The law states that you (and your dependents) are entitled to a pasaporte común ("common" passport). A "common" passport is one which is not diplomatic or military in nature. Most Uruguayans have this type of passport. You can apply at the Department of Immigration.

You might ask yourself why a U.S. citizen would want a Uruguayan passport, given that the U.S. passport is much more flexible to travel with. Good question. Firstly a Uruguayan passport entitles you to enter Brazil without a visa. There are also a few practical reasons. One is that some countries have cumulative limits on how long you can stay within their borders in a given year. If you alternate the use of passports you can double your stay time, which would be handy if you have a part time home in such a country. Also, you can avoid reciprocal fees and visa requirements imposed on U.S. citizens in places like Chile and Brazil, among others. (These fees are imposed in retaliation for similar fees or visa requirement imposed on their citizens by the U.S.) Some countries also waive their airport exit fees for their neighbors if you're carrying their passport.

Moving to Uruguay and bringing your possessions with you

Once you have permanent residency you can get clearance to bring your household goods into Uruguay duty free when you move here. If you have applied for residency, but the permit is not ready, you can still ship your goods but you will have to leave a guarantee with customs. The packing list must be "visaed" by the Uruguayan Consulate at the country of origin.

Used cars cannot be brought in unless importers are diplomats. Foreigners can import brand new vehicles (only mileage from shop to home allowed) paying approximately 93% of CIF value, determined by Uruguayan customs, and not by the purchase invoice. You will need to present a commercial invoice, with an official translation into Spanish, and these documents must be legalized at the Uruguayan consulate at origin. Temporary admission of your car may be granted for up to 18 months, after which the vehicle must be re-exported. A bank guarantee may be needed, which will be returned after the export of the vehicle.

Learn more about moving to Uruguay in IL Postcards.

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