Uruguay offers a pathway to legal residence for foreigners who wish to invest, have sufficient means, or otherwise establish economic ties with the country. It is not quite a “golden visa” in the sense of immediate citizenship-for-cash, but through investment + residence you can obtain legal residence (temporary, then permanent) and eventually citizenship. Additionally, there is a tax residency regime for investors, which gives benefits for foreign-sourced income under certain conditions.
Here are the main eligibility criteria and conditions for Uruguay’s residency by investment / investor / economic interest pathway:
Age- At least 18 years old
Valid Passport- Must have a valid passport; some documents must be apostilled or legalized; translations into Spanish where required.
Criminal Record- Must provide police / criminal background certificate from country of origin or recent residence, covering a specified prior period (often 5 years).
Health / Medical Certificate- Some health check / medical exam; possibly proof of vaccinations or health status.
Proof of means/ Investment- One or more of:
Sufficient monthly income/passive income or pension;
Investment in real estate;
Business investment (company creation / participation), possibly with job creation;
Tax residency demands for certain investments
Physical Presence- To maintain residence and/or tax residence, certain stay requirements apply: e.g. spending 60 days/year in Uruguay under some investment/tax residence options. For citizenship, longer continuous residence is needed.
Family Dependents- Spouse and children (and sometimes dependent parents) can be included in the residency application.
Depending on the route, the required investment level or economic contribution can vary. Some of the more common paths:
Real Estate Investment: Buying property. Some thresholds apply for more favorable treatment (e.g. for tax residence). As of recent rules, for tax residency via real estate + physical presence: about UI$3,500,000 (~ US$ 370,000) minimum value, plus at least 60 days/year presence.
Business Investment: Participating or investing in a company in Uruguay, sometimes with requirement to create a number of jobs (e.g. 15 full-time jobs). Also, sometimes investments in companies must meet certain valuation thresholds.
Tax Residency by Investment: If you make the required investment (real estate or business) and meet presence requirements (often 60 days/year), you may obtain tax residency status, which carries tax incentives.
Passive Income / Independent Means: In some cases, people with stable income (pension, investments abroad etc.) may apply without a large business or real estate purchase; but requirements vary.
If you are eligible and obtain residence by investment, here are the main advantages:
Right to live, work, study in Uruguay legally, often including family members.
Path to Permanent Residence and Citizenship: After being a resident (temporary then permanent) and fulfilling residence and integration requirements (Spanish ability, ties to community etc.), you can apply for citizenship. Usually 3 years for married applicants / with children; 5 years for singles.
Tax benefits: Uruguay has favorable regimes for foreign-sourced income under certain conditions; new tax residents can access certain exemptions. This is particularly relevant for investors.
Stable political and social environment: Uruguay is known for its stability, rule of law, decent quality of life, good healthcare and education systems.
Import duty / home goods: In many cases, legal residents can import household goods, possibly with favorable conditions. (Some private sources mention this benefit).
A married couple from Europe purchases a property in Uruguay worth ~US$ 400,000, meets the 60 days/year presence requirement, and applies under real estate investment + tax residency route. After 3 years as residents, they apply for citizenship.
An entrepreneur from Asia invests in a company in Uruguay, creating 15 full-time local jobs, meets other business investment thresholds. They include spouse and children in application, reside in Uruguay at least part of each year, and eventually become permanent residents, later citizens.
A retiree with passive pension income abroad, able to show income meets Uruguay’s required level, lives in Uruguay, buys home, maintains legal residency over years, and benefits from tax regimes for foreign income, then later applies for citizenship.
No exact “golden visa” model in the sense of immediate citizenship-for-investment exists. Uruguay requires genuine residence (physical presence, investment or means) and compliance over time before citizenship can be granted. Citizenship typically comes after several years of residency.
It depends on what kind of investment you choose. For tax residency through real estate + presence, roughly UI$ 3,500,000 (~US$ 370,000) is a recent benchmark. Business investment with job creation requires higher sums. If you’re only relying on showing stable passive income or other lower investment, requirements are lower but you may have fewer benefits. Always verify latest law.
For tax residency through investment, at least 60 days/year is a common requirement. For naturalization/citizenship, longer continuous residence is needed (three to five years depending on circumstances).
Yes. Spouse, dependent children (and in some cases dependent parents) can usually be included.
Uruguay has attractive regimes. For new tax residents, foreign-sourced income may be exempt under certain time frames. But local income / income from Uruguay will be taxable. Also, after the tax holiday period (if any) foreign dividends/interest may be taxed. Always check tax treaty effects with your home country.
Usually 3 years if married or with children; 5 years for single individuals. Must have been living in Uruguay as a resident, meet language / integration and other legal requirements.