Uruguay

"Libertad o Muerte" ("Liberty or Death")

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Welcome to Uruguay

Uruguay, a small South American country, is known for its progressive policies, beautiful coastlines, and stable democracy. Its economy, driven by agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism, makes it a hub for expatriates seeking a relaxed lifestyle.

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Uruguay Essentials

Inno nazionale

Himno Nacional de Uruguay

Giorno dell'Indipendenza

August 25, 1825

Haiko

Gauchos ride pampas / Mate gourds passed in friendship / River Plate flows on

Interesting Tradition

Holds the world's longest Carnival lasting over 40 days

Weirdest Local Superstition

Putting a hat on the bed brings bad luck

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to insult public officials

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the tranquility, stay for the transformation: Uruguay crafts South American stability with progressive policies and Atlantic charm. Life moves between morning mate on the rambla and afternoon work in growing tech centers, while evenings explore historic Montevideo. Friendly residency policies and a solid banking system have made Uruguay an attractive base for global citizens.

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Vamos

Discover where 'tranquilo' isn't just calm, but the key to sustainable success. Here, Atlantic breezes carry dreams of possibility, and your journey joins a society that has mastered the art of balanced progress.

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Bienvenidos a Uruguay

Famous for its beef and beaches where every meal is a barbecue and every day is a beach day

Uruguay isn't just a country—it's South America's sophisticated secret. Here, time moves to the rhythm of candombe drums, and even a simple beach walk becomes a lesson in laid-back living. This is a land where progressive thinking and pastoral peace create unique harmony.

From the artistic spirit of Montevideo to the colonial charm of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay offers elegance for every thoughtful traveler. Whether you're drawn to the glamorous beaches of Punta del Este, the hot springs of Salto, or the rolling ranches of the interior, you'll find a country that masters the art of understated excellence.

Statistiche

Savor the Flavor

Eat

chivito (steak sandwich) - pascualina (spinach pie)

Drink

medio y medio (wine mix) - mate (yerba mate tea)

overview

Tomamos algo?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

40

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

22

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

3.19

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

9.14

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Mate sharing has strict passing direction rules
#2
Carnival drumming knowledge shows belonging
#3
Beef doneness preference has social implications
#4
Soccer team allegiance affects social circles
#5
Beach culture has specific territorial rules

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Uruguay Essentials

Representative Novel

The Truce by Mario Benedetti (Novel set in Uruguay)

National Animal

Rufous Hornero

National Pasttime

Calcio (Soccer)

Souvenir nazionale

Mate gourd and bombilla

Piatto nazionale

Chivito

Festival famoso

Carnival

Danza famosa

Candombe

Musica famosa

Candombe

overview

Did You Know?

First country to fully legalize marijuana

Holds the world's longest Carnival lasting over 40 days

Famous for its beef and beaches, where every meal is a barbecue and every day is a beach day

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Uruguay’s Key Historical Events

1680s

Aprile 2014

European settlement begins

1825

Luglio 2014

Independence from Brazil

1903

Febbraio 2015

First World Cup in Uruguay

2002

Marzo 2015

Economic crisis and reforms

2010

Ottobre 2016

Legalization of same-sex marriage

MOBILITY

Access Uruguay Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

2

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Citizenship by DESCENT
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
3 years
DUAL Citizenship
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
3
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

132

Performance Class

Global Contender

Grado del passaporto

B

Rank

60

Score

139.4

This visa grants access to:

• 34% of the world's population 

• 71% of UNESCO sites 

• 43% of global GDP 

• 44% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Accesso senza visto a:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Uruguay by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Uruguay

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobilità
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Requisito della presenza fisica
Costo della vita
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Uruguay's Global Rankings 

Uruguay demonstrates strong rule of law (#25) and high happiness (#26). Our analysis shows well-accessible healthcare (#35) and moderate living costs (#29).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
29
Costo della vita
2024
Moderate
60
Quality of Life
2024
Standard
52
Safety
2024
Alto
26
Happiness
2024
Alto
127
Tax Burden
2024
Moderate Load
39
English Proficiency
2023
Moderate Proficiency
25
Rule of Law
2024
Strong
35
Healthcare System
2024
Well-Accessible
32
Pleasant Climate
2024
Pleasant

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Età mediana

35.8

years

Life Expectancy

78.8

years

Obesity Rate

24.90%

Tobacco Use

23.50%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

9.36%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

2.43

per 1000 people

Doctors

6.2

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

15.44%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Public Healthcare System

Uruguay offers a public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical services to all residents through its public hospitals.

Private Healthcare Options

In addition to the public system, Uruguay has a well-developed private healthcare sector offering faster access to specialized treatments.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Uruguay can access both public and private healthcare systems, with many opting for private insurance for quicker services.

Medical Tourism Growth

Uruguay is a growing destination for medical tourism, particularly in areas like dental care, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatments.

Pharmaceutical Coverage

Pharmaceuticals in Uruguay are affordable, with many medications covered by the public healthcare system and available in pharmacies.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Panoramica del costo della vita

Uruguay provides a moderate cost of living by South American standards. Montevideo, the capital, is more expensive than other areas but still offers good value. Housing in Montevideo can be costly, especially in popular neighborhoods. Food is moderately priced, with local markets offering better value. Utilities are reasonably priced. Public transportation is affordable and relatively efficient in urban areas. Education costs are moderate, with public universities being more affordable than private institutions.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.84

per liter

Cost of Meal

$15.38

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$548.90

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$123.87

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$3.31

(0.5 liter draught)

Aliquota IVA

22%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Tassazione

Panoramica sulla tassazione

Before considering a move to Uruguay, it's important to grasp its tax system+Uruguay taxes residents on their worldwide income and non-residents on Uruguayan-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 36%. Social security contributions are mandatory for most workers. The standard VAT rate is 22%, with a reduced rate of 10% for certain goods. Property tax applies to both urban and rural properties. A Tax Identification Number (RUT) is required for tax purposes+Uruguay has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes (with exceptions)

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Reddito personale

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0%-36%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

12%

Eredità

Based on inherited amount and relationship

3%-20%

Reddito d'impresa

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

25%

Plusvalenze aziendali

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

25%

Dividendi

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%-12%

Interesse

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0%-12%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0%-12%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are tax residents if present for 183+ days, have their base of activities or vital interests in Uruguay, or make certain qualifying investments.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

103

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

70.3

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

41.8
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

163
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

20

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

49.5
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Average Temperature

17.97 °C

Humidity

74

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1,300

mm

Rainless Days per Year

263

Best Time to Travel

October-March

Domande?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Uruguay

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Uruguay

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Uruguay?

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What language do they speak in Uruguay?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Uruguay with me?

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How can GlobalPassport™ help me move to Uruguay?

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Posso mantenere la mia cittadinanza?

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Articoli sulle risorse per la mobilità

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