Uruguay has a high-income economy dominated by agriculture and tourism
URUGUAY
Uruguay, host nation of the first football World Cup in 1930, is located in South America between Argentina and Brazil. With a size of 176,215 sqm (about half the size of Germany) and a population of 3 million people, its population density is low. Welcoming foreign immigrants is a stated policy. Uruguayans are of predominantly European origin, and the local culture is heavily influenced by Europe, giving the country a more Mediterranean than Latin American vibe.
Uruguay has a high-income economy dominated by agriculture and tourism, and is ranked first in La tin America in democracy, peace, and e-government; and last in corruption. It is also the first in South America when it comes to press freedom, size of the middle class, and prosperity. It r anks second in the continent on economic freedom, income equality, per-capita income, and in flows of FDI. Uruguay is a founding member of the United Nations (UN), OAS, and MERCOSUR which provides free movement to other member s states (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay)
Immigration
Foreigners can apply for permanent residence (PR), and will initially be issued temporary residence which converts to permanent after a few months. Once PR is granted one ma y reside in the country indefinitely. Candidates may apply for Uruguayan citizenship after 3 years of residence. Those receiving it have full citizens’ rights and the passport is valid for a period of 10 years (renewable upon expiry).
Program Features
Processing time 2-3 weeks for temporary and afterwards 6-8 months for permanent residence
Applicants must be physically present, and undergo a medical exam locally.
Birth, and marriage or divorce certificates; certificates of criminal or police r ecord from the country of origin and residence for the last 5 years, proof of regular income.
Documents must be apostilled (if the issuing country is a signatory of the Hague Convention) or, if not, attested by a Uruguayan consulate abroad.
Benefits
No minimum physical presence required to maintain permanent residence.
Citizens enjoy visa-free travel to 153 countries, incl. UK, Schengen, Singapore, Hong K ong, Russia, New Zealand and Japan.
Permanent residents and citizens do not need a passport to travel to most South American countries (a Uruguayan ID car d is sufficient)
Direct flights from Europe, North America, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Panama etc.
