How to Move to Uruguay: Full List of Documents and Immigration Tips

Uruguay is one of the most stable and welcoming countries in South America. It's becoming increasingly popular among migrants from all over the world — Russia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. The reasons are simple: a mild climate, free healthcare, a relaxed lifestyle, and a clear path to residency and citizenship.

If you're planning to move to Uruguay, here's what you need to know — which documents to prepare, how to prove your income, what timelines apply, and what pitfalls to avoid.

Essential Documents for Immigration to Uruguay

To start the immigration process, a valid passport is enough. With it, you can get a temporary residence permit (residencia temporal) for two years. However, if you're aiming for permanent residency (residencia permanente) and citizenship, it's best to come fully prepared.

1. Birth Certificate with Apostille

• Must be issued within the past year.
• Apostille is mandatory.
• Bring an official (second) copy issued by the civil registry.

2. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

• Must also have an apostille.
• Required if your spouse is moving with you.

3. Police Clearance Certificates

• From every country where you've lived for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
• Every certificate must be apostilled.
• Must be issued within 6 months before your arrival in Uruguay.

4. Medical Documents

• Proof of vaccinations. If you don't have them, they can be done for free in Uruguay.
• A basic medical check-up is required (blood/urine tests, blood pressure, vision, weight, etc.).

5. Proof of Income

• Minimum requirement: $500/month per adult.
• Easiest way: register as a sole proprietor (IP) in Uruguay.
• Remote workers can also use work contracts and foreign bank statements (must be translated and officially verified).

6. School Records for Children (if applicable)

• Transcripts and grade reports from previous schools, all apostilled.
• Not needed if the child hasn't attended school before.

7. Driver’s License (optional but useful)

• Get a notarized copy and apostille it before leaving your country.
• All documents must be officially translated in Uruguay by a certified translator.

Why Choose Uruguay?

• Free healthcare — even for tourists.
• A clear path to citizenship: 3 years of residency if you're married, 5 if you're not.
• Support for freelancers and remote workers.
• No property purchase requirements for residency.

Common Mistakes When Moving

• Arriving without apostilles.
• Expired documents (older than 6 months).
• Bringing translations done abroad — they are not accepted.
• Incomplete or improperly formatted proof of income.

Ready to Move?

If you want to simplify the process, avoid delays, and get your residency or citizenship as efficiently as possible — I can help. I offer personalized consultations to help you prepare documents, understand the rules, and navigate the system with confidence.

📩 Contact Me:

You can join my Telegram group (link in the video description) — I share useful insights, updates, and answer questions about life and immigration in Uruguay.