Uruguay

Uruguay visa guide: entry, temporary and permanent residence

  • 4 visa types
  • checked 24 October 2026

How visas for Uruguay work

Uruguay's migration system is governed by Migration Law 18.250 of 2008 and Decree 356/018. Visas are issued by Uruguayan consulates abroad after authorisation from the National Migration Directorate (DNM) of the Ministry of the Interior, which usually takes at least 20 working days. Decree 356/018 sets the visa categories: tourism, business, work, study, family reunification, humanitarian and urgent, and congresses or seminars.

The DNM's table of admission regimes lists the countries whose nationals do not need a visa, by passport type (ordinary, diplomatic, official or service). Nationals of countries not on the list need a prior consular visa. Visitors who come for a purpose other than tourism, or who want to stay beyond the 90 days established, follow the corresponding procedure.

People who want to live in Uruguay apply to the DNM for legal residence once in the country: temporary residence for work, study or religious activity, or permanent residence for anyone intending to settle, with a faster route for relatives of Uruguayans. Applications start online with a gub.uy user, followed by an in-person appointment with original documents. Residence fees are expressed in indexed units (UI): 557.30 UI for temporary or permanent residence.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday or family visit: no visa if your nationality is exempt in the DNM table, otherwise a consular tourist visa; extensions of stay are requested at a DNM office.

Working, studying or carrying out religious activities for a limited time: temporary legal residence.

Settling in Uruguay with your own means of support, a job, a business or a pension: permanent legal residence.

Spouse, partner, parent, sibling or grandchild of a Uruguayan: permanent residence by Uruguayan family link.

Visa types for Uruguay

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Tourist entry and tourist visa (visa de turismo)

    Nationals of the countries listed as exempt in the DNM's admission regime can visit Uruguay without a visa.

    Maximum stay: The stay granted at entry, extendable through the DNM

Family

  • Spouse and partner visa Permanent residence by Uruguayan family link (Residencia Legal Permanente por vínculo uruguayo)

    Foreign relatives of Uruguayan citizens, including spouses and partners in a registered de facto union, can apply for permanent residence by Uruguayan family link.

    Maximum stay: Permanent

Residence

  • Residence permit Temporary legal residence (Residencia Legal Temporaria)

    Uruguay's temporary legal residence is for foreigners who come for a set period to work, study or carry out religious activities.

    Maximum stay: Workers and religious staff: up to two years, extendable to four. Students: up to one year at a time
  • Permanent residence Permanent legal residence (Residencia Legal Permanente)

    Uruguay's permanent legal residence is open to any foreigner who intends to live in the country permanently, with no prior temporary residence required, provided they prove sufficient means of support.

    Maximum stay: Permanent

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Uruguay?

It depends on your nationality and passport type. The DNM table of admission regimes lists the countries whose nationals need no visa; nationals of countries not on the list need a consular visa before travelling.

How long does a Uruguayan visa take?

For nationalities that need one, the DNM's authorisation usually takes at least 20 working days from the application; the consulate then stamps the visa in the passport.

How much does Uruguayan residence cost?

557.30 indexed units (UI) for temporary or permanent residence, plus 55.70 UI for the migration certificate needed for the identity card; the UI value is adjusted twice a year.

Can I travel while my residence is being processed?

Yes, but each time you leave Uruguay before residence is granted you must pay a re-entry permit of 225.60 UI.

Do I need a vaccination certificate?

Yes. Residence applicants present a valid certificate from a vaccination centre in Uruguay showing that they meet the national vaccination scheme (Decree 136/2018).

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.