Residencia legal – Temporaria, Permanente, Mercosur, and Hoja de Identidad Provisoria
Nómada Digital
Uruguay's Dirección Nacional de Migración (DNM) grants temporary residence (6 months to 2 years, for work, study or religious activity), permanent residence for any nationality, and Mercosur temporary and permanent residence for nationals of Mercosur and associated states. People who meet the criteria can apply directly for permanent residence without first holding temporary residence. For stays under 180 days, including digital nomads, DNM issues a provisional identity sheet (Hoja de Identidad Provisoria) that is renewable once.
Life in Uruguay
Money
3
Currency
Uruguayan Peso
UYU
Uruguayan Peso
Cost of living
72
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10–36%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 22% · social security 15%
2026 monthly scale: exempt up to 7 BPC (UYU 48,048 a month); 36% above 115 BPC (UYU 789,360 a month).
Living
1
Happiness
#29 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals who want to live in Uruguay temporarily or permanently, Mercosur and associated-state nationals, and remote workers wanting a short legal stay.
Eligibility
Means of supportPermanente
Applicants show a sufficient monthly income through notarised income certificates, BPS work history, or similar proof, depending on whether they are employed, self-employed, business owners, remote employees of foreign companies or retirees.
Worker pay floorTemporaria – workers
Workers need a company letter showing role, contract term and monthly pay of at least the national minimum wage, plus a notarised certificate on the company or a BPS work history.
StudentsTemporaria – students
Official enrolment certificate and proof of sufficient means (own, a relative's, or funds from abroad with a notarised certificate).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementMercosur nationality
- Document checklistValid passport or identity document used to enter Uruguay
- FeesResidence application (temporary, permanent or Mercosur)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 6 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 4 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Uruguay
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- gub.uy – Residencia Legal (updated 29 Jul 2026)
- gub.uy – Residencia Legal - Permanente (updated 19 Feb 2026)
- gub.uy – Residencia Legal - Temporaria (updated 12 Mar 2026)
- gub.uy – Residencia Legal - Permanente Mercosur (updated 12 Mar 2026)
- gub.uy – Hoja de identidad provisoria (updated 12 Mar 2026)
- Ministerio del Interior – Tipos de residencias en Uruguay (14 Mar 2023)
Permanent residence in other countries
- UzbekistanPermanent residence
- St. Vincent & GrenadinesSt Vincent and the Grenadines temporary and permanent residence
- British Virgin IslandsBVI Residence Status
- KosovoPermanent residence permit
- AndorraTen-year renewal after seven years
- United Arab EmiratesGolden Residence (10-year) – Skilled Professionals category
