Uruguay Visa Guide

Uruguay - permanent

Uruguay Mercosur Permanent ResidenceResidencia Legal - Permanente Mercosur

Last verified: April 18, 2026

Direct permanent residence granted to nationals of Mercosur member and associate states (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname) under the Mercosur Residence Agreement. Bypasses the need for a prior temporary stage.

Who this visa is for

  • Nationals of Mercosur member and associate states
  • Applicants seeking permanent residence without a temporary phase
  • Families of Mercosur nationals moving together
  • Applicants who can document five years of clean criminal background
  • Mercosur nationals intending to work, study, or settle long-term in Uruguay

Requirements

  • Valid identity document or passport
  • Criminal background certificate

    From country of origin and each country of residence in the last 5 years (where stay exceeded 6 months)

  • Vaccination certificate

    Per Decree 136/2018

  • Health card (carne de salud)

    Issued by authorized Uruguayan healthcare provider

  • Passport-style photograph
  • Apostille or legalization

    Required on all foreign documents, with Spanish translation except Brazilian documents

  • Proof of Mercosur nationality
Processing time
Not published officially; varies case-by-case. Applicants receive acceptance or observations by email and schedule an in-person appointment.
Validity
Permanent (indefinite), subject to keeping residence active
Path to permanent
Grants permanent residence directly upon approval

Fees

FeeAmountNote
Residence application557.30 UI (approx. USD 100)Paraguayan and Brazilian nationals are exempt under reciprocity agreements
Migration certificate55.70 UI (approx. USD 10)
Re-entry permit (per exit)225.60 UI (approx. USD 40)Required for each departure while application is pending

Application steps

  1. Create gub.uy account

    Register on the gub.uy electronic identification platform

  2. Complete online form

    Select Mercosur permanent residence and fill in personal data

  3. Upload documents in PDF

    Include apostilled and translated documentation

  4. Pay fees

    Via bank transfer or approved collection network

  5. Attend in-person appointment

    Present originals at DNM office; 10-minute grace period allowed

  6. Receive resolution

    Notification by email to residenciaspermanentesmercosur@minterior.gub.uy contact

Official government source

Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:

AI

Ask about the Mercosur Permanent ResidenceResidencia Legal - Permanente Mercosur

Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Which countries qualify for Mercosur permanent residence?

Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname.

Do I need a prior temporary residence?

No. Mercosur nationals can apply directly for permanent residence under the Mercosur Residence Agreement.

Are there fee exemptions?

Yes. Paraguayan and Brazilian nationals are exempt from the residence fee under reciprocity agreements.

Do I need a job offer?

No. Mercosur residence is based on nationality, not employment.

Can I leave Uruguay while the application is pending?

Yes, but each departure requires a re-entry permit costing 225.60 UI.

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