Immigration to uruguay

Mercado del Puerto is an old port market filled with many steakhouses. Uruguay is not the cheapest South American nation, but cost of living is quite less than what you would spend while living in European and other American countries. This is one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse countries in the world. Also is probably one f the easiest countries in the whole world to immigrate to and get a residency. Uruguay is a tourist attraction and generates plenty of job vacancies in the hotel and tourism industry. People are friendly, warm, open, generous and welcoming. It is one of the safest and easy to settle down country. Montevideo, the capital city offers the highest quality of life of any city in South America. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will revel in exploring all that it has to offer. Encompassing rivers, lakes, and swamps. The ecological preserve is home to many iconic South American animals. 

Traveling information

Uruguay is now open for tourists and vacationers and allowing those who are fully vaccinated. It is necessary to comply with requirements to make sure that entry is permitted. Travelers submitting a valid certificate for dull vaccination of COVID-19 will be exempted from pre-departure testing requirements. Non-vaccinated must provide a proof of a negative RT-PCR or rapid antigen test, taken within the previous 72 hours, on departure. Argentina’s borders with Uruguay may occur closed according to the situation. If it is necessary to travel this country then be prepare for an extended stay or to experience some disruptions to travel due to the pandemic situation.

Getting a travel insurance which has sufficient cover policy is important. Best way to reach here is by flight from all over the world. This nation has Carrasco International Airport in Ciudad de la Costa, located twenty four kilometers away from the capital city, connecting to most of the countries. Several transports are available to get around Uruguay like car, bus, train, ferry, bike and plane. Traveling by plane within the country can be costly so if you want to keep your budget low then traveling by buses will be the best option. Here in Uruguay, there is an extensive internal bus system. These buses are safe, comfortable and frequent. Taxis are also safe and affordable, all use meters and have fixed costs.

By trains also you can roam within the country. Today there are very limited commuter train services running from Montevideo to the northern suburbs. 

How to immigrate to Uruguay

Visa:To move to Uruguay, first you need a visa, valid passport and tickets as well as visa to be issued by the Uruguay Authority. While visiting to this country you will be issued a 90 days temporary visa, when you pass through airport immigration or when crossing the border. If you wish to extend it for another 90 days, you have to visit the immigration office with an additional fee. If you want to get a temporary or permanent residency then you can submit a request to the immigration department after completing 180 days in the country. 

Rentista Visa: Most common visa issued to expats moving to Uruguay. There is no specific income requirement to be given while submitting the application. With this visa you can ship your household things duty free. 

Work Visa: To get a work visa you need to show a legal work agreement or an offer letter from your Uruguayan employer. The documents submitted in the immigration department must be notarized and containing information about the company, salary and terms of employment. Usually the employer applies for this visa on your behalf. 

Retirement Visa: With this visa, you can ship your household goods duty free and can import a vehicle too. Also you can apply for a Uruguayan passport. The requirements for this visa are complicated compared to the other neighboring countries, but are getting changed in recent years. Make sure to see an immigration lawyer or the Uruguayan Embassy for the most recent information about this visa. 

Permanent Residency and Citizenship:

Documents:

• You must submit a letter to the government notifying them of your purpose of immigration.
• Submit birth certificate, legalized by the Uruguayan Consulate.
• Provide Marriage certificate legalized by the Uruguayan Consulate.
• Proof of regular monthly income like pension, salary, stipends, dividends and rental income etc.

For more information please visit: immiguides.com and ort.edu.uy

People

Citizens from Uruguay are called Uruguayans, through the citizenship or descent. This connection can be legal, residential, cultural or historical. This is a home to various ethnic groups. This nation is multiethnic with people from Spain, Italy, Germany and France i.e. Spanish Uruguayans, Italian Uruguayans, German Uruguayans, French Uruguayans and Polish Uruguayans or combination of these groups. There are many ethnic groups in this country, European – 87.7% (Spanish or Italian descent); Mestizos, Amerindian, and other nonwhite groups – 2.4%). Religions followed by the population are Roman Catholic 45.7%, Protestant 9.0%, Jews 30.1%, other 0.4%. People here are diverse, engaging and vibrant. Uruguayans have different ancestors, Americans, Europeans, Spanish, Africans, Indigenous and German as a result there is diversity in their culture. These people are generally polite, friendly, courteous and charming. They are also considered as helpful, warm and hospitable. Even in casual meet, they address each other with love and respect. To greet a person, shaking hands, a squeeze of arm and a hug is common. Skin color ranges here from white to black and most people are of mixed race. A person of Indian or Spanish descent is called Mestizo. People here do speak in Spanish, but their Spanish language is different from the Spanish language spoken in the European Countries.

Job offers in Uruguay

If you want to work in Uruguay, first you need to get a work visa, after you can work in this nation. The work visa requires applicants to get a valid employment agreement with an Uruguayan Company. The common jobs here are in tourism and education sector, especially teaching with TEFL certificate. English speaking teaches are always in high demand. Also you can find jobs in the Hospitality and tourism sector, as this nation is a tourist spot and full of tourists all year round. Uruguay is one of the tourist’s attractions in the world. Also there are many jobs available in the service and tourism industry. If you have skills in other profession, there are also many opportunities in other fields as well. Learning the local language Spanish will also help you to get there. Jobs in this country will also help you to expand your network and develop your skills. Getting job in this country can be tough as there is so much competition and people are highly qualified. But it is not impossible to get one, just be polite and make international contacts as much as possible.

This country attract  foreign entrepreneurs due to its constant growing economy, stable government and better commercial infrastructure. You can easily start a business in Uruguay, for this you will need a permanent residency status already.

How to get a job offer: 

• Search online
• Apply after finding a suitable company
• Give interview online or in person
• Sign a contract offered by the School or Company
• Submit your documents in order to get a job

For everything an Employer and Employee must know about hiring in Uruguay,  please visit: globalexpansion.com

Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate in Uruguay was declined to 7.9% in the second quarter of the year 2022, from the first quarter which was 8.1% in the previous month of the year 2022. The rate was 9.5% in the previous year 2021. The unemployment rate was higher for women than men last year, which was 8.7% and 7.3% respectively. However, the employment rose by 0.7% from the year 2021, which was 56.6% and the activity rate gone down to 0.3% to 61.5%. The jobless rate refers to the share of working force that is unemployed but is available for work and seeking for it. The unemployment rate got increased in the year 2020 when the pandemic has started, as the employed population lost their jobs and the number of unemployed increased. At the same time the number of economically active population has risen. The rate is as high because of the job losses in commerce, distribution, tourism and several other sectors, same as the absence of a system of unemployment benefits, like many other countries in the year 2021. Inflation increased, shown in higher food, health, medicines and housing prices. On a seasonal basis, the unemployment rate eased to 3.5% in the month of February 2022. 

For more information please visit: tradingeconomics.com

Economy  

The economy of Uruguay is standing on the export oriented agriculture sector, tourism, banking and a well educated workforce along with high level of social spending. Economy of this country grew by 4.4% in the year 2021 after a drop in the previous year because of the pandemic. The freedom score of Uruguay’s economy is 70, ranking the 34^th freest economy in the year 2022 Index. This nation is also considered as a regional hub for international finance and tourism. More than ninety percent of the population lives in the city. Most industries and more than fifty percent of the population works in the capital city Montevideo. This nation exports Soybeans, beef, cellulose, rice, wheat, wood, dairy products and wool. This economy is mostly depended on agriculture, software, energy, mining, plastics and telecommunications, etc. This nation is also a big exporter of Food products like milk and dairy products. Tourism, software and consulting, banking services, public sectors are growing industries. Goods imported by this nation are refined oil, crude oil, passenger and other transportation vehicles, vehicle parts and cellular phones.

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org

Renting and buying of real estates for foreigners

Renting:

In Uruguay, getting a place is challenging and important as it gives you the feeling of settled in a new country. According to the Uruguayan’s legal system, it is not required to make an agreement or print the documents but you can make if the owner requests for it. You can rent it on a short or a long term basis. The minimum duration for a lease agreement is one year or two. Renting an apartment or a house is cheaper than many other countries in North America and Europe. The most expensive city in this county is the capital, the Montevideo. The amount of rent may vary from city to city as it depends on the neighborhood, market, size of the property, city centre. Prices in the major cities are comparatively higher than the rural areas. You can search for a reliable and comfortable accommodation, online or hire a broker. Both the furnished and unfurnished flats are available. Deposit amount must be equivalent to six months of the rental price.

Documents: 

• Passport
• National Identity Card
• Documents issued by the Uruguayan Government
• Work permit
• Bank Statement

Buying:

Owning a property in Uruguay is possible for foreigners as there are no restrictions on expats buying it in this country. Contracts and title searches are handled by a public notary, who represents both the seller and the buyer. It is difficult for expats to get mortgages in this country, but if you are a full time resident and legally working in this country with paying income tax on time then you can get the mortgage. If you have cash then buying a property is much easier. Property prices may vary due to various aspects, as if the property is in the city centre or is in outskirts, its size, or in the middle of the country, etc. Apart from the house price you will also need to pay the agency/brokers fees and Real estate Transfer Tax. Transfer of title is executed in front of a public notary. In order for the transfer of property to occur, it should be registered where the property is located. If the notary is not present while transaction, the deed will be rendered invalid.

Documents: 

• Passport
• Tax ID
• Purchase or Sale Agreement
• Title transfer papers
• Correspondence Taxes Slips

For more information please visit: globalpropertyguide.com  and liveinuruguay.uy

Climate

In Uruguay, the climate is temperate that is same all year round. The weather in summer is warm and moist, in winter it is cold. Other than this, the climate in this country is wet, windy and partially clouded year round. The best time to visit this country is from the ending of the month March till the early November. There are regional variations in this country’s weather. Summer is the also the rainy season in this country. The rainy season has moderate humidity levels. Winter is the dry season. This country has four distinct seasons, still no extreme change in the temperature.

Summer Season: This season runs from the month of December till the month of January. Temperature in the capital city ranges from 60° to 86°F. Thunderstorms are common during this month. 

Winter Season: This season starts from the month of June till the month of September. This is the cooler time of the year. Temperature in winter season of the capital city drops to 41° to 50°F. The coldest month is June where the atmosphere is damp and chilly. 

Spring Season: This season lasts only for two months, October and November. Weather can be damp and windy. 

Autumn Season: This season also runs only for two months, April and May. Climate during these months is often warm and pleasant.

For more information please visit: goway.com

Languages

The official language of Uruguay is Uruguayan Spanish. Uruguayan Spanish is the first and second language spoken by nearly all of population of this country. Portuguese, Italian and English are other languages spoken in this nation. English is commonly used in the business sector and is mandatory in educational institutions in recent years. Uruguayan Portuguese is spoken by more than 10% of the population in the northern regions near the country Brazil, as their native language, making it the second most spoken language of the country. Other than this, Uruguayan Sign Language (LSU) is another language used by deaf communities. Immigrant languages spoken in their ethnic communities all over the country are German, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Swedish, Turkish, etc. Populations here are bilingual or multilingual as they can speak more than two languages. Many are people are multilingual, can speak, write and understand these languages and are fluent in it. However English language is very much used at the popular tourist destinations in this country and near the border of the Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay. To greet someone you can say “HOLA” means ‘hello’ in Spanish and other words like “Buenos dias” ‘Good Morning’; Buenas Noches” ‘Good evening/Night’; “Como estas” ‘How are you’ will surely help you to start a conversation. 

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org

Traffic

Foreigners can drive in this Uruguay with a valid driving license, this can be your license issued from your native country and international driving permit translated into Uruguayan Spanish. Also in this country, the Automovil Club del Uruguay has the authority to issue an international driving permit, which is valid for one year and is a legal document if you are driving outside the “Mercosur” area. All the road sign boards are easily understandable, even though they are written in Spanish. Traffic runs on the right hand side of the road, like many other countries in the world. Seatbelts are compulsory, even when driving a rental car in this country. Uruguay has good roads, especially highways linking big towns, cities and tourist destinations. Road surfaces are good in condition and often double carriageways. Roads are full of dirt and gravel in some parts of the islands, forests or rural areas. Most of the places have gravel and potholes on the road. To drive on these roads you need a sturdy two-wheeler or four-wheeler vehicle. If you don’t want to experience the jam then it is suggested to be more attentive while driving as not all the people follow the driving rules.

You can hire a rental car in the city you are planning to stay in this nation.  There are different speed limits given by the Uruguayan government. In cities, small towns and villages, speed limit is from 45 km/h. And on highways it should be 110 km/h, depending on the area you are driving through.

Documents: 

• Passport or green card
• International Driving Permit
• Vehicle Registration Proof
• Insurance papers of the vehicle
• Contract papers from the rental company

For more information visit: mowgli-adventures.com

Currency

Uruguay’s official currency is Uruguayan peso ($U). The sign for the US Dollar and Uruguayan peso ($) is same as they have the common origin from Spanish dollar. It is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $ or UYU to distinguished it from other dollar denominated currencies. The peso uruguayo was adopted in the year 1993 and is divided into 100 centésimos, however, centésimos are not currently in use. The currency is minted by the Central Bank of the Uruguay and the paper currency is minted in seven denominations, which are $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000 and coins as $1, $2, $5, $10. Coin of $50 is the legal coin and still but is rarely used by the population.

Payment Transaction

Population of Uruguay uses various methods of payment. Payments can be made in this country through online, cash or cards, or by digital wallet, especially in big cities like Montevideo. You can use these payment options in major stores, restaurants, hotels and hospitals. Cash is the original and the oldest payment method, used by more than 90% population, so you’ll need some Uruguayan peso in hand. Mint, Rapyd and RedPagos are the online payment methods, used by the locals and foreigners these days. This nation also has one of the fastest growing mobile driven e-commerce markets in the South America. Other non-cash payment methods currently used in this country are cheques, debit cards, credit cards, etc. Apparently, it’s anytime you pay without physically handing over notes and coins. Cards can be used and accepted anywhere in this country. Visa, Discover, Maestro, MasterCard and American Express is the most common and widely accepted cards. And so it is suggested to take along a Visa card with you while traveling. Digital wallets and Bank transfers are also used by most of the expats as well as locals.    

Payment Methods:

• Cash
• Credit Cards
• Cheques
• Digital Wallets
• Bank Transfers

For more information visit: paymentwall.com

Cost of living in Uruguay

According to a survey the cost of living in the Uruguay is more expensive than the 60% of countries in the whole wide world and third most expensive in Latin America. Average living cost in Argentina depends upon your lifestyle or your current situation, like whether you are working or a student. Cost of living varies from city to city and also if you are staying alone or with your family. The average monthly expense for a single person is approximately U$60,000. And the monthly expense will rise if you want to move along with your family of four persons, which will be U$140,000. Food is cheap and if you are staying in a city where you can go by bicycle, walking till your work place or live in a city with a good public transport system, then your cost of living will be much lower.

Monthly rent will cost more in the urban areas or in the coastal areas than the cost of rent in rural areas. Expense will also rise if you need bigger accommodation, than the smaller one. Average living cost depends upon your lifestyle or your current situation, like whether you are working or a student.

Here are some products mentioned below, so that you will get a clear idea of the cost of living: 

For more information on cost of living in Uruguay, visit: expatistan.com

Apartment Rents in Uruguay

Montevideo is the most expensive place to rent a residential property, followed by Salto, Maldonado, Punta del Este, Rivera, and Ciudad de la Costa in this country. Also, cites on the coastal areas in different provinces has the expensive apartments. Uruguay is forty percent more expensive than the country Brazil. Fully furnished one bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost you approx U$26,700 and same apartment, outside city will cost approx U$18,450. A furnished studio apartment of 2 to 3 bedrooms in the city centre will cost you approx U$44,000 and outside the city it will cost you approx U$25,540. After visiting on the below given link you will get the ideas of the cost of monthly rent. You will find the apartments online or with the help of a local friend. Property showing websites also mentions prices below so that you can choose according to your need and comfort.

For more information on apartment rents in Uruguay,  visit: expatistan.com

Taxes in Uruguay

Taxes in Uruguay are collected by the General Taxation Directorate. Expats and non-residents are only taxable on their Uruguayan source of income. Individual resident in this country is taxable on their worldwide income and can get a tax credit for paid taxes on income from foreign earnings. Residents and non-residents are taxed at progressive income tax rate band from 10% to 36%. Income gained from mediation, leasing, use, transfer, of federative rights, image rights and athletes in resident sport entities, regardless of the registration period or permanence in Uruguay, is also considered Uruguayan income. Foreigners do not have to pay tax in this country on non-Uruguayan income. The School tax taxing urban rural estate is collected by the DGI. Regional administrations in the country can form, collect and control certain taxes through their respective department councils. The most common local taxes are Real Estate Tax, Vehicle Registration Fee and the Food Analysis Tax. In Uruguay, a tax year is of twelve months. The main sources of state budget revenues in this country are: 

• Income Tax (imposed on enterprises and individuals)
• Value-added Tax
• Corporate tax

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org  and taxsummaries.pwc.com

Health Insurance in Uruguay

Uruguay provides medical care on par with international measures and World class healthcare standards are given to people since past so many years. Expats can take a comprehensive health insurance plan. Locals and foreigners can choose from a variety of healthcare options in this country. If a person cannot afford private healthcare system then there is another provision of public healthcare system in this nation which he can choose of treatment. Another medical care option is Mutualista, which gives benefit to both the locals and expats. This is an affordable private hospital membership plan that is easily accessible by all. To be able to use it, they must apply for the membership and spend a monthly fee. Most expats visitors go to the British Hospital in the capital city Montevideo and consider it the best medical facility in this country. They have English speaking staff and provide consultation and surgeries in very short time. In public healthcare system the drawback is, it takes too long to wait in queue. If you want to get a quick response then you can choose the private healthcare system, which is a bit expensive. They have to pay compulsory premiums for this semi private insurance plan. Most locals opt for this plan as this gives better coverage and good service.

For more information visit: expatfinancial.com

Important addresses

Carrasco International Airport:
5X7M+5G8, Capitán Juan Antonio Artigas,
14000 Ciudad de la Costa, Departamento de Canelones,
Uruguay
Ph: +598 2604 0329

Punta del Este International Airport:
4WQ2+HP3, Ruta 113, 201000 Maldonado,
Departmento de Maldonado,
Uruguay
Ph: +598 4255 9777

Melo International Airport:
MQ6G+6FH, 37000 Departmento de Cerro Largo,
Uruguay
Ph: +598 4640 2027

Laguna de los Patos International Airport:
G6XM+XGG, Cam. Al Aeropuerto 2,
70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departmento de Colonia,
Uruguay
Ph: +598 4500 4853

Terminal Omnibus Bus:
3QRX+67J, Camacuá, 11000 Montevideo,
Departmento de Montevideo,
Uruguay

Parque Rado Terminal:
11200 Montevideo, Montevideo Department,
Uruguay

Terminal Piriápolis:
20200 Piriápolis, Maldonando Department,
Uruguay
Ph: +598 4432 4141

Embassy of Italy:
José Benito Lamas 2857, 11300 Montevideo,
Departmento de Montevideo, Uruguay
Ph: +598 2708 0542

Embassy of Canada:
Pl. Independencia 749, 11100 Montevideo,
Departmento de Montevideo, Uruguay
Ph: +598 2902 2030

Embassy of Argentina:
Cuareim 1470, 11100 Montevideo, Departmento de Montevideo,
Uruguay
Ph: +598 2902 8166

Embassy of Spain:
Av. Brasil 2770, 11300 Montevideo,
Departmento de Montevideo, Uruguay
Ph: +598 2708 6010

Summary

Uruguay a beautiful country and expensive country, yet worth  living. Uruguay is famous for its scenic beaches, forests and ancient monuments. With the explosion of tourism in recent years, Montevideo has seen a rapid growth and the permanent population swells exponentially during the summer months. Uruguay is a  country with breathtaking places, pleasant climate and a fun spot for adventurous people. It is culturally accessible and has a rich history, great food, many cultural attractions. People are friendly, fashionable, happy, modern and peace loving. Uruguay provides good healthcare system to locals as well as to the foreigners. Uruguay  is one of the most visited countries; as a result there are plenty of job opportunities especially in the tourism sector and hotel industries. English is in high demand here. Cost of living is comparatively expensive than neighboring countries here but gives you a better lifestyle compared to the other American and European countries and hence many people choose Uruguay to immigrate.