Immigration & Visa

A tourist stay (often up to 90 days, sometimes extendable) is not long-term residence. Work, study or settling requires a migration category with the Dirección Nacional de Migración (DNM).

The Hoja de Identidad Provisoria (HIP) allows, per the Interior Ministry, limited-term work (max. 180 days, renewable once by 180 days under Decree 238/022). Digital nomads can use the HIP nómada digital route.

• Apply online or in person via DNM; ID is then issued at DNIC.
• HIP digital nomad: among other items, entry ID document and sworn declaration per the trámite page.
• Renewal: Uruguayan cédula, police records (apostille/translation by country), Uruguay vaccination schedule.
• Fee per gub.uy: 55.71 UI; cannot be paid from abroad.

Temporary residence: stays over 180 days up to two years (work, study, religious roles, etc.). Permanent residence: when the intent is to settle — Interior Ministry guidance says it may be requested directly without prior temporary status.

• MERCOSUR / associates: permanent MERCOSUR residence for nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname and Guyana (MI list).
• Temporary MERCOSUR: up to 2 years, renewable once for the same period (typically apply 90 days before expiry).
• Family link to a Uruguayan: separate permanent-residence category.
• Non-MERCOSUR: general permanent residence with the required evidence.

Fees are often quoted in UI (amounts change). Historical figures for MERCOSUR permanent around ca. 557 UI plus a migration certificate circulate — always verify the current trámite fee; reciprocity may exempt some nationalities.

After the stay category is approved, the Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil (DNIC) issues the Uruguayan identity document (cédula) — needed for many contracts, banking and healthcare.

• If you do not speak Spanish, bring an interpreter (noted on trámite pages).
• Digital identity (gub.uy / providers) helps with online filings.