Instead, Uruguay runs a residency-first system. You apply directly for permanent residency based on your intention to reside and your ability to support yourself. It's called Residencia Legal Permanente, a status issued by the Dirección Nacional de Migración.
The most important qualification to get Uruguayan residency is intent to reside in the country. You must prove that Uruguay will be your place of residence, not just a backup plan. This usually means a local address (rental agreement, host letter, or declaration); physical presence in the country; and evidence of settling (bank account, utilities, etc.).
Uruguay is tolerant—but not naïve. If you apply for residency and then disappear for months and years at a time, you won't get it. But if you show that you're committed to living in the country, you've got a second home.
Of course, you must be able to support yourself. The government typically looks for $1,200–1,500 per month per adult—significantly less than similar requirements in Europe and Mexico. Accepted sources include employment income (foreign or local); self-employment/freelance income; pension or retirement income; or investment income. So, if you are a retiree or somebody who can work remotely, you'll qualify.
Documentation requires some planning. If you really want Uruguay as your go bag, you need to do a bit of preparation before you leave.
For example, you will need proof of a clean criminal record. For Americans, that means an FBI background check. For Canadians, that'll come from the RCMP. It must be reasonably recent, usually between three and six months old.
It must be apostilled. This is the international version of a notarized document. It's done by the US government. You complete State Department Form DS-4194 (Request for Authentication Services), include the FBI background check, $20, and a prepaid return envelope, and you should get it back in 3 to six weeks. If you use a professional apostille service, it'll take 5 to 10 days. Once you arrive in Uruguay, you need to have it translated by a traductor público (translator).
You'll also need proof of the vaccinations required by the Uruguayan health department, and basic health certificate issued by an Uruguayan doctor after your arrival.
Finally, depending on your status, you'll need a birth certificate and a marriage and or divorce certificate, also apostilled and translated.
Let that sink in. You don't need to buy property. You don't need to invest any money. You don't need to create any jobs. You don't need to lock money into a bank or government bonds. You just show up a couple of pieces of documentation and settle down.
In practice you can file your application for residency immediately after arrival. You'll get your provisional national ID card (cédula provisoria) in about a week. Final approval will take about 12 to 18 months. You can live and work while it's pending.
Given the state of the world today—this "go-bag" is something every sensible person should have.
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