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Residence & citizenship

Uruguayan Legal Citizenship (Carta de Ciudadanía)

Naturalisation granted by the Corte Electoral to foreign residents who meet the residence and means-of-living conditions required for citizenship.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The 3-year/2-year residence thresholds reflect the constitutional rule and cited guidance; exact witness-acquaintance periods and processing times (commonly cited as 6-12 months) should be confirmed with the Corte Electoral.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Uruguay government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Carta de Ciudadanía (ciudadanía legal)
Route type
Naturalisation
Authority
Corte Electoral
Residence requirement
3 years (without family in Uruguay) or 2 years (with a constituted family)
Cost
Free (no cost)
The Corte Electoral trámite page states the procedure has no cost ("no tiene costo").
Where to apply
Corte Electoral, Ciudadanía Legal section, Ituzaingó 1467, ground floor, Montevideo (Mon–Fri 10:00–14:30); Departmental Electoral Offices in the interior
Montevideo appointments can be booked at sae.corteelectoral.gub.uy, with new slots released Mondays at 10:00; walk-ins are also accepted. Some interior offices (e.g. Maldonado, Lavalleja) require booking by telephone.
Minimum age
18 years
Language
Ability to understand and express yourself in Spanish is required
Residence requirement (official)
3 years of habitual residence with a family established in Uruguay (or capital/property/profession); 5 years without a family in Uruguay
This reflects the Constitution's naturalisation rule as stated on the current Corte Electoral trámite page.

Who it is for

  • Foreign residents seeking to become legal citizens of Uruguay

Requirements

  • Continuous lawful residence in Uruguay: minimum 3 years without a family nucleus in the country, or 2 years with a constituted family
  • Proof of lawful means of living (employment, independent activity, pension or other verifiable income)
  • Two witnesses over 25 (not relatives, employers, employees, military, active police or electoral officials) who have known the applicant for the required period

How to apply

  • Prepare residence, means-of-living and witness evidence
  • Attend the Corte Electoral Ciudadanía Legal section (in person in Montevideo)
  • Await the Corte Electoral's resolution

Documents you may need

  • Proof of nationality: birth certificate, marriage certificate or a child's birth certificate (foreign documents apostilled or legalised)
  • Proof of age: identity card, birth certificate, passport or medical age certification
  • Certificado de Residencia and Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios from the Dirección Nacional de Migración (showing no absences longer than six months)
  • Proof of lawful means of living: BPS employment/work history, pension or retirement certificate, property title (if it produces rental income), or a professional-association certificate
  • Two witnesses aged 25 or over, not relatives, who have known you for the required period
  • Case-specific evidence where relevant (e.g. student enrolment plus parental income, religious-congregation employment certificate, or sports club and federation certificates)
  • Documents from private institutions must have the signature and content certified by a notary public

Frequently asked questions

  • According to the Corte Electoral trámite page, the procedure has no cost ("no tiene costo").

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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