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Residence & citizenship

Uruguayan MERCOSUR Residence

A simplified residence route for MERCOSUR nationals, running from a two-year temporary permit through to permanent residence in Uruguay.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Fees are quoted in Unidad Indexada (UI) as published on the DNM trámite pages (557.30 UI application, 55.70 UI migration certificate, 225.60 UI re-entry permit); the equivalent in pesos or US dollars varies with the daily UI value, and figures should be reconfirmed against the official pages at the time of application. Processing time is not stated on the official pages reviewed.

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
Residencia Mercosur (Temporaria / Permanente)
Route type
Residence based on MERCOSUR nationality
Temporary duration
2 years, renewable once (renew within 90 days before expiry)
Eligibility
Nationals of MERCOSUR member and associate states
Cost
557.30 UI (residence application) plus 55.70 UI (migration certificate for the ID card)
UI = Unidad Indexada (Indexed Unit), a Uruguayan value unit that changes with inflation. Nationals of Paraguay and Brazil are exempt from the residence fee under reciprocity for permanent residence.
Re-entry permit
225.60 UI each time you leave the country while the application is being processed
Where to apply
Online at tramites.gub.uy; in person at the Dirección Nacional de Migración, Mercedes 1004, Montevideo (or a regional DNM office in the interior)
Temporary MERCOSUR residence enquiries: dnm-residenciastemporarias@minterior.gub.uy. Permanent MERCOSUR residence: residenciaspermanentesmercosur@minterior.gub.uy.
Payment method
Bank transfer or the collection (cobranza) network after submitting the online form

Who it is for

  • Nationals of MERCOSUR member and associate states settling in Uruguay

What you can do

  • Live in Uruguay on a simplified, nationality-based permit
  • Move from temporary to permanent MERCOSUR residence
  • Paraguay and Brazil nationals: permanent residence exempt from costs under reciprocity

How to apply

  • Apply online at tramites.gub.uy for any office in the country
  • Upload documents and book an appointment when accepted
  • Present originals at the migration office

Requirements

  • A passport-style photo and a valid identity document (passport or national ID)
  • A national criminal-record certificate from each country you lived in for more than six months during the last five years
  • A birth certificate, or a naturalisation certificate at least five years old
  • A current vaccination certificate under Decree 136/2018 and a current health booklet (Carné de Salud) from an authorised provider (temporary residence)
  • Minors do not need a criminal record but must add parental authorisation to reside
  • All foreign documents apostilled or legalised and translated into Spanish (Brazilian documents are exempt from translation), original and current

Documents you may need

  • Passport-style photograph
  • Valid passport or identity document
  • Criminal-record certificate (countries lived in over six months in the last five years)
  • Birth certificate or naturalisation certificate (5+ years old)
  • Vaccination certificate (Decree 136/2018) and current health booklet
  • For minors: parental authorisation (notarised by a Uruguayan notary if issued abroad, valid 180 days)

Frequently asked questions

  • The temporary MERCOSUR residence lasts two years and can be renewed once for a further two years. Renewal must be requested within the 90 days before it expires. After the temporary period you can apply for permanent MERCOSUR residence.

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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