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uruguay work visa
  • By Milly Barker, PhD
  • Updated July 21, 2024
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Milly Barker, PhD
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Milly is an international lawyer and tech entrepreneur who has advised companies on expanding globally for over 5 years. She is an advocate of remote hiring and regularly consults on future of work matters. Milly founded RemotePad to help employers learn more about building and growing international teams.
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Uruguay Work Visa & Work Permit

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Key Takeaways

  • There are two key types of work visa in Uruguay — the Temporary Work Visa for those with a job offer or contract from a Uruguayan company, and the Permanent Work Visa for those who intend to live and work in Uruguay indefinitely.
  • The application for a Uruguay work visa includes securing a job offer, submitting an application at the Uruguayan consulate in the applicant’s home country, waiting for approval, and collecting the visa upon approval.
  •  Applicants typically need to provide a completed visa application form, a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of a job offer or employment contract, a clean criminal record, and proof of sufficient financial means.

Uruguay, a vibrant country located in South America, has become an increasingly popular destination for foreigners seeking employment opportunities. With its growing economy, political stability, and high standard of living, Uruguay offers an enticing mix of professional and personal benefits to overseas workers.

However, before you can work legally in Uruguay, you must first obtain a work visa. This guide provides an overview of Uruguay’s work visa process, including the types of work visas available, how to apply for one, and the necessary documentation required.

Types of Uruguay work visa

There are two primary types of work visas available in Uruguay:

  • Temporary Work Visa: This visa is generally issued to foreign workers who have a contract or job offer from a Uruguayan company. The duration of the visa aligns with the length of the contract, but it typically does not exceed two years. After that, the visa can be renewed if the employment contract is extended.
  • Permanent Work Visa: Also known as a residence visa, this visa type is for foreign workers who intend to live and work in Uruguay indefinitely. Applicants usually need to demonstrate they have stable employment or sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds.

Uruguay has recently announced that it is offering a digital nomad visa for those employed by an overseas company or who are self-employed. Read more in our guide to the Uruguay digital nomad visa. 

How to apply for an Uruguay work visa

The process of applying for a work visa in Uruguay generally involves the following steps:

  • Secure a Job Offer: The first step in obtaining a work visa for Uruguay is to secure a job offer from a Uruguayan company.
  • Submit an Application: Once you have a job offer, you can apply for a work visa at the Uruguayan consulate in your home country. The application usually requires a completed form, your passport, passport-sized photos, and other necessary documents.
  • Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the Uruguayan immigration authorities to process it. This can take several weeks or even months, so it’s best to apply well in advance of your planned departure date.
  • Collect Your Visa: Once your application is approved, you’ll need to collect your visa from the Uruguayan consulate. You can then travel to Uruguay and start your employment.

Which documents are required for an Uruguay work visa?

The documents you need to apply for a work visa in Uruguay can vary based on the specific visa type, but generally, you will need:

  1. A completed visa application form
  2. A valid passport with at least six months remaining
  3. Passport-sized photos
  4. Proof of a job offer or employment contract from a Uruguayan company
  5. A clean criminal record from your home country and any other country you’ve lived in for the past five years
  6. Proof of sufficient financial means (if applying for a permanent work visa)
  7. You might also need to provide other documents, such as educational certificates or professional qualifications, depending on the requirements of the job.

Always check the latest information from the Uruguayan consulate in your home country or official government sources.

Uruguay work visas — our take

Working in Uruguay can be an enriching experience, both professionally and personally. While the process of obtaining a work visa can be complex and time-consuming, being well-informed and prepared can make it easier. Always remember to check the most up-to-date information and don’t hesitate to seek advice from professionals if needed. 

Many companies find that they benefit from the support of a global Employer of Record in Uruguay to ensure that the visa application process proceeds smoothly. Read our guide to global EORs to find out more. 

FAQs

Generally, to apply for a temporary work visa, you need to have a job offer from a company in Uruguay. However, for a permanent work visa, you need to demonstrate that you have stable employment or sufficient funds to support yourself.

Yes, most work visas allow for immediate family members (spouse and minor children) to accompany the visa holder. However, family members usually need to apply for their own dependent visas. Always check the specific rules for your visa type and situation.

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