Moving to a new country can raise big questions. In this post we tell you what the requirements are to live in Uruguay. It is always important that you know in detail the times and procedures that you will have to face.

The requirements to live in Uruguay, like in other nations, are several. However, if you are from a Mercosur country you will have some facilities when carrying out the procedures and requests.

In this post we want to eradicate the idea that the list of requirements to live in Uruguay is endless. You will see that if you have order and commitment to the situation it will be easy to put together each element. 

Requirements to live in Uruguay: the papers I have to request in my country

The first thing to do is define from home what you need to carry in your backpack. The first requirements to live in Uruguay are above all linked to the residency process, so there are a few elements to take into account. 

Some of the documents that you must bring from your country to Uruguay are:

1. 1. Birth certificate. Duly legalized and apostilled.
   2. Criminal record. It must be from the country of origin and also from the country where you lived in the last five years. It must also be legalized and apostilled.
   3. Identity document and passport. They must be current and in good condition.
   4. Certificate of study. It must be legalized or apostilled in case you want to revalidate it in Uruguay.
   5. Vaccination certificate, you must approve it in Uruguay in order to process residency.
   6. Visa. It is important that you know that not all countries require a visa to enter Uruguay, check if your country of origin requires it before organizing your trip.

Requirements to live in Uruguay: what to do when you arrive in the country

The steps to follow are quite clear. By approaching the Immigration Directorate you will know where to start. However, here is a list that provides clarity:

1. 1. Start the residency process: to do this you must start the process remotely and attach all the necessary documentation, in order to schedule an appointment to appear at the National Immigration Directorate.
   2. Obtain the provisional identity card: After starting your residency, you will be able to access a provisional identity card that allows you to live and work in the country while your residency is in process. To do this, you must obtain an appointment to process it before the National Directorate of Civil Identification.
   3. Register your birth certificate in the Uruguayan Civil Registry: once the registration process is complete, you will be given a Uruguayan birth certificate with which you can process the definitive certificate.
   4. Process the final identity card: after residency has been granted and the birth certificate has been registered, you will be able to access the final identity card.

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Health procedures

After your arrival, it is advisable to obtain the health card issued by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) – Environmental and Occupational Health. This will also be an opportunity to perform a health checkup and obtain a certification linked to the labor field, since this is required by employers.

The options to join a health provider are:

Public Health System – ASSE: It is the main provider of public health services. In order to access their services, you must register in advance. The system covers all benefits for those who register and is highly valued by the population.

Collective Medical Assistance Institutions (Mutualists): These institutions function in a similar way to social works and are regulated by the Ministry of Public Health. There are 39 mutual members and the FONASA discount that is made to the salary when working in a dependency relationship is derived from them. In some cases, it is necessary to make an additional payment to access more benefits or more expensive mutual insurance companies.

Medical Insurance: They work in a similar way to prepaid medicine companies. There are six institutions regulated by the Ministry of Public Health. As it is medical insurance, it is possible that some pre-existing pathologies are not covered. In addition, it is necessary to present studies to be able to join. Some companies offer this as a benefit at no additional cost.

It is important to note that the quality of medical care is generally good in Uruguay. The payment made through the mutual societies and medical insurance is intended for faster care, better service and better hospitality in the sanatoriums.

In addition, there is necessary documentation linked to the field of work, education and access to housing. Everything is registered in the official Migration media. Space, which you will make friends with very easily in the coming months.

If you prefer to delegate the necessary procedures to establish yourself in Uruguay, at Residencias Uy we can provide you with a professional and precise service in relation to the requirements and steps to follow. We offer personalized advice to help you throughout the entire process of establishing yourself in the country. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.