'Residency Requirement Changes' Immigration

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Residency Requirement Changes

First, I think it is important to say that the actual immigration law has not been changed. However, Immigration may be implemented the law a bit differently.

The issue relates to whether one must actually live in Uruguay to obtain legal residency. In the past it seemed acceptable to apply for residency and then leave the country until it was granted. Now, some are concerned that they must actually live in Uruguay during the residency process and that immigration may come to their home and check.

That would seem to be an involved process when Immigration could simply looked a their records of your entries and exits from the country to see how much time you are spending in Uruguay!

That aside, it might be useful if anyone has had an ACTUAL experience with this to share the specifics.

There also seems to be some unrealistic ideas about how long the process should take. Recently a lot of people have been talking about the process being one that should take 6 months! For me, it took 22 months. I've spoken with someone who's took 3 years and it used to be people would talk about generally 1 year.

In some other countries, like Costa Rica, before you can get legal resident status you have to get a temporary residency which lasts 3 years (with significant requirements of how long you must spend in the country). After your 3 years as a temporary resident you could apply for legal residency. So, Uruguay seems to be quite generous to directly offer legal residency and maybe its not unreasonable for one to actually live in Uruguay?

Expert Page: Quick Tips for Getting Settled in Uruguay

I first applied in November 2007 and got my "certificate of arrival" (which allowed me to apply for a cedula) in August 2008. The DNIC issued me with a provisional cedula and three weeks later I got my permanent cedula. There was one hitch 2 months into the application when a funcionario misread one of the documents and rejected my application but this was solved by persuading the funcionario to re-read the document and by finding four more senior funcionarios to read the document and its written rejection themselves and sign/stamp more documents confirming that the junior funcionario had misread the document in the first place.

My SO applied one year after I did, the application took 10 months but on presenting his certificate of arrival to the DNIC, he was given a permanent cedula without first having to have a provisional one like I did.

Once our residency applications had been submitted, we each needed a paper from immigration for leaving/re-entering the country in order to avoid getting a new tourist visa which would have nullified the residency applications and required that the process be restarted. Each overseas journey required another immigration chitty. At that time I asked whether there were limits on the time I could spend outside the ROU but the various funcionarios I asked said that there wasn't. That isn't to say that the rules haven't been interpreted differently since then.

I've been told by two recent applicants that the monthly income requirement has been increased from 500 U$S to 650 U$S but I haven't checked this out myself.

I'm coming up to my first cedula renewal next August and I'm told that I will need more papers from Immigration for the DNIC to issue a new one. I'm planning to visit them once more in March to see what's needed as these things can take time :-)

~P

Before Lorenzo introduced his new proposals I thought that my farming neighbours were all Uru-citizens but I now realise that most of them are actually Swiss or Italian by nationality... even though their families have been here for several generations.

In about three months I am planning on coming to Uruguay for vacation. I am hoping to "scout" out this country and determine if I want to relocate myself to Uruguay. By relocate, I mean eventually expat there.

It seems that the residency process is fairly straight forward, however due to possible issues, getting an expert or lawyer would likely help. This is based upon reading all of the posts so far on this subject.

Therefore my question to forum members and those who have relocated to Uruguay, what if I move there, fall in love with some wonderful gal, and want to get married?

Do gals from Uruguay like Americans? What about the legal process? Are there any issues in that area?

Expat to be, that depends of the American in particular. Send a photo and we will tell you your approximate chances.

Step, by step. Come, and do your papers. You may wait for years to fall in love and get married; the residency process is much more foreseeable, and much less expensive...

Anyone doing the research will see that on the surface it all looks straight forward. In THEORY it is. In PRACTICE however there's so much margin for error that I will guarantee it wont go to plan. That margin is fundamentally caused by no official process in place 9or adhered to) as well no electronic applicant continuity (so records have no current validity). The system, quite frankly, is in turmoil and needs an up haul.

That's not to say it wont happen. The good news is, unlike other Latin American countries the system is not corrupt; so if you respect and be patient and smile a lot, you'll get there.

I'm finally in possession of a temporary residence / cedula after lots of queuing, stamping and cash.

If I could offer one piece of advice to success from my experience it would "Don't give up! - you'll get there"!.

In my experience, Uru-consuls overseas are usually ill informed about the immigration process and often give out of date advice. On the other hand, their services are essential for stamping the various foreign documents you will need once you get here.

Like the Mills of God, the Uru immigration process grinds slow but exceeding fine :-)

...Planet Earth & Pat from Lat(45) - For my the process took 6 months. I had all my stuff ready and Certified by the Consulate. My wife is Uruguayan, but we met in the States. Be sure to have all your ducks in line before you leave the U.S. or wherever you may be coming from. The Consulate in Los Angeles is usually very helpful and professional. They can do much more than the partial office in San Francisco.

You'll need a Certificate of Good Conduct (from your local Police or Sheriff), an Original copy of all Birth Certificates, an Original copy of Marriage Certificates, and your original Passport all Verified and Stamped by the Consulate. This process takes weeks because they do check stuff out, and you are better off to call the Consulate and speak to a live person (call during the hours their site recommends). You will need to verify a source of Income as well. Ask them the amount. Save all Certified Consular stamped stuff, you'll need them all when you get here.

If you intend to bring a bunch of money down here, please don't listen to the goofy folk who want to hide everything they do. Don't stuff it in your under wear.>) Set up a transfer in advance with your Bank, with your signature(s) already on file for money transfers, and just transfer what you want when you want. As long as you're not hiding income from Taxes, the U.S. doesn't really care.

Uruguayan Women are (like women everywhere) available in all temperatures (depending on how you treat them). They will decide whether, or not, you are worthy. If it takes six months to two years for a Cedula (Residency), and it takes at least a year or two to really get to know someone, the choice should be an easy one.

Have your stuff ready, but come and check it out. We love this place, but it is not for everyone. It is a small, relaxed, corner of the world with its own distinct culture, that some of the more obsessive among us find unnerving. If you want things 'your way' go to Burger King. If you're ready to be open to other people's solutions to the various dilemma of life come on down and hang out with us.

Pat from Lat - If you have those forms and any other the Consulate recommends, the rest falls into place. It isn't all that complicated, and people want to help. A number of people will help you walk through the process for a fee that runs between a few hundred to a thousand dollars. But if you follow the Government's instructions well, you can actually do it yourselves. Learn some Spanish, if you can. People here that do speak English often won't tell you until After you've made an effort to speak Their language. In general they don't cater to non-Spanish speakers, but are happy to help those who reach out.

There are plenty of expats here willing to help as well. Three months from now will be in the dead of Winter, which isn't too intense, and resembles that of the Carolinas. November will be toward the end of Spring.

Enjoy your trips.

~P

I only meant to refer to what I read on comments here on your board. I read some comments on a post where an "American" wanted to know about gun rights. He was referred to as an American, by those posting on this site. In fact, there were comments about folks suggesting he not bring his American ways with him, and embracing Uruguayan ways.

That said, I was not looking for a paper bride, or way to get residency quickly by marrying. Since I am single, the prospect of getting married to a good women is still on the "to-do" list.

In some countries American or "Western" men are desired for marriage because they are known for treating women well. While this is mostly an Asian thing, I have heard of it from some of the Slovak, and Scandinavian countries as well.

Are Uruguayans then just touchy about how they are referred to? Is any level of ignorance acceptable to Uruapan’s? Is anyone who posts comments about wanting to see your beautiful country worthy of doing so in your minds? Perhaps comments about Americans are a lot like the Pot calling the Kettle Black?

I do appreciate the information on getting the Residency Information in proper order. I meant in no way to say it was simple or easy, just that if you followed the rules, things seemed to go fairly well.

Take care.

No intent to chastise. My intent was to just point out the sensitivities that do exist in South America. Having lived in Central America for several years, I found that the folk there also feel a light sting by people from the U.S. referring to themselves as 'Americans'. Many though, are polite to the point of not showing their feelings.

That said, they also realize how cumbersome it would be to have to say, 'Unitedstatesian' (o: Hence, it is only a mild nag.

People here do find Estranjeros different and interesting. In Uruguay as a European descent type you won't stand out though. In fact, people will constantly ask you for directions.

Have fun. Enjoy their ways. And you'll do fine.

~P

So can I use my contract (pay check stubs) to prove income?

Hope this helps.

I am not sure ho many folks turn out for the Sunday weekely event, but I am going to do my best to be there.

Looking forward to making new friends.

Expert Page: Quick Tips for Getting Settled in Uruguay

I wish to come to Uruguay in April with my son who is 20 yrs old. Please guide me to find a good priced warm apartment or house to rent in Montevideo

in a quiet cheaper area. I am confused looking online and seeing the high price. I will like a 6 months renewable contract.

Any good agent can be of help also.

Thanks

Savitri

Click on my link "Quick Tips for Getting Settled in Uruguay" and it gives some resources for seeing current prices of some things, rentals, real estate, electronics, grocery items.

Of course those pages aren't the final word, but they will get you into a realistic ball park. Most of the rentals shown there are annual, and you would have to ask about 6 month contract. Remember to plan on a 5 month security deposit for a rental. Possibly less for a 6 month rental, but there is no guarantee.

Your second part about "warm" can be very difficult to answer from reading ads. Your best bet will be an apartment, not a house. And, an apartment with "central losa" (ie: central, hot water pipped through the floors). Usually those with "individual losa" means they have electric wires in the floors, which is likely to be quite expensive when combined with "winter" and "warm".

Expert Page: Quick Tips for Getting Settled in Uruguay

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