Work permits and visas in Uruguay: An employer’s guide

If you are hiring a new employee or relocating a team member to Uruguay, you need to make sure they have the proper work permit and work visa under local immigration laws. Your company also needs to stay on top of labor and tax laws for compliant HR.

From Montevideo’s tech scene to coastal hubs like Punta del Este, Uruguay remains a popular work destination for top talent. In this article, Remote walks you through right-to-work checks, visa types, and residence requirements for your employee to work in Uruguay.

See also: The complete employer's guide to hiring in Uruguay

Work authorization check in Uruguay

Uruguay authorizes work through residence status, not through a standalone work permit or work visa. Foreign nationals with valid residence granted by the National Immigration Directorate have the right to work in the country.

Once the foreign national has residence and receives a national ID, the employer must register the employee for social security and onboard the employee in line with local labor rules.

Do non-citizens need a work visa or a work permit in Uruguay?

There is no standalone work permit in Uruguay. Foreign nationals may need an entry visa to work, but everyone who intends to work must secure residence to work in the country. The National Immigration Directorate (DNM) issues temporary or permanent residence, which is what confers work authorization.

Types of entry visas in Uruguay

Uruguay issues entry visas for tourism, business, and work through its consular network and visa system. The right to work comes from residence later granted by DNM under Decree 394/009. For employment, employers and employees need to plan the right entry purpose, then complete residence formalities after arrival.

Business visa

Use the business visa for meetings, negotiations, and commercial visits. It allows entry for business purposes but does not replace residence for employment in Uruguay.

Tourism visa

Use the tourism visa for short visits consistent with tourism purposes. If the purpose for entry is work, proceed to the work entry and residence sequence instead.

Work visa

Consulates accept work visa applications for those who intend to carry out a labor activity in Uruguay. The length of stay then depends on the residence granted by DNM, which is either temporary or permanent under Decree 394/009.

Types of resident permits in Uruguay

Uruguay recognizes two main residence types, temporary and permanent. Residence is what authorizes employment in the country.

Temporary residence permit

A temporary residence permit is for foreign nationals who plan to live in Uruguay for a defined period for work, study, or family unification.

Permanent residence permit

A permanent residence permit is for people intending to settle indefinitely in Uruguay. Decree 394/009 defines permanent residence and sets core requirements assessed by DNM, including criminal record certificates and legalized, apostilled and translated supporting.

Special permits for MERCOSUR citizens

MERCOSUR and Associated State nationals have dedicated MERCOSUR residence routes in Uruguay. Temporary MERCOSUR Residence is issued for up to two years and is renewable once for an additional two years. Permanent MERCOSUR residence is also available.

Application process for a work visa in Uruguay

Work authorization in Uruguay comes with residence status. Here's how to sponsor your foreign national to work in Uruguay:

Prepare supporting documents for work entry visa

Employers need to prepare an employment letter or employment contract on company letterhead. Include company details with tax and social-security registrations, signed by a legal representative.

File entry visa for work

If the employee needs an entry visa, submit the visa application form, pay the visa fee, and provide the supporting documents for a work visa. Required documents normally include a passport, photo, employment contract, and proof of funds. File the visa application with a Uruguayan embassy or consulate. Some consulates instruct applicants to begin the visa application process 60 days before travel. After arrival, the person has 30 days to start the residence process. 

Enter Uruguay and file for residence

Employees need to apply for temporary or permanent residence with the National Immigration Directorate. Foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and, where applicable, translated into Spanish by a Uruguayan sworn translator.

Receive ID and complete registration

After DNM grants residence, employees need to obtain an Uruguayan national ID. Employer need to register the employee with Banco de Previsión Social (BPS) for social security. Residence status is what confers work authorization in Uruguay.

Digital nomad visa in Uruguay

Uruguay offers residence for digital nomads and remote workers under Decree 238/022, which allows eligible remote workers to live and work from Uruguay while providing services to employers or clients abroad. The digital nomad residency invites people who work for companies based outside Uruguay or who are self-employed in remote-friendly fields.

Initial residency is for six months, with the option to renew once more for six months. After renewal, anyone wishing to remain longer can apply to one of Uruguay’s standard temporary or permanent residence categories.

Applicants can file online for a digital nomad residency. If approved, the National Immigration Directorate issues a  Hoja de Identidad Provisoria (HIP). With the HIP, the individual can apply at the National Civil Identification Directorate for a Documento Nacional de Identidad (national ID) using the specific procedure for foreigners with HIP.

How Remote can help with work visas in Uruguay

To hire or relocate employees to Uruguay, you need to have your own entity in the country. You also need to navigate immigration laws to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll and benefits according to local tax laws. 

That's why Remote’s Employer of Record service is invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Uruguay on your company’s behalf. Remote helps you stay compliant with local labor and tax laws, so you can onboard your employees in a matter of days to save time and resources. 

If you already have an entity in Uruguay, Remote can help with international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on Uruguay residency applications. 

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.