Uruguay is an agriculturally rich country in South America. Not only does it have very liberal permanent residency laws, but its citizenship laws are equally as liberal and welcoming. It’s low population and high quality of life make it a very attractive destination indeed. I hope to right up a report on it soon, but until then, you can check out the citizenship laws.
CITIZENSHIP: (HCE) Citizenship laws are based upon the Constitution of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.
BY BIRTH: Child born within the Republic of Uruguay, regardless of the nationality of the parents. Uruguayan law refers to this as natural citizenship.
BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a citizen of Uruguay, provided the child is registered in the Civic Register for Vital Records. This is also considered natural citizenship.
BY NATURALIZATION: Uruguayan citizenship may be applied for by persons who are at least 18 years old and fall into one of the categories listed below. Persons gaining citizenship through naturalization are considered legal citizens.
- Person whose family has settled in Uruguay for at least three years, and who practices any art, science or industry in Uruguay.
- Person who does not have family in Uruguay, but has lived in the country for at least five years and practices any art, science or industry in Uruguay.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED. (Only for natural citizens. Legal citizens are not allowed to obtain any new citizenship.)
LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:
VOLUNTARY: Permitted under Uruguayan law, but not required. Contact nearest Uruguayan Embassy or Consulate for necessary requirements.
INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of legal Uruguayan citizenship:
- Legal citizen voluntarily obtains another citizenship.
- Person is being prosecuted for certain criminal acts which could result in imprisonment, or receives a judicial verdict that imposes penalty of exile, prison or loss of political rights.
- Person takes part in a social or political organization that promotes violence against the Republic of Uruguay.
- Person fails to comply with the good behavior requirements for naturalization.
ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:
Consulate of Uruguay
2715 M Street 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20007
Embassy Telephone: 202-331-1313/14/15/16
Consular Telephone: 202-331-4219
Fax: 202-331-8142
E-mail: consuluy@erols.com
www.embassy.org/uruguary
