Nationality of Uruguay: all obtaining pathways
Uruguay grants the Carta de Ciudadanía (certificate of citizenship) after five years of habitual residence, reduced to three for those with family established in the country or married to a Uruguayan. Descent is transmitted through consular registration of children born abroad to Uruguayan nationals.
1Citizenship by residence (Carta de Ciudadanía)
Citizenship by residence (Carta de Ciudadanía)
Requirements
- 5 years of habitual residence in Uruguay
- 3 years if with family established in Uruguay (spouse or Uruguayan children)
- Over 18 years of age
- Good conduct
- Legitimate means of livelihood (work ties, property or activity)
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document from the country of origin, apostilled or visaed
- Certificate of residence and migration movements from the DNM
- Judicial record certificate (obtained internally by the Electoral Court)
- Birth certificate apostilled or legalized
- Proof of means of livelihood (BPS work history, retirement certificate, property title or other)
- Witnesses over 25 years of age who have known the applicant for 3-5 years
2Citizenship by marriage
Citizenship by marriage
Requirements
- Being the spouse of a Uruguayan
- 3 years of habitual residence in Uruguay
- Marriage registered in Uruguay
- Good record
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Uruguay
- Valid passport
- Certificate of residence and migration movements from the DNM
- Apostilled birth certificate
3Citizenship by descent
Citizenship by descent
Requirements
- Being a child of a Uruguayan father or mother born abroad
- Register before a Uruguayan consulate
Documentation
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Uruguayan father's/mother's birth certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Uruguay
How many years of residence does Uruguay require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Uruguay (Citizenship by residence (Carta de Ciudadanía)), the term is 5 years (3 years with family in Uruguay). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Uruguay be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage pathway (3 years of habitual residence (family constituted, Constitution art. 75.A)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Uruguay require?
The Citizenship by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document from the country of origin, apostilled or visaed; Certificate of residence and migration movements from the DNM; Judicial record certificate (obtained internally by the Electoral Court); Birth certificate apostilled or legalized; Proof of means of livelihood (BPS work history, retirement certificate, property title or other); among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Uruguay?
Uruguay provides 3 pathways: Citizenship by residence, Citizenship by marriage, Citizenship by descent.
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