Naturalization

Legal citizenship can be obtained via residency for 5 years (single applicants) or 3 years (applicants within a local family nucleus). It’s granted by the Electoral Commission (Corte Electoral) and they determine the required documentation on a case-by-case basis.

Voting rights become available 3 years after citizenship is granted. They can also be accessed after 10 years of continuous residence regardless of citizenship status.

I can assist you in the collection of the documentation. However you must have a sufficient understanding of Spanish and go to an initial application interview with the Electoral Commission office without an interpreter.

The following is required (less or more documents may be requested):

  • Proof of original citizenship (preferably Uruguayan equivalent of foreign Birth Certificate¹).
  • Marriage and/or Birth Certificates proving ties to Uruguayan citizens by birth (if applicable).
  • Immigration Certificate showing entries and exits.
  • Absence periods cannot exceed 6 months per year.
  • Proof of income (processing is simplified for those contributing payroll or business taxes to Social Security (BPS)).
  • Proof of studies and academic history (applicable to students).²
  • Clinical History with constant doctor’s visits no more than 6 months apart between each other.³
  • Witnesses over 25 who are Uruguayan citizens by birth (who knew the applicant for 3 or 5 years) that will be called to appear on a later date after the application process begins (relatives, employers, employees, military, law enforcement agents and electoral officials don’t qualify).⁴

¹ They’re currently taking over 8 months to process registration applications because of a significant backlog.

² Proof of parental income must be provided (if applicable).

³ All documents issued by private institutions to be used for the citizenship application must have their contents and signatures certified by a Uruguayan notary.

⁴ You and your witnesses (with their Voter’s ID cards) must attend a final interview and answer all of the office’s questions (age, origin, family, ocupation, residence, relationship, etc) accurately and in Spanish.