Post Study Work Options: How to Get a Work Visa in Uruguay After Studies

Uruguay is a South American country between Argentina and Brazil. Its mostly flat topography is the transition of the landscape between the Argentine plains in the west to the hilly lands of southern Brazil.

The country’s name comes from the Uruguay River and means the river of the painted birds in the Guarani language. The Uruguay river starts in Brazil, ends in the Río de la Plata Basin and forms the natural border between Uruguay and Argentina.

Uruguay is a relatively small country compared to its South American neighbours who occupy a large chunk of South America. Uruguay is notable for its virtually unspoiled coast, its high standard of living, and its socially liberal record in recent years. With its lush greeneries and beautiful beaches, Uruguay has become one of the more popular South American destinations for tourists.

Like most South American countries, Uruguayan's ancestors hail from Spain and Italy, with few indigenous people remaining after colonisation. After Spanish, the majority of the residents speak Portuguese. The country has a unique culture that is influenced by indigenous tribes as well as several Southern European countries. Most of the country's population resides in the capital, Montevideo, which boasts a dynamic architectural and cultural heritage from previous European influences.

Uruguay is one of the countries with the highest literacy rate for adults. This is thanks to the country’s provision of free, compulsory education. Public education in Uruguay is completely free for its citizens right up to the university level.

While Uruguay does not offer work visas as you find in other countries, you will find three straightforward strategies to work legally in the country. The type of residence permit you need would depend on the length of your job offer.

Find out your post-study option in Uruguay by reading this blog post or explore your other options and read our other blog posts on post-study options to know how to get a work visa for the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America!

Provisional Identity Card

If you have a job offer lasting up to six months, you can apply for this temporary permit. It is valid for up to six months. After six months, no extensions are available.

To apply you must prepare the following documents.

Passport-size photo
Health certificate issued by the Health Department of Uruguay
Police clearance certificate from your country of origin
Birth certificate
Original and copy of valid passport
Job Contract
Proof of financial means

*Additional documents may be requested

All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated to Spanish, Uruguay’s national language. If you want to stay for longer than six months, then you can change the category to either temporary or permanent residence.

Temporary Residence in Uruguay

This is for a work period of six months to two years. This permit can be extended for another 2 years. It is a relatively straightforward process which takes around 2 months.

The advantage of obtaining temporary residence status is that you get a full Uruguayan ID card and that the process is easy and quick. If you decide you want to stay in Uruguay longer, you can apply for a change of status to permanent resident.

To apply you must prepare the following documents.

Passport-size photo
Health certificate issued by the Health Department of Uruguay
Police clearance certificate
Birth certificate
Original and copy of valid passport
Job Contract
Proof of financial means

*Additional documents may be requested

You can also apply for temporary residence if you need to start a business in Uruguay. Instead of a job contract, you need to have a business proposal.

Nationals of MERCOSUR ( Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru or Suriname) can just provide a copy of police clearance and a birth certificate.

Permanent Residence in Uruguay

If you intend to live in Uruguay permanently, or once their Temporary Residence Permit expires you can apply for this permit.

During the processing time, it is recommended to spend at least six months within the country. The processing time runs at about 12-18 months.

To apply, you need to prepare the following documents.

Passport-size photo
Health certificate issued by the Health Department of Uruguay
Police clearance certificate
Birth certificate
Original and copy of valid passport
Proof of financial means

*Additional documents may be required

Naturalised Citizenship in Uruguay

Married couples that have resided in the country for at least three years and have been granted residency are able to apply for Uruguayan citizenship. Single residents must have been in Uruguay for five years before they can apply for citizenship. Unlike in other South American countries, the countdown for citizenship eligibility begins from the day you set foot in Uruguay, regardless of when your residency is approved.

To apply, you need to provide the following documents.

Proof that Uruguay is your habitual residence prior to your citizenship application. Proof that you have capital invested or property in the country or that they have a profession or trade.
Proof you have a basic understanding of Spanish.
Two Uruguayan witnesses who are not family members to confirm your identity, that you have adapted to life in Uruguay, are of good moral character and support democratic ideas.

Once citizenship is granted, it ensures your right to live in Uruguay and return at any time even after any length of absence as your right to live in the country is not revocable

What are your thoughts on the Post Study Options in Uruguay? Is there anything we missed or anything you need clarification on? Comment below.

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