If you plan to live and work in Uruguay, it is essential to obtain a Uruguayan identity card. This document is mandatory for all citizens and foreigners. The National Directorate of Civil Identification is in charge of this procedure, which can be initiated once you have started your legal residency process with the National Directorate of Migration.
Here you will find the necessary information to obtain your Uruguayan identity card as a foreigner. If you have any doubts, at Vivir en Uruguay we are at your disposal to guide you and facilitate this process.
What is the Uruguayan Identity Card for Foreigners?
The identity card is the main identification document in Uruguay, both for citizens and foreigners. It is mandatory from 45 days of birth and essential for any movement within the country, as it may be required in different situations. In addition, it serves as a valid document for travel within Mercosur.
Foreigners must apply for the cédula in person, and minors under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Requirements to apply for the Uruguayan Identity Card for Foreigners
To start the process of obtaining an identity card, you must first start your legal residency process with the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (National Direction of Migration). The required documents vary depending on your situation:
If you already have legal residency:
- Birth certificate registered in the Foreigners’ Section of the Uruguayan Civil Registry or apostilled birth certificate (in this case a provisional cédula will be issued for one year).
- Certificate of residence issued digitally by the National Direction of Migration.
- Identity document from the country of origin.
- Expired ID card or report of theft/forfeiture, if applicable.
If your residency is pending:
- Certificate of residence in process issued by the National Direction of Migration.
- Birth certificate registered in the Foreigners Section of the Civil Registry or apostilled birth certificate.
- Identity document from the country of origin.
Procedure to apply for a Uruguayan Identity Card
To process the cédula:
- Schedule an appointment online at the Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil.
- Complete the form and follow the steps indicated.
- Choose the day, time and office for your appointment.
- Make the corresponding payment.
- Show up at the selected office with all the necessary documentation on the date and time scheduled. You can also obtain an appointment in person at Abitab branches or at the offices of the National Directorate of Civil Identification.
At Vivir en Uruguay, we offer a complete service to help foreigners to obtain their Uruguayan documentation, facilitating their integration to live, work, undertake and invest in Uruguay.
Benefits of obtaining an Uruguayan cedula
- Opening Bank Accounts: The Uruguayan cedula facilitates the opening of accounts in local banks.
- Forming Commercial Companies: Allows the incorporation of commercial companies in Uruguay.
- Access to Tax Residency: The Uruguayan cedula simplifies the process of obtaining tax residency in the country.
- Perform Transactions: Enables the realization of sales and purchases and other transactions both in Uruguay and abroad.
- Obtaining a Uruguayan Driver’s License: With the cédula, it is possible to apply for a Uruguayan driver’s license.
- Travel Document in South America: Serves as a valid document for travel within South American countries.
- Path to Uruguayan Citizenship and Passport: Possessing a cédula is an important step to obtain Uruguayan citizenship and passport.
- Tax Free Personal Effects Importation: Offers the possibility to move to Uruguay and import personal belongings tax free.
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