Uruguayan nationality law

Uruguayan nationality law is entirely based on the principle of Jus soli. Its rules are written in the Uruguayan Constitution in Section III, Chapter I and detailed in law 16.023 and law 19.362 which defines nationality for those born in Uruguay, their children and grandchildren. Dual Citizenship is permitted under Uruguayan law, and people who become Uruguayan citizens are not obligated to renounce their previous nationality. However they do not become nationals.

Uruguayan Citizenship Act
Parliament of Uruguay
  • An Act relating to Uruguayan citizenship
Enacted byGovernment of Uruguay
Status: Current legislation

Types of citizenship

In Uruguay, there is a distinction between natural and legal citizenship, similar to the United States.[1]

Natural citizens

The criteria for natural citizenship are listed below, as per the revision of the 20th December 2015.

  • Those is born within the territory of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.
  • Those born in Uruguay, the children of foreign parents, except if the parents are in the country for diplomatic service reasons.
  • Those born abroad, if one of his parents (or both) is Uruguayan.
  • Those born abroad, if at least one of his grandparents is Uruguayan.

A legal citizen is someone who obtained citizenship. This is usually based on period of time living in Uruguay and being able to show sufficient income or assets to live. One can obtain the Uruguayan citizenship in three different ways:[2]

  • After 3 years of residence in the country if have a family (married or recognised union and/or children also living with you in Uruguay)
  • After five years of residence.
  • In very exceptional cases, by grant of the General Assembly of Uruguay to a person who has made a noteworthy contribution to Uruguay or has excellent merits.

Legal citizens are not able to obtain the Uruguayan nationality, which will have an impact on which countries allow visa free travel to Uruguayan legal citizens compared to Uruguayan nationals. There is currently a draft law seeking to enable legal citizens to be treated the same as other citizens in their passport.

See also

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2019-01-20. Retrieved 2019-01-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. "Carta de Ciudadanía".
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