Uruguay Citizenship by Descent

Country

Uruguay

Program

Uruguay Citizenship by Descent

Local name

Ciudadanía natural por filiación

Type

Citizenship by Descent

Status

Active

Dual citizenship

Allowed

Foreign-born children of Uruguayan nationals and qualifying grandchildren of Uruguayans born in Uruguay can acquire natural-citizen status under Uruguayan law by establishing themselves in Uruguay and registering in the Civic Register. Adult applicants must obtain a Certificado de Avecinamiento before civic registration. This descent route has no fixed multi-year residence period.

Application fee

$0

• Minimum age 18+
• Police clearance not required
• Medical exam not required

Generational limit

2 generation(s)

Ancestor citizenship

Must have been citizen

Ancestor born in country

Required

Naturalization breaks chain

Yes — foreign naturalization may end eligibility

Method

In person

Apply from abroad

Must apply in-country

Official website

www.gub.uy

Legal basis

Constitución de la República Oriental del Uruguay Arts. 73–74 and 81; Ley 16.021, as amended by Laws 18.858 and 19.362

The Electoral Court accepts applicants who are children of a Uruguayan parent or grandchildren of a Uruguayan grandparent born in Uruguay. For grandchildren, the official guidance requires the grandparent's Uruguayan birth record and proof linking the applicant through their parent. Applicants must show at least two qualifying acts of establishing themselves in Uruguay, such as remaining in the country for more than three months, leasing or buying a home, working, operating a business, or studying for at least two months. The certificate is personal, in person, and free. Its validity is limited to the electoral-registration period in which it is issued. A 2024 Electoral Court circular says citizenship natural status is acquired when the applicant establishes residence and is accepted for civic registration, and that the status is irrevocable. This route covers the direct-child and qualifying-grandchild generations. Adoption does not count as descent here, although the official procedure separately lists some qualifying adoptions.

• Uruguay Digital Nomad Permitdigital nomad visa
• Rentista and Pensioner Residencepassive income

1. Oct 9, 2026

   Added

   added the separate adult descent route for qualifying children and grandchildren, based on the current Electoral Court procedure and Laws 16,021 and 19,362 (gub.uy).