Naturalized Uruguayans’ Passports No Longer Specify Nationality or Birth Country

Naturalized citizens of Uruguay now enjoy equal rights with native-born citizens, as their passports no longer indicate their birthplace or former nationality. This is more than just a technical step; it’s an effort to eliminate discrimination. Naturalized Uruguayans no longer face restrictions in international travel, opening foreign accounts, or registering businesses.

The Uruguayan passport has become a genuinely reliable tool for travel and international business, making it now an ideal time to pursue citizenship, given its straightforward process. Here, we discuss reforms and grounds for naturalization. Plus, we are always here to help you understand the citizenship options available to you with our expertise.

What Has Changed?

New passport regulations took effect in Uruguay on April 15, 2025. These are systemic rather than technical adjustments, altering how citizens’ legal status is defined.

Uruguay’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has officially approved an updated passport format that aligns with the current International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements, as specified in ICAO Document 9303. Key changes include the following:

• The “Nationality” field has been renamed “Nationality/Citizenship” (Nacionalidad/Ciudadanía). It now lists the code URY, denoting Uruguayan citizenship for both native-born and naturalized citizens. 
• The place of birth (lugar de nacimiento) is removed from passports, as it is no longer mandatory according to ICAO standards. 
• The reform affects 16,000 individuals who have been naturalized as Uruguayan citizens, with approximately 1,500 new naturalizations each year.

The changes apply only to passports, not to identity cards (cédula de identidad), which still record the holder’s birthplace, in compliance with national legislation.

Why Were Changes Necessary?

For years, Uruguay faced a situation requiring urgent intervention. The Uruguayan Constitution differentiates between citizens by birth (ciudadanos naturales) and by naturalization (ciudadanos legales). The former includes those born in Uruguay or descendants of Uruguayans; the latter are foreigners granted citizenship through a specific process.

Previously, Uruguay did not fully recognize naturalized foreigners as nationals, resulting in passports that listed birth countries as “nationality,” even if individuals had renounced their original citizenship. This caused legal complications such as:

• Passports of naturalized citizens may list countries like “Cuba,” “Venezuela,” or “Tajikistan” as their nationality, even though they have officially lost or renounced their previous citizenship. 
• Individuals were rendered stateless in certain jurisdictions. 
• Holders of such “inferior” passports faced visa restrictions, difficulties opening foreign bank accounts, or requirements for additional documentation, even within MERCOSUR, where Uruguayan citizens are supposed to have the right to travel freely. 
• Children of naturalized citizens were often registered as stateless, violating international child rights agreements. 
• Documents listed countries that do not recognize dual citizenship, such as Ukraine, China, and India.

One striking example is the story of a young woman named Gulnor Saratbekova, a naturalized citizen of Uruguay originally from Tajikistan, who shared her bitter experience with local media. After obtaining Uruguayan citizenship, she lost her Tajik citizenship, but her passport still indicated: “Nationality — Tajikistan.” This led to problems at border crossings, including detentions, visa requirements, denial of transit, and a sense of complete legal vulnerability.

The situation triggered reactions from human rights activists and drew attention from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The organization Somos Todos Uruguayos (which translates as ‘we are all Uruguayans’) filed a complaint, accusing the state of discriminating against naturalized citizens through legal and social barriers. Thankfully, this problem was finally addressed, giving rights to naturalized citizens such as Gulnor. However, there is still public pressure to amend the constitution, removing the distinction between the two kinds of citizens. 

How to Obtain Uruguayan Citizenship

Obtaining Uruguayan citizenship grants not only a legal status but also full integration into one of Latin America’s most stable nations. Citizenship can be achieved through naturalization by:

• Residing in Uruguay for over 5 years or over 3 years if married (to a Uruguayan or foreign national); 
• Spending at least 6 months per year in the country during the naturalization period; 
• Integrating into local society (proof of residence, income, community involvement); 
• Speaking conversational Spanish; 
• Applying in court and obtaining a citizenship certificate (Carta de Ciudadanía).

Upon approval of their citizenship, applicants receive a passport. Uruguay does not require renunciation of other nationalities, but applicants should consider their home country’s policies.

Citizenship by Investment

While Uruguay doesn’t offer direct citizenship by investment, it provides investors with residency that leads to naturalization. Here are the requirements:

• Invest $525,000+ in real estate; 
• Or invest $2.25 million+ in a business creating 15+ jobs; 
• Minimum residency of 60+ days per year; 
• Submit financial origin documents, medical and police certificates, and proof of residence.

Discover other citizenship by investment opportunities – we’ll help you make the whole process hassle-free!

Citizenship Through a Financially Independent Visa

Alternatively, there is a financially independent visa that requires no investment but a stable income of at least $1,500 monthly. Proof includes certified accounting statements or professional certification (bank statements alone are insufficient). Birth and marriage certificates, police clearance, medical certificates, and vaccination records are also required.

Uruguay doesn’t limit applicants by nationality, unlike some countries. However, applicants from certain nations must inform their home-country authorities about acquiring a new passport.

Conclusion

Uruguay’s passport reform addresses longstanding discrimination and provides equal rights to all citizens internationally. As investors, immigrants, and professionals from around the globe show an increasing interest, these reforms position Uruguay as a modern, humane, and law-abiding nation aligned with international standards and respectful toward all citizens, regardless of their origin. Navigating these different requirements, opportunities around the world, and the nuances of getting residency and citizenship is complicated, to say the least, and that is exactly why we offer our expert knowledge and experience to you. If you have a consultation with us, we can assess your situation and find a solution tailored to your needs.