Uruguay has a free market economy characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated work force, and high levels of social spending.

Currently, Uruguay stands out in Latin America for its success as an equitable society and its high per capita income, low poverty rate and absence of extreme poverty. As a percentage of the total population, Uruguay has the largest middle class in the region. 

The Government of Uruguay has traditionally recognized the important role foreign investment plays in economic development and worked to maintain a favorable investment climate.

Uruguay is a country with a strong respect for the rules of the game and the essential grounds of the economic activity. This is why it ranks among the top countries in Latin America according to the main rankings which gather information on aspects of political stability and democratic soundness.

This site from the World Bank is a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Uruguay.

A brief description of the key reistration issues

Uruguayan laws gather practically all the existing business types of the world, with the possibility of organizing a new legal entity and establishing a foreign company branch. As for the organization of a new legal entity, the most frequently used business types are: Corporations and Limited Liability Companies.

This site addresses the issue: What type of Business Structure should we use?

The Corporate Tax Rate in Uruguay stands at 25 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Uruguay averaged 26.92 percent from 2003 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 32 percent in 2003 and a record low of 25 percent in 2008. Corporate Tax Rate in Uruguay is reported by the Dirección General Impositiva.

Net income derived from business activities conducted in Uruguay, obtained by legal entities resident in Uruguay and non-residents operating through a permanent establishment (PE) in Uruguay, is taxed at a CIT rate of 25% 

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Uruguay stands at 30 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Uruguay averaged 19.55 percent from 2004 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 30 percent in 2012 and a record low of 0 percent in 2005. Personal Income Tax Rate in Uruguay is reported by the Dirección General Impositiva.

Individual income tax is levied on income obtained by resident and non-resident individuals. The source principle for levying taxes includes income derived from activities developed in, property located in, or rights economically used within the Uruguayan territory.

The Sales Tax Rate (VAT) in Uruguay stands at 22 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Uruguay averaged 22.20 percent from 2006 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 23 percent in 2007 and a record low of 22 percent in 2008. Sales Tax Rate in Uruguay is reported by the Dirección General Impositiva.

See “Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements

All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Uruguay. However, we strongly recommend traveling with 6 months validity on your passport at all times.

A summary of all forms of public transportation in Uruguay

Reviews and photos of Uruguay transportation posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Uruguay sightseeing.

Uruguay has a mixture of privately owned and state-run broadcast media; more than 100 commercial radio stations and about 20 TV channels. Cable TV is readily available. Uruguay adopted the hybrid Japanese/Brazilian HDTV standard(ISDB-T) in December 2010.

Bar a few Caribbean islands, Uruguay enjoys the highest broadband penetration in Latin America, the second highest fixed-line teledensity after Costa Rica, and the second highest mobile penetration after Panama.

See Section on “Labor”

This site by the US Social Security Administration provides a complete guide to unemployment issues

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Uruguay. 

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

This site provides a sample monthly budget on the cost of living in Uruguay for two people

The dos and don’ts of business etiquette in Uruguay

Education in Uruguay is compulsory for a total of nine years, beginning at the primary level, and is free from the pre-primary through the university level.[

National and bank holidays and observances

In keeping with tradition of South American business meetings, Uruguayans are typically tardy for business meetings. You should be punctual, but be prepared to wait for your hosts.

See “Safety and Security” on this site

Uruguay is a generally safe country for the visitor. 

Uruguay has an exceptionally fine temperate climate, with mild summers and winters. Summer is from December to March and is the most pleasant time, especially along the coast. Beach resorts get crowded between Christmas and February, with peak crowds during the month of January. In the interior and along the Río Uruguay, January is the hottest month, with temperatures sometimes climbing uncomfortably above 30˚ C. 

Uruguay is well known for its scenic natural beauty and fantastic summertime weather. The nice thing about the Uruguay climate, is that it never becomes uncomfortably cold.

Public education in Uruguay is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 14. The country has traditionally boasted high levels of compliance with required education, as well as a large number of students who enroll in secondary school. As a result, Uruguay holds an impressive position in the Latin America community for its high literacy rate of approximately 96 percent.

National public holidays in Uruguay

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

This site describes the demographic features of the population of Uruguay, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population.

Regulations from Uruguay customs

Information on trade agreements in force by country

A guide to hotels, hostels, inns, campsites and other accomodations

Uruguay has an excellent network of hostels and campgrounds, especially along the Atlantic coast. Other low-end options include hospedajes (family homes) and residenciales (budget hotels).

It used to be that Uruguay missed out on the touristic attention it deserved, dwarfed by its larger neighbors Argentina and Brazil. That has changed dramatically in the past years, though, as many around the world have turned their attention to this serene, welcoming country. 

South America’s smallest country is finally getting a little well-deserved recognition. Progressive, stable, safe and culturally sophisticated, Uruguay offers visitors opportunities to experience everyday ‘not-made-for-tourists’ moments