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How to Set Up a Business in Uruguay in 5 Steps

Expanding your business in Uruguay can be a strategic move when looking to develop your business in Latin America.

Despite its small size, Uruguay is recognized as a progressive nation in the region. In 2022, it had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $71.18 billion and a GNI per capita of $18,030, making it a high-income country by international standards. Extreme poverty is virtually non-existent and its citizens enjoy a relatively high level of equality.

Uruguay is a fervent advocate of free trade. It is one of the founding members of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and has signed numerous free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries around the world.

The country’s main exports are agricultural, mainly beef, dairy products and various crops. In 2023, the main export destinations were China (28%), the European Union (15%), Brazil (14%), Argentina (9%) and the United States (6%).

If you are interested in entering the Uruguayan market, here is a complete guide to setting up a business in Uruguay:

How to Set Up a Business in Uruguay in 5 steps
How to Set Up a Business in Uruguay in 5 steps

What are the Advantages to Set Up a Business in Uruguay?

The country has a diverse and mature business environment, positioning itself as one of the best countries to set up a business in Latin America. Furthermore, Uruguay’s economic activity is divided into three major sectors: agriculture, industry and services. 

Primary and Secondary Sector

The largest field for exports is the agricultural sector, employing around 9% of the working population and contributing to 6% of the GDP. A major share in this rate is occupied by the fishing industry, livestock breeding (especially cattle) and food products, such as rice and wheat.

The industrial sector accounts for 25% of Uruguay’s GDP and employs more than 20% of the working population. The most important industrial fields are food processing of animals and agricultural products, very attractive industries for those investors who want to set up a business in Uruguay. Other important sectors include wine production and textile manufacturing. 

Tertiary Sector

The most important sector in GDP terms is the service sector, contributing to 69% of the economic output and employing 71% of the working population in Uruguay.

The tourism service field is the most important area of the tertiary sector in Uruguay. According to Carlos Fagetti, the director of National Tourism, “Uruguay is investing in the diversification of the tourism sector”. This kind of diversification seeks to stimulate the cultural sector in different cities of the country, increasing the opportunities to set up a business in Uruguay.

On the other hand, the financial system in Uruguay promotes foreign currency operations and a high amount of capital transactions. Furthermore, Uruguay’s stock market has been growing continuously in the last decade, especially because of its large primary stock market.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the most important company types in Uruguay, with more than 170,000 SMEs providing jobs for 60% of the working population, according to the BBVA. But what are the types of legal entities investors need to consider to set up a business in Uruguay?

1. Corporation (Sociedad Anónima – S.A.)

There are two types of corporations:

  1. Open Corporation: companies that use public savings or have shares listed on the Montevideo Stock Exchange (BVM).
  2. Closed Corporation: has a limited number of shareholders and stocks are not traded publicly on the BVM.

Generally, an S.A. requires a minimum of two founding members to set up a business in Uruguay, who can be either residents or foreigners. In addition, management is mostly executed by a board of directors who can be local or foreign individuals domiciled inside or outside Uruguay. A considerable advantage of the SA is that there are no limitations to the activities that can be conducted except for financial and insurance operations.

2. Limited Liability Partnership (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada – S.R.L.)

In Uruguay, an S.R.L. is usually employed by SME and it is, therefore, the most widely used entity type in the country. As it is the case for corporations, there are no limitations on activities to be conducted by the S.R.L. Likewise, it may have between a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 50 partners.

Summary on Legal Entity Types in Uruguay
Corporation (Sociedad Anónima – S.A.)
Can be:– Open Corporation
– Closed Corporation
Limited Liability Partnership (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada – S.R.L.)
An S.R.L. is usually employed by SMEIt may have between a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 50 partners.
How to Set Up a Business in Uruguay in 5 Steps. Uruguay’s index of economic freedom

How to Register a Business in Uruguay in 5 Steps

With the right support, the company formation process of an S.A. or an S.R.L. can be relatively quick and straightforward. No minimum amount of capital is needed, except for financial and insurance companies. Additionally, several steps to set up a business in Uruguay need to be taken:

  • Step 1 – Approval of the company’s bylaws by The National Audit Office (AIN).
  • Step 2 –  The National Trade Register (RNC) needs to register the bylaws.
  • Step 3 – The Official Gazette and another newspaper need to publish them in the form of an excerpt.
  • Step 4 – Register your companies in The National Tax Administration Office (DGI) to be granted a unique taxpayer number (RUT).
  • Step 5 – Register with the Ministry of Work and Social Security (MTSS), the Social Security Administration (BPS) and the State Insurance Bank (BSE).

Step 1: The National Audit Office (AIN) needs to approve the company bylaws.

Once you write the bylaws of your company, you need to validat them near the National Audit Office (AIN).

Step 2: The National Trade Register (RNC) needs to register the bylaws.

After the validation by the National Audit Office, you will need to bring your bylaws for registration to the National Trade Register (RNC)

Step 3: The Official Gazette and another newspaper need to publish them in the form of an excerpt.

The Registration of your Bylaws will be confirmed by being published on the Official Gazette

Step 4: Register your companies in The National Tax Administration Office (DGI) to be granted a unique taxpayer number (RUT).

Your Business is now nearly registered in Uruguay, but to start having commercial activity in compliance with local tax regulations, you will have to register your company in the National Tax Administration Office (DGI) to obtain your taxpayer number ( RUT)

Step 5: In case the company wants to hire personnel, it must register with the Ministry of Work and Social Security (MTSS), the Social Security Administration (BPS) and the State Insurance Bank (BSE).

From now your company is fully registered in Uruguay, but to start your commercial activity hiring personnel, you will have to register your company with the Different Work and Social administrations, Which are : the Ministry of Work and Social Security (MTSS), the Social Security Administration (BPS) and the State Insurance Bank (BSE).

Visas to obtain residency in Uruguay

Foreign Branch Office Registration

An alternative to forming an independent local company is the establishment of a foreign branch office in Uruguay. They are theoretically free to perform any business activities but usually follow the business strategy conducted by the parent company. Nevertheless, the company needs to be incorporated to conduct its operations.

The incorporation process is similar to the steps previously outlined and the foreign branch office needs to be registered in the National Trade Register (RNC) stating the parent company’s name, domicile, capital and its managers. Furthermore, registries in the MTSS, BPS and BSE are obligatory for the hiring of dependent employers to set up a business in Uruguay.

Common FAQs when Forming a Company in Uruguay

When forming a company in Uruguay, individuals often have several common questions. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs.)

1. What types of companies can I form in Uruguay?

The most common types of companies in Uruguay are Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL) (Limited Liability Company) and Sociedad Anónima (SA) (Corporation).

2. What are the minimum requirements to form a company in Uruguay?

Minimum requirements typically include having at least two shareholders (for SRL) or three shareholders (for SA), a registered address in Uruguay, and a minimum capital contribution.

3. How long does it take to incorporate a company in Uruguay?

The incorporation process usually takes around one to two weeks, depending on various factors such as the complexity of the company structure and the efficiency of the registration authorities.

4. What are the tax obligations for companies in Uruguay?

Companies in Uruguay are subject to corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and social security contributions, among other taxes. The tax rates and obligations may vary based on the type of company and its activities.

5. Do I need a local legal representative to form a company in Uruguay?

Yes, it is typically required to have a local legal representative who can act on behalf of the company and assist with the incorporation process.

Looking for professional support to set up a business in Uruguay?

Uruguay possesses interesting business opportunities, for both small and large companies. Still, the incorporation process can be somewhat challenging without sufficient knowledge of local Uruguayan law or regulation.

To ensure that you successfully set up a business in Uruguay, it is recommended to work with a local group. Biz Latin Hub has the knowledge and expertise to offer personalized advice in Uruguay and Latin America. Don’t hesitate to contact us here for more specialized information regarding the company formation process.

Learn more about our team and expert authors.

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The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
Legal Team Uruguay

Legal Team Uruguay

Legal Team Uruguay is the Biz Latin Hub leading experts on doing business in Uruguay The Team writes on the news, doing business, law, and changing regulations. The team are experts in corporate law, Administrative law, Employment law, Immigration law and legal advisory services. Read more about them here. You can contact Legal Team Uruguay via our "contact us page".

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