Uruguay
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Uruguay.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Uruguay welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Civil Law
- Primary registration authority: Agencia Nacional de Innovacion e Investigacion (AIN)
- Registry website: https://www.ain.gub.uy
- Tax authority: Direccion General Impositiva (DGI Uruguay)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 25% - Source: CIT: 25% (Uruguay DGI). VAT: 22%.
- VAT / sales tax: 22%
- Estimated formation timeline: 5-7 days - Via SICU portal. Source: DGI Uruguay
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Uruguay Tax Overview
25%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 25% (Uruguay DGI). VAT: 22%.
22%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 25% (Uruguay DGI). VAT: 22%.
Direccion General Impositiva (DGI Uruguay)
Tax Authority
https://www.dgi.gub.uy
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Civil Law
Primary registry: Agencia Nacional de Innovacion e Investigacion (AIN)
Tax rate: 25% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Uruguay market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: UYU fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.ain.gub.uy before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Uruguay setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Uruguay. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROU | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Itau Uruguay | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Banco Santander Uruguay | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Agencia Nacional de Innovacion e Investigacion (AIN) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Direccion General Impositiva (DGI Uruguay). Rate: 25%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 22%. Verify threshold with Direccion General Impositiva (DGI Uruguay). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Civil Law requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Uruguay. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Uruguay specialist
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