How to apply for a Uruguay Family Reunification Visa
Do you have plans to unite with your spouse or family members in Uruguay? If yes, an Uruguay family reunification visa can help you achieve that.
The country offers a family reunification visa to foreign citizens who have a relative living in Uruguay.
The visa program has been successful, with over 10,000 visas being issued in the past decade. However, you must meet the requirements to get the Uruguay Family Reunification Visa.
This article will take you through the requirements and steps to applying for a reunion visa. Meanwhile, let’s walk you through some facts about Uruguay.
Facts about Uruguay
It is a small country located in South America. The country borders Argentina to the west and Brazil to the north. Uruguay has a population of 3.3 million people and a GDP of $56.5 billion. Uruguay’s economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. It
has a high level of human development and ranks #18 in the world.
Moreover, the country is known for its beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and temperate climate. Uruguay is also a popular tourist destination for those looking to experience South American culture.
What is Uruguay Family Reunification Visa?
It is a legal document allowing foreigners to reunite with their families in Uruguay. You can apply for this visa from the Uruguayan embassy in your home country.
Uruguay Family Reunification Visa is valid for thirty days, and it is for a single entry. Therefore, the resident permit should be processed within the thirty days validity.
Do I need an Uruguay visa?
There are citizens from some countries that do not have visas to visit Urufor from thirty days to ninety days. But If the citizens plan to stay longer, applying for one before their visa-free duration expires becomes necessary. Lucky you if your country is listed amongst those exempted for a short stay. Nonetheless, you will be fine if you have to apply because this guide will provide you with all that is required.
Countries with Ninety days visa-free visit
- Andorra
- Argentina*
- Armenia
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia*
- Brazil*
- Canada
- Chile*
- Colombia*
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- Ecuador*
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Israel
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Macau
- European Union Member Countries
- Russia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- South Africa
Thirty days visa-free countries
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay*
- Peru* South Korea
- Sovereign Military Order of Malta
- Switzerland
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Vatican
- Venezuela
Note that countries with * can visit Uruguay with their ID cards alone.
Uruguay Family Reunification Visa Eligibility Criteria
Although Uruguay has a friendly visa policy for foreign nationals, you must be eligible to be sure it is a visa. So it is necessary to take note of them. They include:
- It would help if you had a resident family member in Uruguay
- You should have a valid traveling passport or national identity card
- You must be with a letter of consent to visit
Documents needed for Uruguay Family Reunification Visa
You need to attach the following documents to your visa application form in the right format. This is necessary because it makes your visa processing faster and easier.
A traveling passport: The passport should be valid for the next six months and have empty pages for official use. The original and photocopies of the passport must be submitted, but the original will be returned later.
One passport-sized photograph: This shouldn’t be older than six months, with dimensions of 4.5 centimeters by 3.5 centimeters. It must be visible with a white background, and you’re in a straight position.
Application form: You get this from the Uruguayan embassy or a consulate in your country. It is also available for download via the official website. You must fill out the form with the correct information so that your visa processing won’t be delayed.
Birth or Marriage Certificate: It serves as evidence of your relationship with a family member inviting you to Uruguay. The document must be legalized through an accredited notary public.
Proof of sponsor identity: You can use documents like a copy of the resident permit, staff identity card, or other means to show your family is a legal resident in Uruguay.
Letter of expression: Your family member in Uruguay will write this letter as proof of inviting you to visit the country for reunion purposes. It should include the address and other vital information.
Police Clearance Certificate: This certificate serves as proof that you have no criminal record that prevents you from leaving your country for Uruguay. You are to get this from the police authority in your country. You should apply for it as early as possible because it is not issued immediately.
In addition, minors under eighteen must obtain approval from a legal representative.
Uruguay Family Reunification Visa application process
We have made progress because you know if you’re eligible for this visa and the required application documents. So the next step is how to apply for a reunification visa.
#1. Firstly, you visit the Uruguay embassy or consulate to pick up a family reunification visa and fill it out as instructed. After you complete it, you attach all support documents to the form in a self-addressed envelope. Then, you have the option to apply online and upload supporting documents.
#2. The next step is to visit the embassy to schedule an appointment with a consular officer. The scheduled date will be the day to submit all your application documents while you attend an interview afterward. So you ensure all your documents are ready before the date of submission.
#3. If the consular has booked a date for you, proceed to pay the Uruguay family reunification fee as instructed. Note that in some countries, you pay online or offline. So the payment procedure is at the discretion of the embassies in respective countries. But you must pay before you submit your application.
#4. On the day of submission, you should arrive early to submit all your documents at the embassy in person. After submission, you proceed for an interview then you go for biometric capturing.
You may be asked to submit your documents via email, while you will be given a date for an interview.
#5. Lastly, you wait for the embassy to process your visa application. You can also track your application status online while waiting if you apply online. The embassy will inform you if your visa is approved and where to pick it up.
Uruguay Family Reunification Visa Fee and its processing time
Uruguay visa application fee depends on which country and region you are applying from. But applicants from most nations pay forty-two US dollars fee and a departure tax of thirty US dollars for flights.
It takes two weeks for the embassy or consulate to process an Uruguay Family Reunification Visa. It is also possible to take longer if there are many applications to process or difficulty in the verification process. Therefore, starting your visa application process six weeks before your departure is best to avoid unnecessary delay. Note that countries like India, China, and many others do not pay visa fees because their citizens can visit Uruguay without a visa but with a valid ID card.
Also Read: Uruguay Congress Visa – Documentation, Requirements and Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uruguay a safe country?
Uruguay has a low crime rate, and its security mechanisms for lives and properties are top-notch. As a result, it tops the safety index in South America. It is also economically conducive because things are not too expensive and means of transportation are cheaper.
How much money do you need to immigrate to Uruguay?
You must provide proof of funds like your bank statements or credit card. It should show that you can spend one thousand five hundred US dollars monthly.
Is Uruguay an English widely speaking country?
Top cities like Montevideo, Colonia, and Punte Del Este speak English compared to other parts of the country.
What’s the average rent in Uruguay?
Suppose you wish to rent an 85m2 flat with one month’s utilities like electricity, water, and gas. You should budget fourth thousand two hundred US dollars for that. However, if you desire a higher taste, you can opt for 85-meter square (900 sqft) furnished accommodation. This cost thirty-nine thousand five hundred US dollars mostly.
What is the best time to visit Uruguay?
You will have the best experience if you visit during summer because the weather is always friendly. This will also allow you to visit numerous attractions like beaches and coastal areas without fear. The summer period is from November to February.
Can I work in Uruguay as a foreigner?
You need to obtain an Uruguay work visa and work permit to be able to work as a foreign citizen.
How much is $1 US in Uruguay?
One United States dollar is equal to forty Uruguayan pesos.
What is the average salary in Uruguay?
As a Worker in Uruguay, you should expect a monthly income of one thousand three hundred Us dollars.
Conclusion
An Uruguay family reunification visa is an excellent opportunity for families to reunite. The process is relatively simple; the visa is valid for up to two years. Families should take advantage of this opportunity and apply for a visa as soon as possible.
