Uruguayan nationality law

Uruguayan nationality law is mostly based on the principle of Jus soli. Its rules are written in the Uruguayan Constitution in Section III, Chapter I. Dual Citizenship is permitted under Uruguayan law, and people who naturalise as Uruguayan citizens are not obligated to renounce their previous nationality.

Types of citizenship 
In Uruguay, there is a distinction between natural and legal citizenship, similar to the United States.

Natural citizens 
Any person born in Uruguay acquires Uruguayan natural citizenship at birth.
Any child of a Uruguayan citizen is a citizen of Uruguay, however they will only be categorised as a natural citizen if they were born within the territory of the republic.

Legal citizens 
A legal citizen is someone who obtained citizenship after birth. In this case, a language examination is necessary in order to ensure the person knows Spanish. One can obtain the Uruguayan citizenship in three different ways:

After investing a large sum of money in Uruguay or making an important contribution to science, art, or industry of Uruguay and after 3 years of residence in the country.
A spouse of an Uruguayan citizen has the right of residence in Uruguay, and after five years of residence, it is possible for them to apply for citizenship.
By grant of the General Assembly of Uruguay to a person who has made a noteworthy contribution to Uruguay or has excellent merits.

See also 
Visa policy of Uruguay
Visa requirements for Uruguayan citizens
Uruguayan passport

References

External links 
La Dirección Nacional de Migración
 Uruguayan constitution (in Spanish only)

Category:Nationality law
Category:Uruguayan law
Category:Marriage, unions and partnerships in Uruguay