How to Set Up a Business in Uruguay in 6 Steps
When considering business expansion opportunities in Uruguay, one of the most strategic moves to make is to set up a business in Uruguay. Opting to set up a business in Uruguay provides entrepreneurs with a solid foundation for entering the local market and the process is streamlined and straightforward, making it an attractive option for both local and international investors.
By choosing to set up a business in Uruguay, entrepreneurs can capitalize on the country’s favorable business environment and emerging economic opportunities. This approach not only facilitates market entry but also ensures compliance with Uruguayan regulations, setting businesses up for long-term success in this vibrant South American nation.
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At Biz Latin Hub, we are experts in the region and understand the cultural nuances and legal requirements in each country. We can help you set up a business in Uruguay and avoid any of the pitfalls that often face inexperienced new investors.
Why Set Up a Business in Uruguay?
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%).
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.
The 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.
3 Legal entity types to set up a business in Uruguay
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:
- Open Corporation: companies that use public savings or have shares listed on the Montevideo Stock Exchange (BVM).
- 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 | |
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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 SME | It may have between a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 50 partners. |
Simplified Stock Company (S.A.S)
With the introduction of the SAS in Uruguay, a more agile and accessible business structure has emerged, offering foreign executives an attractive avenue for market entry and expansion. Its legal status and assets are independent of business owners, reducing personal liability for company activities. It is the most popular company type in the country.
The SAS has a big disadvantage, which is the social contributions paid by its administrator, equivalent to a minimum of approximately USD$250 when the company has no employees and the higher salary of its employees when it has them.
How to set up a business in Uruguay in 6 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. 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)
- Step 6- Register the Ultimate Beneficiary Owner (UBO) with the state bank
Step 1: Company bylaws need to be approved
Once you write the bylaws of your company, you need to validate them with the National Audit Office (AIN). The audit office will make sure that they are legally compliant and make sure that everything is in order according to the law of the land.
Step 2: 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). This will form the basis of your company’s operation going forwards. Although they can later be changed, this requires administrative change and is something you probably want to avoid.
Step 3: Publish your bylaws
The registration of your bylaws will be confirmed by being published in the Official Gazette and another national newspaper. This means that you are fully and publically registered in an open and transparent manner, as well as allowing anyone to inspect said bylaws.
Step 4: Register with National Tax Administration Office (DGI)
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). This is essential for all official business in the country, such as obtaining a corporate bank account.
Step 5: Register with state labor authorities
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, involving the Ministry of Work and Social Security (MTSS), and the Social Security Administration (BPS).
Step 6: Register the Ultimate Beneficiary Owner (UBO)
To adhere with increasing Anti Money Laundering (AML) regulations you are required to notify and register the UBO of the company with the central bank. This is becoming ever more important as the country falls into line with global norms of accounting and fiscal responsibility. You will need to maintain these records as an ongoing project.
Foreign branch office registration as an Alternative to set up a business in Uruguay
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 you set up a business in Uruguay
Can a foreigner own a business in Uruguay?
Yes, 100% ownership is permitted.
What is the Uruguay Company Tax ID?
The Uruguay Company Tax ID is known as RUT (Registro Único Tributario), which translates in English to Single Tax Registration a unique identification number for tax purposes in Uruguay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biz Latin Hub can help you 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.
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