Property
Uruguay — Property Buying Process
Foreigners can buy Uruguayan residential property directly with an escribano handling title checks, deed signing and registration, typically over 30 to 90 days.
VerifiedProfessional tax guide — not a government sourceThe Latin Investor, Uruguay foreigner property rights (2026 commercial blog; estimates, not official)Last reviewed: 2026-10-26
Key facts
- Foreigners can generally buy residential property directly, with no special structure, and can usually buy 100% of a unit; buying does not grant residence or citizenship.
- Typical steps: choose property, hire an escribano, sign a reservation or promesa de compraventa with a deposit, complete title and debt checks, sign the deed, transfer funds, pay costs and register the deed.
- A power of attorney can allow remote signing; timeline is about 30 to 90 days from accepted offer to registration.
- Total closing costs are about 7% to 9% with an agent (realistic range 4% to 10%); exact ITP rate and escribano fees were not given.
- Verify fees and taxes with the escribano, DGI and DGR.
Steps
- Step 1 — Obtain a RUT tax number from DGI
- Step 2 — Sign a reservation/promise-of-sale (boleto de reserva) with a deposit
- Step 3 — Escribano conducts title search and legal checks
- Step 4 — Sign the final deed (escritura) before the escribano
- Step 5 — Escribano registers the deed at the Dirección General de Registros
Timelines
- Offer to registration: 30 to 90 days