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Import of Vehicles

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Currently, the importation of used vehicles into the country is not permitted, except for the exceptions detailed in Decree 266/013, which require the completion of certain procedures with the relevant agencies. However, it is important to note that new regulations are expected to be approved shortly to ease restrictions on the importation of used vehicles.

For more information on this matter, click here to access the Ministry of Economy’s resolution.

Under current regulations, the exceptions include specialized vehicles that cannot be manufactured domestically; donations received from abroad of vehicles intended for a specific, non-profit purpose; and vehicle cabs classified under headings 8704.22, 8704.23, and 8704.32 of the current nomenclature. 32, corresponding to the third amendment to the Harmonized Commodity Code System; vintage sports cars or classic cars over twenty years old, used exclusively for exhibition or to participate in competitions and in accordance with the regulations issued by the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining for that purpose; and special vehicles used to transport people within sports venues.

In the case of Uruguayan citizens returning from abroad, it is possible to import vehicles if the following requirements are met:

  • Uruguayan citizens who have resided abroad for at least 2 years.
  • Uruguayan citizens who decide to take up permanent residence in the country may import, on an exceptional basis and without exchange formalities, and exempt from all customs duties, taxes, or related levies: personal belongings and items used to furnish their home; tools, machinery, devices, and instruments related to the practice of their profession, art, or trade; a motor vehicle they own, which may not be transferred until two years have elapsed since its entry into the country.

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A foreign national arriving in the country may import a vehicle only if their situation complies with the provisions of Articles 2 and 3 of Law 16.340:

  • Be retired.
  • Receive a minimum of 1,500 U.S. dollars (one thousand five hundred U.S. dollars) per month in retirement benefits or other income generated abroad.
  • Have purchased a residential property in Uruguay, which must have a minimum value of 100,000 U.S. dollars (one hundred thousand U.S. dollars) and may not be sold for a period of ten years. The value of the aforementioned property must be substantiated by reliable evidence.
  • Alternatively, have purchased in Uruguay government bonds issued by the Government of Uruguay with a minimum face value of 100,000 U.S. dollars (one hundred thousand U.S. dollars), which must remain in custody at the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay for a minimum period of ten years. However, at any time, the assets may be exchanged for government securities and vice versa, as well as any of them for another investment, provided the amounts are not less than those mentioned above.

In the cases mentioned above, the involvement of a customs broker is not required. Consular legalization of documents related to permanent residence in the country for Uruguayan citizens and their immediate family members is free of charge.

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Driver’s License Equivalency

This process allows you to exchange a driver’s license issued by the Municipality of Montevideo for one issued by another province or by a foreign government.

For more information, click here.

*Please note that the website is in Spanish; you can use your browser’s automatic translator by right-clicking on the screen and selecting “Translate to English.”