Dmitri Mihhailov
Managing Partner
Founder of Prifinance. 15+ years structuring international companies, banking and licensing for founders worldwide.
Register a company in Uruguay
- South America’s quiet Switzerland.Uruguay company registration through an SAS combines a stable, whitelisted democracy with territorial taxation: foreign-source income sits outside IRAE, free-zone users can reach a full 0%, and USD accounts without exchange controls are standard. It is not a same-week, no-paperwork offshore jurisdiction - Uruguay requires a notary, tax registration, beneficial-owner filings and annual compliance, but in return offers a flag banks and counterparties across the Americas take seriously.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
6,000+
companies servedcompanies served
Updated
Uruguay (SA) · at a glance
Legal formSAS · simplified company
Time to set up7-15 business days
Tax on foreign income0% - territorial
Local income (IRAE)25%
Free zones0% - full exemption
Remote setupYes - fully online
4.7
★★★★★
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Uruguay in brief
The jurisdiction Latin America trusts with its money.
Uruguay has spent a century serving as one of the region’s safest financial jurisdictions: a stable democracy, an investment-grade economy, established banks and no exchange controls, allowing dollars to move freely in and out. Taxation is territorial by design: IRAE applies to Uruguayan-source income at 25%, while foreign-source corporate income remains outside the tax net. The SAS introduced in 2019 modernised incorporation with one shareholder, no minimum capital and electronic filings, while free zones such as Zonamerica can take qualifying service exporters to a full 0%.
At the same time, business in Uruguay comes with real compliance. Expect a notary, a fiscal address, registration with DGI, beneficial-owner reporting to the Central Bank through a register closed to the public, annual accounts and roughly two to three weeks of processing. In exchange, the company receives a whitelisted jurisdiction with Mercosur access, strong credibility with banks and counterparties, and one of the region’s more accessible residency routes with tax benefits on foreign income for founders who later relocate.
Packages & pricing
Uruguay company registration - cost and packages.
01 - SAS · SOCIEDAD POR ACCIONES SIMPLIFICADA
Company
from$2,900USD · all-in
Remote business registration in Uruguay through an SAS includes a notarised charter, registry and DGI filings, RUT tax number and the first year of the fiscal address.
✓Name check and charter drafting✓Notary and registry fees included✓RUT registration with DGI✓Fiscal address - first year✓Central Bank owner filings handled✓Free pre-incorporation consultation
Optional add-ons: free-zone setup - scoped per project · local director service - from $1,200/year · annual renewal and accounting - from $2,000/year.
Start with Company →02 - SAS · SOCIEDAD POR ACCIONES SIMPLIFICADA
Most popularCompany + Bank Account
from$4,900USD · all-in
A functioning SAS with a Uruguayan bank or fintech account - USD and UYU balances, cards and online banking arranged with our support.
✓Everything in the Company package✓Account with a Uruguayan bank or EMI - USD-first✓Account application and KYC file preparation✓Introduction to 2-3 suitable institutions✓Compliance onboarding support✓Dedicated account manager
Start with Banking →Starting prices are confirmed before filing. Notarial and registry fees are itemised in the final quote.
What you can do
Popular uses for a Uruguayan company.
An SAS can conduct almost any lawful business in Uruguay or abroad. Financial intermediation requires Central Bank authorisation, while free-zone status is granted under a separate user contract.
LatAm trading hub
Mercosur membership, strong ports and a jurisdiction respected by Brazilian and Argentine counterparties.
Software & IT exports
A strong regional tech-export base, supported by free zones and exemptions designed for services sold abroad.
Holding & wealth
Foreign dividends and gains can remain outside the territorial tax net, backed by a long-established private-banking tradition.
Agri & commodities
Beef, grain and timber trading through one of the region’s most reliable legal and corporate frameworks.
Free-zone operationslicensed
Zonamerica, WTC Free Zone and Aguada Park offer 0% IRAE under qualifying free-zone user contracts.
Financial serviceslicensed
Payment institutions and intermediaries operate under Central Bank of Uruguay - BCU - authorisation.
Why Uruguay (SA)
Key advantages of the jurisdiction.
✓
Territorial 0% by law
Foreign-source income remains outside IRAE. This is a statutory territorial system, not a tax loophole.
✓
No exchange controls
USD accounts are standard and capital can move freely in and out - still unusual in much of the region.
✓
Whitelisted stability
Investment-grade standing, OECD compliance and strong rule of law support a high level of banking credibility.
✓
Modern SAS form
One shareholder, no minimum capital and electronic incorporation make it comparatively simple to set up a company in Uruguay.
✓
Free zones at 0%
Qualifying service exporters in Zonamerica or WTC Free Zone can pay no IRAE while maintaining real offices and staff.
✓
Residency & tax holiday
Uruguay also offers a straightforward residency route with a long exemption period for certain foreign income after relocation.
How it compares
Uruguay alongside the usual shortlist.
Panama is the classic territorial alternative but carries a greyer historical reputation. Paraguay is cheaper but institutionally thinner, while Chile and Argentina tax worldwide income. Uruguay requires more time and money, but buys greater confidence from banks and counterparties. Figures current as of 2026.
| Country | Tax on foreign income | Reputation | Signature edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | 0% - territorial | Whitelisted, stable | Trusted flag · free zones |
| Panama | 0% - territorial | Grey-list history | Cheap, fast, famous |
| Paraguay | 0% - territorial | Improving | 10% local rate |
| Chile | Worldwide | Strong | 27% - no shelter |
| Argentina | Worldwide | Volatile | 35% - capital controls |
UruguayTrusted flag · free zones
Tax on foreign income0% - territorial
ReputationWhitelisted, stable
PanamaCheap, fast, famous
Tax on foreign income0% - territorial
ReputationGrey-list history
Paraguay10% local rate
Tax on foreign income0% - territorial
ReputationImproving
Chile27% - no shelter
Tax on foreign incomeWorldwide
ReputationStrong
Argentina35% - capital controls
Tax on foreign incomeWorldwide
ReputationVolatile
Requirements
What Uruguayan law actually requires.
01
One shareholder - an individual or company of any nationality; an SAS can incorporate with a single founder.
02
Administrator - at least one administrator or director is required; foreign residents may serve, while local support can be added where useful.
03
Capital - there is no minimum for an SAS; capital is declared in the charter and can be paid flexibly.
04
Fiscal address - a Uruguayan address is required for DGI and registry correspondence and is included in the package.
05
Owner reporting - beneficial owners are reported to the Central Bank under Law 19,484 through a register closed to the public and available only to authorities.
06
Accounts & filings - annual financial statements and DGI/BPS filings apply, making Uruguay a genuine accounting and compliance jurisdiction.
How it works
From application to an operating company in weeks.
To open a company in Uruguay, the process can be completed largely by power of attorney. Our lawyers, notary and registry team in Montevideo handle the formalities, and most companies become operational within two to three weeks.
01Same day
Free consultation
We confirm whether Uruguay fits the structure and say directly if Panama, a free zone or another jurisdiction would work better.
022-4 days
KYC & POA
Passports, proof of address and an apostilled power of attorney; the SAS charter is drafted in parallel.
033-7 days
Notary & registry
The charter is notarised and filed with the National Trade Registry.
042-4 days
RUT & registrations
Tax number with DGI and BPS social-security registration where staff are planned.
051-3 days
Owner filings
Beneficial-owner declarations are lodged with the Central Bank.
061-4 weeks
Banking
The company is introduced to Uruguayan banks or EMIs and supported through onboarding.
Quick facts
Legal formSAS
Shareholders1+, any nationality
Tax on foreign income0% - territorial
Standard timeline7-15 business days
AccountsAnnual - real filings
Owner registerClosed - BCU only
Renewal & accountingFrom $2,000/year
Uruguay rewards patience. It is slower than an island registry, but the additional formality often becomes an advantage when a bank, investor or major counterparty assesses the company’s jurisdiction.
On the ground
On the ground in Uruguay.
Prifinance - Uruguay
Montevideo
World Trade Center, Montevideo, Uruguay
01
LatAm-desk specialists
Your setup is run by a team that structures companies across South America every month.
02
Notary & registry handled
Charter, RUT, BPS and Central-Bank filings. Done correctly, in Spanish, on time.
03
Free-zone scoping
We negotiate Zonamerica and WTC FZ user contracts when 0% across the board is the goal.
04
Also in Hong Kong, London, Dubai & more
A network of offices across Europe, the Gulf and the Americas. One team for your whole international structure.
We also have offices in
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
5/F, Yau Lee Centre, 45 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
Berlin
Germany
Rankestraße 26
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Türkiye
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Toronto
Canada
1110 Finch Avenue West, suite 406
Singapore
Singapore
3 Church Street, #29-68 Samsung Hub
Bangkok
Thailand
Unit P01, Penthouse, VASU1, 1 Sukhumvit 25 Alley
Foshan
China
A-Tower, Yuneng Digital Plaza, 46 Lishui Avenue South
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Republic Square 13
Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan
32 Razzakov Street
Taxation 2026
Territorial taxation with 0% on foreign income.
Uruguay taxes what happens in Uruguay. IRAE applies at 25% to Uruguayan-source profits, while foreign-source corporate income remains outside the territorial net. Dividends carry withholding only when distributed from taxed local income. Free-zone users may be fully exempt from IRAE, and 22% VAT applies only to domestic supplies.
Foreign income - 0%
Outside IRAE’s territorial scope for companies.
Local income - 25%
IRAE applies to Uruguayan-source profits; qualifying free-zone contracts remove even this.
Dividends
7% withholding on distributions of taxed local profits; foreign-source flows remain outside the charge.
VAT - 22%
Domestic supplies only; exports of goods and most services are zero-rated.
Levies in 2026
IRAE on foreign income0%
IRAE on local income25%
Free-zone users0%
Dividends - taxed local profits7%
VAT - domestic only22%
Renewal & accountingFrom $2,000/year
Owners remain responsible for tax where they personally reside unless they qualify for Uruguay’s residency tax holiday.
Your team
The specialists who'll handle your case.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
International Business Consultant
Guides clients from the first consultation to a working setup - companies, accounts and substance in 60+ jurisdictions.
Alex Danila
Corporate Services Specialist
Handles incorporation paperwork, KYC and bank introductions so your Uruguayan company launches without delays.
Follow Prifinance
Active across our channels.
Watch: opening a company in Uruguay with Prifinance
The trusted flag of Latin America - territorial 0%, dollar banking, free zones. Structured properly, start to finish.
Talk to a specialist →FAQ
Uruguay company registration - answers.
Can I open a Uruguayan company without visiting?+
Yes. With an apostilled power of attorney, our Montevideo team can sign before the notary on your behalf, while KYC and registry filings are handled remotely. Many clients first travel to Uruguay only when they decide to obtain residency.
How much does it cost?+
Turnkey registration starts from $2,900, including the notary, registry, RUT and the first year of the fiscal address. Packages with a bank or EMI account start from $4,900. Annual renewal with accounting starts from $2,000.
How does 0% on foreign income work?+
Uruguayan corporate tax - IRAE - is territorial by statute and applies only to Uruguayan-source income. A company trading or holding assets abroad may therefore have no IRAE base on that foreign income, without a separate ruling.
What is the SAS form?+
Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada is Uruguay’s modern corporate vehicle, introduced in 2019. One shareholder is sufficient, there is no minimum capital requirement, governance is flexible and many filings are electronic.
What do free zones add?+
A user contract in Zonamerica, WTC Free Zone, Aguada Park or another approved zone can exempt a qualifying company from IRAE entirely, including certain services delivered from Uruguay. In return, the company must maintain genuine substance, including an office and, depending on the zone, local staff.
Is ownership public?+
No. Beneficial owners are reported to the Central Bank under Law 19,484, but the register is closed to the general public and accessible to authorities. Uruguay also participates in CRS information exchange.
How do I open a bank account in Uruguay?+
A company may apply to Itaú, Santander, Scotiabank, BROU or a suitable local EMI. USD accounts are standard and there are no exchange controls, but onboarding involves full KYC, source-of-funds checks and a credible business profile. We prepare that file before introducing the company to the institution.
Uruguay or Panama?+
Both use territorial taxation. Panama is usually cheaper and faster, but Uruguay offers a stronger whitelisted reputation, Mercosur access and a more established banking environment. A simple holding structure may fit Panama, while operating businesses and wealth structures often justify Uruguay.
What about moving there?+
Uruguay combines company formation with a relatively straightforward residency route and a tax holiday that can exempt certain foreign income for roughly a decade, with options afterwards.
How long does it take?+
Plan on 7-15 business days from complete KYC to an operating company, including the notary, registry, RUT and Central Bank filings. Opening a bank account in Uruguay usually adds another 1-4 weeks depending on the institution.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
“Opening an account with Prifinance in a Swiss bank was such an easy and quick process that I was shocked. It all started with the first call, where I received detailed guidance on the required documents and the entire procedure.One of the key highlights was their attention to detail. As someone who usually gets tangled up in paperwork, I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me all the documents and…”
Google
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Boris.. and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Boris went above and beyond to assist me with my residency needs. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly stood out. I highly recommend working with Boris and the team!”
Google
More from Prifinance
Other jurisdictions & licenses.
Free consultation
Start your Uruguayan company today.
Tell us about the business, and a specialist replies within one business day: SAS, free zone or a different flag, with a timeline and a fixed quote.
✓No obligation; the first consultation is free✓A clear recommendation, not a sales pitch✓Transparent fixed fees, confirmed up front✓EN · RU · ES speaking team