Can you give birth in Uruguay without a residence permit?

Yes. In fact, most families come to give birth as tourists. Usually, a 90-day visa-free stay is granted, which is more than enough for childbirth and processing the baby's initial documents. If more time is needed, the visa can be extended for another 90 days by contacting the immigration office.

What are the benefits of giving birth in Uruguay for foreigners?

In addition to the obvious benefit — the child’s citizenship — the family gains additional opportunities. These include access to quality education, free healthcare, and social security. A Uruguayan passport opens borders for those with weaker passports: visa-free travel to Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and a 10-year U.S. visa are all possible. It's a great chance to start a new life in a stable democratic country with a high standard of living.

Why do foreign women give birth in Uruguay?

Every story is unique, but common reasons include the opportunity to give the child a better future, or the chance for the family to start over in a country that values human dignity and personal freedom. Many families who originally planned to return home after childbirth end up staying in Uruguay for good — because they find not just a new country, but a new home.

Where is it better to give birth: Argentina or Uruguay?

Argentina was popular among foreigners for childbirth until May 2025. However, after legal changes, parents can only apply for citizenship after two years of continuous residence. In Uruguay, staying 183 days per year is enough to apply for citizenship after 3 years. Additionally, Argentina has become the most expensive country in South America, losing its appeal. More and more families are choosing Uruguay as a more accessible and promising alternative.

Childbirth in Uruguay with citizenship acquisition

Giving birth in Uruguay is an excellent opportunity to grant your child a second citizenship by right of birth in a free and democratic country.

We fully assist with this important event — from consultation and choosing a clinic to obtaining citizenship for the child and permanent residency for the parents. Need a consultation? Write to us on telegram or whatsapp.

Advantages of Giving Birth in Uruguay

According to local laws, every child born in the country automatically receives Uruguayan citizenship. Parents, siblings, and even grandparents can obtain simplified permanent residency and later citizenship, which grants visa-free access to over 150 countries worldwide.

Giving birth in Uruguay with Reluy – citizenship for child and parents

Your child becomes a citizen of a country that ranks among the safest in Latin America. Uruguay is a stable democracy that respects human rights and values family traditions. Here, you don’t have to worry about your children’s future.

For parents, a simple and fast path to permanent residency opens up, followed by citizenship after 3 years, provided they meet the requirement of living in the country at least 183 days per year.

Additional Benefits

First, the quality of healthcare. Uruguayan doctors are educated in the best universities around the world, with many trained in Europe and the USA. Maternity hospitals are equipped with modern facilities, and the staff speak multiple languages.

Second, climate and ecology. Clean air, the ocean nearby, no industrial pollution. Many mothers note that pregnancy in such conditions feels easier, and recovery after childbirth is faster.

Third, the family-oriented culture. In Uruguay, children and motherhood are highly valued. It’s uncommon to see parents yelling at a child in public, and young mothers are always offered help. This creates a unique atmosphere of care and support.

How Much Does Giving Birth in Uruguay Cost?

Cost of Birth in Private Clinics

A basic birth package in a private clinic costs around $3,000. This includes late-pregnancy monitoring, delivery, and postnatal care. A VIP package with a private room, personal doctor, and extra services can cost up to $7,000.

Additionally, you should budget for accommodation (from $1,000 per month for an apartment), food (about $1,000 per month for a family of two), and flights (from $1,500 round trip). The overall budget for giving birth with a three-month stay comes to around $15,000–20,000.

Free Births and Public Clinics

Technically, giving birth in Uruguayan public hospitals is free for everyone, including tourists. However, in practice this means long queues, language barriers, and less comfortable conditions. Most Russian-speaking families prefer private clinics.

Cantegril – Clinic for childbirth in Uruguay, Punta del Este

Procedure for Obtaining Citizenship

The process of obtaining documents begins immediately after birth. In the first days of the child’s life, parents submit documents to the Registro Civil. The Uruguayan birth certificate is issued within a week.

The next step is getting a passport. This takes from two weeks to a month. During this time, parents can start applying for temporary residency. Having a child who is a Uruguayan citizen gives parents the right to simplified and accelerated permanent residency.

After three years of residence in the country, parents can apply for Uruguayan citizenship. This process is called naturalization and requires basic Spanish knowledge, a clean criminal record, and proof of income.