Who can buy Real Estate in Uruguay – physical or legal persons?

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Many prominent South and Central American countries have limitations for foreigners buying farmland. ie Argentina and Brazil, foreigners can not buy properties bordering another country or extensive properties. In Uruguay, there are no such limitations.

The Uruguayan government has been very open towards foreigners investing in local Real Estate. Buyers from all over the world have the same rights as Uruguayan citizens. They are granted the same economic advantages when they acquire Real Estate in Uruguay. It makes no difference if the physical or legal person is Uruguayan or not, resident or not. They are all treated the same.

In Uruguay, you can buy Real Estate as an individual, national or foreigner, or through commercial companies. Local or foreign corporations and companies have the same legal protection as the Uruguayan State. Typical are local commercial companies like a Sociedad Anónima (S.A. whose shares must be registered ) or Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), among others.

To buy Real Estate in Uruguay, a foreigner must only present their passport or identification document. They do not have to be a resident in Uruguay. However, a buyer must comply with the latest banking regulations, provide proof of funds, and fill out compliance forms. A foreigner can even buy from abroad, using a power of attorney. A power of attorney authorises a person residing in the country to represent them in signing the deed.

National and local citizens and foreigners can buy all types of real estate and urban property like apartments or condominiums, houses, land, lots, and shops. They can buy on beaches or lakes, rural fields or farms, lots, land or subdivisions.

Restrictions

There are two restrictions in the case of agricultural properties. Agricultural properties must be acquired in the name of a physical person or by a company with named partners or limited companies with named shareholders. It doesn’t matter if national or foreign, resident or not. Any agricultural property of over 500 hectares in size must first be offered to the I.N.C. (Instituto Nacional de Colonización). The I.N.C. is a public body in charge of encouraging the growth of the rural population. The I.N.C has the option of purchasing the land at the same price.

How to Acquire Title

According to Uruguayan Law, the way of acquiring the title of real estate are Purchase, Exchange, Donation, Succession due to Death and Prescription.

The legal regime of property in Uruguay is of absolute certainty and security for legitimate businesses. The property is accredited by a Property Title that, in most cases, must be instrumented in a public deed authorized by a Notary Public and in others (Succession or Prescription) through Judicial Judgment.

Fees you will have to pay when Buying a Property in Uruguay

• Real Estate Agent Buyers Fee: 3% plus VAT (22%)
• A conveyance attorney in Uruguay can charge up to 3% of the sales price plus 22% VAT. Shop around.
• Deed Registration Stamp Duties (“Montepios”): 0.55%
• Expenses for Registry and Tax Certificates Stamp Duties: US$ 600-800 on average.
• If you need to appoint a representative through a power of attorney, this will cost approximately US$ 350 plus VAT.
• The Real Estate Transfer Tax (ITP) determines the “Fiscal Catastral Value” of the property based on its location and condition (which is usually well below the market value) and charges a fee of 2% of this amount (Estimated at 0.6%).

Contact the Gateway to South America team to learn about the best investment opportunities in the region. The company is a benchmark for foreign investors wishing to invest in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, providing expert advice on property acquisition.

www.gatewaytosouthamerica.com

Post available in: English