Vaccination records now required of residency applicants

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Under a decree by the Ministry of Public Health, all foreigners applying for temporary or permanent residence must submit proof that they have received vaccinations that are mandatory in Uruguay, including the measles vaccine.

What does the change mean? The requirement is now in effect and applies to all new residency applications, for both temporary and permanent residence, submitted in-country or at an overseas mission. Authorities are also requesting vaccine certificates for renewal applications.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Temporary and Permanent Residence permits, including MERCOSUR Temporary Residence Permits. Short-term work authorization (“hoja de identidad provisoria”) is not affected by the new requirement.
• Who is affected: All foreign nationals applying for residency, i.e., intending to stay for longer than 180 days.
• Business impact: Employers and individuals should factor in additional time to gather the necessary medical records.

Background: Health authorities are putting in place the requirement following an outbreak of measles this year in a nine-country region, with Venezuela reporting the highest number of cases, followed by Brazil and the United States. Argentina, Canada and Peru are also among the countries reporting cases. The vaccine certificate must also include tetanus and other vaccinations required by Uruguay health authorities.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals intending to apply for residency in Uruguay should plan to obtain the required vaccines and request proof from their medical provider.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Uruguay. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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