'Colossal' opportunities in South America

By Alan Wood - The Press.

PGG Wrightson boss Tim Miles has aspirations for the company's South American seeds and rural businesses to provide much of the group's growth in the next decade.

He has just returned from a farms trip through Uruguay where PGGW has businesses and manages dairy land owned and being developed by New Zealand Farming Systems Uruguay (NZFSU).

Uruguayan farms were often mega- scale.

Two farms he had seen from one viewing point were of 5600 to 6000 hectares, and dotted with milking sheds.

It was inspiring, Mr Miles said.

While the heart of PGGW's business remained in New Zealand, there were good opportunities in Australia for seeds, and in South America for seeds, rural supplies, real estate and livestock.

The company already employed about 400 people for its operations in Uruguay, Chile and Argentina.

In South America, the company grew the same amount of seed as it grew in New Zealand and Australia combined.

"If you were to ask me where the real growth will be in terms of the next 10 years, I would say it would be in Latin America. You've got a huge amount of land that is relatively undeveloped," Mr Miles said. "The opportunity to help all that development is just colossal . . . you have very good soil but often the grass is just naked, nothing's ever been done with it."

NZFSU was spun out of PGGW and listed in late 2007, with the Christchurch-headquartered company still owning 11 per cent.

While Uruguay was much more developed in terms of PGGW's total "full service" offering, it was too early to say whether services such as animal health, pumping and irrigation would be also offered to other South American countries, Mr Miles said.

Demand in Brazil for seed products was huge, probably 20 times that of Uruguay, but PGGW had yet to enter that neighbouring market.

In the New Zealand rural economy, operators remained circumspect about any major commitments such as capital spending, he said.

PGGW's trading in March, April and May had been consistent with that careful attitude.

"We've got parts of our business that have been performing very well and other parts that have seen a bit more pressure because clients are a bit more cautious," Mr Miles said.

There were also a lot of good things happening in the rural sector, including sheep prices being much stronger in the past year than in the year before, reduced fuel and fertiliser prices, and dairy payouts staying relatively high "in historic terms".

In many parts of New Zealand, farmers and rural people had had a good season, Mr Miles said.

But despite a correction, rural land prices remained expensive compared with other countries.

To help mitigate that, PGGW's seeds business was in part designed to provide leading-edge forage grasses to encourage "more profit out of each acre and each hectare".

PGGW was sticking with earnings (net operating profit after tax) guidance of $39 million to $45m in the year to June 30, 2009, though that would be reduced by $2.5m given new debt- related costs. Planned debt reduction of $125m (including $65m of that due for repayment in December 2010) following a refinancing of banking agreements in February, was well in hand, Mr Miles said.

PGGW's decision to cut dividends over the next two years would provide about $70m to $80m of that $125m total.

Other measure would include working capital reduction, debt collection and some small asset sales. Fairfax

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/agribusiness/2410193/Colossal-opportunities-in-South-America

Infomration about our firm

We offer a professional service and attention commensurate with your needs. Our offices are located just 2 blocks from the National Directorate of Migration in the Old City (the financial and business center of Montevideo).

Our fees are reasonable and appropriate to the cost of Uruguay. The costs for foreigners are the same as that charged for the Uruguayans, for any proceedings before public agencies.

For more information contact us: residenceuruguay@gmail.com

Main information

If you're going to live in Uruguay for a period of time and aims to process the temporary or permanent residence, we can provide the advice you need.
The paperwork needed for the processing of residence can be lengthy and difficult to carry out by a foreigner who is not familiar with the country. Although Uruguay is a country prone to receive these foreigners is necessary to comply with a series of requirements that should be credited to the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (National Directorate of Migration), the body responsible for approving the residences.

While, the body responsible for granting residence permits to overseas tends to follow the formalities personally, it also allows, through a letter of authorization, granted powers to other persons for the completion of formalities.

For more information or advice contact us at residenceuruguay@gmail.com
We work in Motevideo downtown.

Seriousness and responsibility in carrying out their paperwork.

Information about religion in Uruguay

Published by the Embassy of United States of America in Uruguay

Uruguay Segment of 2008 International Religious Freedom Report
State Department report reviews respect for religious freedom worldwide

Uruguay

About the law and Constitution the report says:
"The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and other laws and policies contributed to the generally free practice of religion. The law at all levels protects this right in full against abuse, either by governmental or private actors".

And about the Government
"The Government generally respected religious freedom in practice. There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom by the Government during the period covered by this report.

There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice, and prominent societal leaders took positive steps to promote religious freedom.

The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom with the Government as part of its overall policy to promote human rights".

The report has three sections:

"Section I. Religious Demography

The country has an area of 68,039 square miles and a population of 3.24 million (according to the 2004 census). The most recent statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that 45.1 percent identify themselves as Roman Catholics, 10.5 percent as Christian but not Catholic, 0.4 percent as Jewish, 0.7 percent as Afro-Umbandistas, and 27.8 percent believe in God but do not claim a religious affiliation. Mainstream Protestants primarily include Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, and Baptists. Other groups include evangelicals, Pentecostals, Mennonites, Eastern Orthodox, Christian Scientists, and Jehovah's Witnesses. A 2007 study by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association reports a total of 2,113 evangelical churches with 6.1 percent of the population regularly attending. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) claims 100,000 members.

The Jewish community numbers between 12,500 and 20,000 members. The estimated 4,000 Baha'is are concentrated primarily in Montevideo. A 2006 report indicates that approximately 850 families practice Buddhism. The Unification Church is active and has major property holdings, including a daily newspaper. The Muslim population lives primarily near the border with Brazil. An Islamic cultural representative estimated 300 to 400 Muslims in the country but noted that the majority were minimally observant. On April 25, 2008, the Egyptian Islamic Center in Montevideo, which is supported by the Egyptian Embassy, was inaugurated as the first mosque in the country. Muslims also gather to pray at the Uruguay Islamic Center in Canelones. The mosque and the center serve primarily as social hubs for Muslim immigrants who wish to maintain ties to their culture and for native-born citizens who have converted to Islam.

Section II. Status of Religious Freedom

Legal/Policy Framework

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and other laws and policies contributed to the generally free practice of religion. The law at all levels protects this right in full against abuse, either by governmental or private actors. The Constitution and law prohibit discrimination based on religion. The Penal Code prohibits mistreatment of ethnic, religious, and other minority groups.

There is strict separation of church and state. All religious groups are entitled to tax exemptions on their houses of worship, and there were no reports of difficulties in receiving these exemptions. To receive the tax exemptions, a religious group must register as a nonprofit entity and draft organizing statutes. It then applies to the Ministry of Education and Culture, which examines the legal entity and grants religious status. The group must reapply every 5 years. Once the Ministry grants religious status, the group can request an exemption each year from the taxing body, which is usually the municipal government.

The Government observes Three Kings Day, Carnival (the Monday and Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday), Holy Thursday, Good Friday, All Souls' Day, and Christmas as national holidays.

Muslims may obtain an optional identity card that identifies their religious affiliation to employers and allows them to leave work early on Fridays, and employers generally respected this practice.

Religious instruction in public schools is prohibited. Public schools allow students who belong to minority religious groups to miss school for religious holidays without penalty. There are private religious schools, which are mainly Catholic and Jewish.

Restrictions on Religious Freedom

The Government generally respected religious freedom in practice. There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom by the Government during the period covered by this report.

There were no reports of religious prisoners or detainees in the country.

Forced Religious Conversion

There were no reports of forced religious conversion, including of minor U.S. citizens who had been abducted or illegally removed from the United States, or of the refusal to allow such citizens to be returned to the United States.

Section III. Societal Abuses and Discrimination

There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice, and prominent societal leaders took positive steps to promote religious freedom.

The Christian-Jewish Council met regularly to promote interfaith understanding. In addition, the mainstream Protestant denominations met regularly among themselves and with the Catholic Church. There were several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that promoted interfaith understanding.

Section IV. U.S. Government Policy

The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom with the Government as part of its overall policy to promote human rights. Embassy staff met with human rights and religious NGOs, including B'nai B'rith and the Central Jewish Committee of Uruguay. They also met with the leaders of religious communities, including representatives of the Catholic Church, the Jewish community, the Muslim community, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Protestant groups.

site:http://montevideo.usembassy.gov/usaweb/2008/08-446cEN.shtml

Information about Uruguay

Uruguay (official full name in Spanish: República Oriental del Uruguay; Spanish, Eastern Republic of Uruguay) is a country located in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to 3.46 million people,^[2] of whom 1.7 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area.

Uruguay's only terrestrial border is with Brazil to the north. To the west lies the Uruguay River, to the southwest lies the estuary of Río de la Plata, with Argentina only a short commute across the banks of either of these bodies of water, while to the south-east lies the South Atlantic Ocean. Uruguay's surface is 176.214 km² being by its territorial extension the second smallest country in South America, larger only than Suriname and the French overseas department of French Guiana.

Montevideo was founded by the Spanish in the early 18th century as a military stronghold. Uruguay won its independence in 1825-1828 following a three-way struggle between Spain, Argentina and Brazil. It is a constitutional democracy, where the president fulfills the roles of both head of state and head of government.

The economy is largely based on agriculture (making up 10% of GDP and the most substantial export) and the state sector. Uruguay's economy is on the whole more stable than in its surrounding states, and it maintains a solid reputation with investors.

According to Transparency International, Uruguay is the least corrupt country in Latin America (along with Chile), with its political and labor conditions being among the freest on the continent.^[2]

In November 2007 it became the first Latin American country and the second in all of the Americas (after Canada) to recognize same-sex civil unions at the national level.

94.6% of the population are of, at least partial, European descent. 47.1% of Uruguayans are declared Roman Catholics, 23.2% "believe in a god without a specific religion", 17.2% Atheist/Agnostic, 11.1% Protestant, 0.6% Umbanda/Afro-Latin American religions and 0.3% Jewish.^[10] Uruguay is South America's most secular country, where there is no official religion, and in which church and state are separate.

Climate

The climate in Uruguay is temperate: it has warm summers and cold winters. The predominantly gently undulating landscape is also somewhat vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts. It receives the periodic influence of the polar air in winter, and tropical air from Brazil in summer. Without mountains in zone that act as a barrier, the air masses freely move by the territory, causing abrupt weather changes.

The coolest month is June, while the warmest is January. The rainfall is equally distributed throughout the year, but tends to be a bit more frequent in the autumn months. There can be frequent thunderstorms in the summer. Although snow is not very common, it snowed in 1913, 1918, 1930, 1962, 1963, 1975, 1980, 1989, 1991, 1992, and 2007. One of the coldest winters (from 1951) was 2007: Tºjuly average 7,6°C Montevideo-Carrasco airport , Tºjuly average 6,8°C Florida city.

National extreme temperatures sea level are, Paysandú city 44.0°C (01-20-1943) and Melo city -11.0°C (06-14-1967).

Economy

Uruguay has a middle-income economy, mainly dominated by the State services sector, an export-oriented agricultural sector and an industrial sector. Uruguay relies heavily on trade, particularly in agricultural exports, leaving the country particularly vulnerable to slumps in commodity prices and global economic slowdowns. After averaging growth of 5% annually in 1996-1998, in 1999-2001 the economy suffered from lower demand in Argentina and Brazil, which together account for nearly half of Uruguay's exports. Despite the severity of the trade shocks, Uruguay's financial indicators remained stabler than those of its neighbours, a reflection of its solid reputation among investors and its investment-grade sovereign bond rating — one of only two in South America. In recent years Uruguay has shifted some of its energy into developing the commercial use of technologies and has become the first exporter of software in Latin America.^[24]

While some parts of the economy appeared to be resilient, the downturn had severe impact on the local population. Unemployment levels rose to more than 20%, real wages fell, the peso devalued. These worsening economic conditions played a part in turning public opinion against the mildly free market economic policies adopted by the previous administrations in the 1990s, leading to the popular rejection of proposals for privatization of the state petroleum company in 2003 and of the state water company in 2004. The newly elected Frente Amplio government, while pledging to continue payments on Uruguay's external debt, has also promised to undertake a Emergency Plan to attack the widespread problems of poverty and unemployment. In May 2008, the unemployment rate was below 7.2 %

Wikipedia.org

Why Uruguay? - Video

Produced by the Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay.

Documents needed to start the procedure

Basic Guide

- Birth Certificate.
-Marriage Certificate
- Police Records. (Obtained in the country that you lived in the last five years)
If you lived in the United States the last five years, the police can obtain a certificate through the office of Interpol in Uruguay.

The documents obtained abroad need the following:
- Legalisation by the Uruguayan consulate in the country of which they are obtained.
- Legalisation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uruguay.
- Translation into Spanish.

Other documents needed:
Documents proving livelihood (enough income to support him/herself).

Other requirements:

- Certificate of health (obtained in Uruguay, supported by the Ministry of Health).
- Uruguay Entry card (provided to you at the passport control when entering Uruguay, or in case that you don't have it, the photocopy of the passport bearing the stamp of entry). In the event that is not duly noted you should clarify the exact date on which you entered the country as well as the entry point used.
- Passport picture.

Discover a Perfect Retirement in Uruguay

Latinamerica residence procedures - South America Residence procedures

A international web site published an article about retirement in Uruguay, we we share it with you

"Many foreigners retire in Uruguay becasue of its amazing natural beauty and high quality of life"

From ninth position in International Living's Global Retirement Index last year to fourth place this year, Uruguay has a lot to offer those who decide to retire in Uruguay.
Whether you dream of a newly restored colonial home with modern interiors and a view of the harbor…a small cottage with a quiet internal courtyard…or a lazy beachfront retreat where you can sit on your balcony and watch the waves crash up on the sand…you can find it in Uruguay.

Wherever you go, the friendly people will charm you, the natural beauty will seduce you, and the remarkably affordable cost of living will entice you to stay. As is true in any country, real estate in some areas is more affordable than in others. If you want extensive infrastructure, ease of access, an established expatriate community…you can have all that.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a retirement hideaway retreat by the beach, you can find that too…and all at a surprisingly reasonable price. In fact, Mercer HR Consulting recently named Montevideo the second least expensive city in the world. And we recommend Uruguay as the best value for your second-home dollar.

The pros of retiring in Uruguay: Modern, First-World infrastructure, excellent highways, drinkable water, good communications, and stunning beaches. During high season, it is fun and lively. During low season, it is quiet and peaceful. Prices--for just about everything--are excellent.

The cons of retiring in Uruguay: It may be too slow for some retirees during low season. And, though not as distant as New Zealand, Uruguay's not as close as Panama or Mexico."

http://www.internationalliving.com/Countries/Uruguay/Retire

Procesing visa or residence in Uruguay

If you're going to live in Uruguay for a period of time and aims to process the temporary or permanent residence, we can provide the advice you need.

The paperwork needed for the processing of residence can be lengthy and difficult to carry out by a foreigner who is not familiar with the country. Although Uruguay is a country prone to receive these foreigners is necessary to comply with a series of requirements that should be credited to the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (National Directorate of Migration), the body responsible for approving the residences.

While, the body responsible for granting residence permits to overseas tends to follow the formalities personally, it also allows, through a letter of authorization, granted powers to other persons for the completion of formalities.

For more information or advice contact us at residenceuruguay@gmail.com
We work in Motevideo downtown.

Seriousness and responsibility in carrying out their paperwork.

--------------

Flytning til Uruguay Procedure

Vi er din personlige assistent til at få visum og ophold i Uruguay

Vi giver alle de oplysninger, der kræves for at opnå permanent ophold i Uruguay, enten ved undersøgelse, pension eller virksomhed. Så vi hjælpe med liberaliseringen af papirarbejde før den officielle migration organisme. Kontakt os, før de kom til Uruguay eller under deres ophold i vores land. Vi vil hjælpe. Vi er en seriøs og ansvarlig hold, vi forstår, at det er vanskeligt for en udlænding i udførelsen af papirarbejde.

Også visa og midlertidig opholdstilladelse, fast bopæl, becaming en Uruguay ophold. Vi hjælper dig til at opnå Uruguay pensionering status bopæl. For at få Uruguay statsborgerskab og pas, bliver borger i Uruguay.

Oplysninger om migration ret.

Verhuizen naar Uruguay Procedures

Wij zijn uw persoonlijke assistent voor het visum en verblijfsvergunning in Uruguay

Wij bieden alle informatie die nodig is voor het verkrijgen van een permanente verblijfsvergunning in Uruguay, hetzij door de studie-, ouderdoms-of het bedrijfsleven. Dus we helpen bij de liberalisatie van het papierwerk voor de officiële migratie organisme. Neem contact met ons op voordat aan Uruguay of tijdens hun verblijf in ons land. We helpen. Wij zijn een serieuze en verantwoordelijke team, wij begrijpen de moeilijkheden van een buitenlander in de uitvoering van het papierwerk.

Ook visa en tijdelijk verblijf, permanente verblijfplaats, becaming een Uruguay ingezetenschap. Wij helpen u om Uruguay pensionering status verblijfplaats. Om de Uruguay-burgerschap en paspoort, een burger van Uruguay.

Informatie over migratierecht.

Muuttaminen Uruguay Menettely

Me olemme teidän henkilökohtainen avustaja saada viisumi-ja oleskelulupa Uruguay

Tarjoamme kaikki tarvittavat tiedot saatuaan vakituisen asuinpaikan Uruguayn joko tutkimus-, vanhuus-tai liiketoimintaa. Joten me auttaa vapauttamisen paperityötä ennen virallista maahanmuutto-organismista. Ota yhteyttä ennen kuin Uruguayn tai oleskelun aikana maamme. Me autamme. Olemme vakavasti otettava ja vastuullinen ryhmä, ymmärrämme, kuinka vaikeaa on ulkomaalainen suorittaessaan paperitöitä.

Myös viisumien ja tilapäinen oleskelulupa, pysyvä oleskelulupa, becaming yksi Uruguay asuinpaikkavaatimus. Autamme sinua hankkimaan Uruguay eläke tila oleskeluun. Saat Uruguayn kansalaisuus ja passin tullut kansalainen Uruguay.

Tietoa maahanmuuton lainsäädäntöä.

Déplacement à l'Uruguay Procédures

Nous sommes votre assistant personnel pour obtenir le visa et de séjour en Uruguay

Nous fournissons toutes les informations requises pour obtenir la résidence permanente de l'Uruguay, que ce soit par l'étude, de retraite ou d'affaires. Ainsi, nous aidons à la libéralisation des formalités avant la migration organisme officiel. Contactez-nous avant de venir en Uruguay ou au cours de leur séjour dans notre pays. Nous vous aiderons. Nous sommes une équipe sérieuse et responsable, nous comprenons la difficulté d'un étranger dans l'accomplissement de formalités administratives.

Aussi des visas et la résidence temporaire, résidence permanente, devenant un uruguay résidence. Nous vous aider à obtenir le statut de résidence de retraite uruguay. Pour obtenir de l'Uruguay de citoyenneté et de passeport, de devenir citoyen de l'Uruguay.

Informations sur la législation sur les migrations.

Προχωρώντας στην Ουρουγουάη Διαδικασίες

Είμαστε προσωπική βοηθός σας για να τις θεωρήσεις και τη διαμονή στην Ουρουγουάη

Πρέπει να παρέχει όλες τις πληροφορίες που απαιτούνται για την απόκτηση μόνιμης διαμονής στην Ουρουγουάη, είτε με τη μελέτη, τη σύνταξη, ή επιχείρηση. Συνεπώς, θα βοηθήσει στην απελευθέρωση των εγγράφων πριν από τον επίσημο οργανισμό μετανάστευσης. Επικοινωνήστε μαζί μας για την Ουρουγουάη, πριν ή κατά τη διάρκεια της παραμονής τους στην χώρα μας. Θα σας βοηθήσει. Είμαστε μια σοβαρή και υπεύθυνη της ομάδας, κατανοούμε τη δυσκολία του αλλοδαπού στην εκτέλεση γραφειοκρατία.

Επίσης, τις θεωρήσεις και προσωρινής διαμονής, μόνιμη κατοικία, την Ουρουγουάη becaming μία κατοικία. Πρέπει να σας βοηθήσει να αποκτήσετε Ουρουγουάη συνταξιοδότησης καθεστώς διαμονής. Για να πάρετε το διαβατήριο και την υπηκοότητα της Ουρουγουάης, να γίνει ένας πολίτης της Ουρουγουάης.

Πληροφορίες σχετικά με τη μετανάστευση δίκαιο.

Trasferirsi in Uruguay Procedure

Noi siamo il vostro assistente personale per ottenere il visto e il soggiorno in Uruguay

Forniamo tutte le informazioni necessarie per ottenere la residenza permanente in Uruguay, sia da studio, la pensione o per affari. Così aiutiamo nella liberalizzazione dei documenti prima che la migrazione organismo ufficiale. Contattaci prima di venire in Uruguay o durante il loro soggiorno nel nostro paese. Ti aiuto. Siamo una squadra seria e responsabile, si capisce la difficoltà di uno straniero in svolgimento burocratiche.

Inoltre, visti e di soggiorno temporaneo, soggiorno permanente, diventando uno uruguay residenza. Noi vi aiuterà a ottenere lo status di residenza uruguay pensionamento. Per ottenere la cittadinanza e il passaporto uruguay, diventare un cittadino di Uruguay.

Informazioni sulla migrazione legge.

Flytte til Uruguay Procedures

Vi er din personlige assistent for å få visum og opphold i Uruguay

Vi gir all informasjonen som kreves for å få permanent opphold i Uruguay, enten ved å studere, pensjonister eller virksomhet. Så vi hjelper i liberaliseringen av papirene før den offisielle migrasjon organisme. Kontakt oss før du kommer til Uruguay eller under oppholdet i vårt land. Vi vil hjelpe. Vi er en seriøs og ansvarlig team, forstår vi hvor vanskelig det er en utlending i utføre papirarbeid.

Også visa og midlertidig bosted, permanent bolig, becaming en Uruguay bosted. Vi hjelper deg å få Uruguay avgang status residence. For å få Uruguay statsborgerskap og pass, bli statsborger i Uruguay.

Informasjon om migrering lov.

Att flytta till Uruguay Förfarande

Vi är din personliga assistent att få visum och uppehållstillstånd i Uruguay

Vi ger all den information som krävs för att få permanent uppehållstillstånd i Uruguay, antingen genom studier, pension eller företag. Så vi hjälpa till med avregleringen av pappersarbete innan det officiella migration organism. Kontakta oss innan du kommer till Uruguay eller under deras vistelse i vårt land. Vi hjälper. Vi är ett seriöst och ansvarsfullt team, vi förstår att det är svårt för en utlänning att utföra pappersarbete.

Även viseringar och tillfälliga uppehållstillstånd, permanent uppehållstillstånd, becaming en Uruguay hemvist. Vi hjälper dig att få Uruguay pensionering status bostad. För att få Uruguay medborgarskap och pass, blir medborgare i Uruguay.

Information om migration lag.

From Uruguay top ten

The vision of a European who lives in Uruguay on the top ten things:

Ten things I love about living in Uruguay
I told you already the ugly part, the ten things I hate about living in Uruguay, which sparked a couple of mails with a worried tone.

Now it's time to talk about the other part. Why despite all the bad things I told you about, I still choose Uruguay for a living.

So here I go, this is my top ten list of things I like about Uruguay.

First things first
My family, and dear ones. I was born and raised here. This may be of no value for someone coming from abroad, it may not be part of the "official" list, but I would be hipocritical not to acknowledge this is the greatest asset Uruguay has for me. I get to see my family whenever I want, I can watch my four months niece grow. I keep in touch with people I met when I was four and five years old. It's difficult to put it into words but here I feel at home.

Uruguay Family values
In Uruguay family comes first. Weekly family gatherings to have pasta or asado, sometimes including friends are something to enjoy, and miss when not around.

Uruguay Weather
In Uruguay the sun shines generously and regularly all year long, what's that worth to you? Lots of "great" places with huge average income rates, and great life expectancy just don't. Here summer is hot, and you go to the beach, while winter is cold and you cuddle by the fireplace. You get both, and in spring you see stuff blossom. Every season is different, and lasts more or less the same.

Uruguay Beaches
400+ km of beach coast, with white sand. You've got calm river like beaches, you've got as well surfing oceanic beaches. I personally like to have the sea at hand, otherwise I miss watching a water horizon from time to time.

Forget traffic jams in Uruguay
We are very few. This may be a drag for the economy, but it sure helps life quality. There are almost no traffic jams in Uruguay. You almost never have to wait for a table in a restaurant. It's not the sahara desert either, but it's just not crowded. I like it.

Uruguay life costs
Life cost is comparatively cheap. In a globalized economy, you could work remotely, earn an average income, and live very well with it in Uruguay.

Uruguay Culture
It's not an image worshiping culture. The whole world is everyday more image aware, but in this as in other lots of things we are a few steps behind. So if you have a few extra pounds, is not the end of the world.

It's not a money worshiping culture. For the most part people don't measure others by their income, or if they have the right brand of sport shoes or whatever.

Time is not money in Uruguay. There's a bad side to this but there's also a good side. People take due time for zero revenue activities like spending time with their families, or just walk and have mate with bizcochos in la rambla.

Security
It's a relatively secure place. It used to be even more, but that is true for the whole world. In Uruguay people don't get kidnapped. High schools don't have metal detectors, and car glasses are not bullet proof. In the scalation of violence, we are a few steps behind.

Uruguay Food
Some countries have a tendency to include a lot of fried stuff in their diet, or frozen precooked, microwave oven targeted food. I'm under the impression that cooking here is still more of a home made thing, thus more natural, and healthy. Obesity is not a problem in Uruguay as it is in other countries.

Have a bigger relative impact, make a difference
The effort required to change Uruguay in some way is say, less than changing that same aspect in Brazil. We are small, so (and this is a feeling) actions have a bigger relative impact. If you choose to teach in the university, you'll be one among tens, and not one among thousands as it happens in other countries. Bottom line, it's easier to make a difference, it's a smaller system, and this pays off not in cash.

Conclusion
I'd say Uruguay has a good balance between life costs, and life quality. Sure there's struggle, and you may have to effort more than usual to buy/have/own things. But it's a place in the world were you can enjoy life in relative safety, make friends without much problem, raise a family, make a difference, be recognized and loved. Well, isn't that pretty much what life is about?

You can also see in his blog items on the ten worst Uruguay.

http://www.from-uruguay.com

Benefits for retirees

Benefits granted to retirees who obtain permanent residence for retirement.

Retired certifying revenue of U.S. $ 1500

- Introduction, within six months of approved permanent residence in the country, one-time free of any formality and free exchange of all types of customs duties, taxes or charges related to the following assets:
1), furniture and effects of home-room, adequate to its needs, according to estimates made by the customs authorities.
2), motor vehicle, which may not be transferred for a period of four years after it is introduced to the Republic, where special arrangements will be entered in the registration documents and the Register of Motor Vehicles and must be insured tort liability for the maximum amount allowed by the, insurance company, before going into circulation.

- The granting of common passport, which issuance is governed by the provisions of the article, included in this benefit to spouses and children under 18 years of the owner of the management who have obtained permanent residence.

- The maintenance in the territory of life insurance and pension coverage for those who had been contracted abroad.

Does Shakira live in Uruguay?

Why the Colombian singer Shakira Uruguay chooses to live during the summer?

According to the Uruguayan told the El País newspaper: Just hit his residence in Jose Ignacio, the singer and songwriter made it clear that this is the place "magical and spiritual" you need to prepare the songs for his next album.

The newspaper noted that: "Shakira would be in far places today. It could be, for example, in the Californian city of Los Angeles, attending the 50th. Prizes Grammy sheathed in a dress designer and stealing photos next to each other beauty: the singer Beyoncé. Boards are nominated for the prize in the Best Pop Collaboration with the song "Beautiful Liar."

"It could also be in Barranquilla, her hometown, where he began yesterday's Carnival celebrations, the most traditional of Colombia. The media have echoed his absence. The miss. But among all the options chosen peace of your home in Uruguay. "

Museums of JUANA. The Colombian singer said that in addition to the quality of the place came to Uruguay with the intention of finding "the muses of Joan of Ibarbourou, my favorite poet."
Shakira maintains that his ranch of Jose Ignacio and its surroundings form a magical place that allows you, as happened with its previous proposal, finding what you're looking for in terms of musical creation.

"This is a very special place, magical, I come to pick up the muses of Joanna Ibarbourou, my favorite poet to see if I lights," said Shakira.

http://www.elpais.com.uy/08/02/10/pciuda_329267.asp

Migration - Inmigration - Emigration to Uruguay

Metropolitan Montevideo, with about one and a half million inhabitants, is the capital and largest city. The rest of the urban population lives in about 20 towns. Montevideo is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) away from Buenos Aires in neighboring Argentina.

Uruguay is distinguished by its high literacy rate (97.3%) and a large urban middle class. During the 1970s and 1980s, an estimated six-hundred thousand Uruguayans emigrated, principally to Spain, Italy, Argentina and Brazil. Other Uruguayans went to various countries in Europe, Australia and the USA.

As a result of the low birth rate, high life expectancy, and relatively high rate of emigration of younger people, Uruguay's population is quite mature. In 2006, the country had a birth rate of 13.91 births per thousand population, lower than neighboring countries Argentina (16.73 births/1000 population)[3] and Brazil (16.56 births/1,000 population).

Church and state are officially separated. While the Government keeps no statistics concerning religious affiliation, a 2004 survey published in the daily newspaper El Pais reported that 54% of those interviewed designated themselves as Roman Catholics, 11% as Protestants, 9% as believers without a religious affiliation, and 26% as nonbelievers.

Although the majority of Uruguayans do not actively practice a religion, they are nominally members of the Catholic Church and other communities. Uruguayan life is what political observers consider Uruguay is the most secular country in South America.

Uruguay has a traditional socialist welfare state program yet in need of improvement since the 1990s. The average Uruguayan and neighbour country Argentina can be compared with some of the western countries of Europe, and ranks behind that of North American giants the US and Canada.^{[citation needed]}

During the past two decades, an estimated 500,000 Uruguayans had emigrated, principally to Brazil, Argentina and Europe. (Spain is the main destination for Uruguayans, but also drawn to the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany). There are 500,000 Uruguayans in Brazil, the largest community of this group and many came there to escape political persecution in the 1970s.

Emigration to the United States also rose recently, but remains a small part of the US Hispanic population. The majority of Uruguayans in the US live in New York city, New Jersey, Washington, DC and urban areas of California.

Origins and Ethnicity

Uruguayans share a Spanish linguistic and cultural background with its neighbour country Argentina. Most Uruguayans are descended from colonial-era settlers and immigrants from Europe with almost 88% of the population being of European descent,^[1] The majority of these European immigrants were mainly Spaniards, followed closely by Italians, including numbers of French, Germans, Portuguese, British (English or Scots), Irish, Swiss, Russians, Poles, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Estonians, Latvians, Swedish, Danish, Germans, Dutch, Belgians, Austrians, Croats, Greeks and Scandinavians. There are also smaller numbers of Turkish, Armenian, Georgian and Lebanese people.

Almost the entire white Population has Spanish and (Or) Italian Roots, with many having ancestry from various Ethnic Groups; E.G - Spanish, Italian, French and English Decent.

Many Swiss colonies such as Colonia Suiza, Colonia Valdense and Nueva Helvecia are founded in the department of Colonia. Also, there are towns founded by early British settlers, like Conchillas and Barker. A Russian colony called San Javier, is found in the department of Río Negro. Also there are Mennonites colonies in the department of Río Negro and in the department of Canelones. One of them, called El Ombú, is famous by his well know Dulce de Leche "Claldy", and is located near the city of Young.

Many of the European immigrants arrived to Uruguay in the late 1800s and have heavily influenced the architecture and culture of Montevideo and other major cities. For this reason, Montevideo and life within the city are very reminiscent of Western Europe.

The rest of the Uruguayan population is Black/Afro-Uruguayan of african descent and about 1 or 2% are of Asian descent, mostly are Lebanese/Syrian Arab, and Chinese or Japanese ancestry (see Barbara Mori).

Amerindians make up a small population in the Rural North-West region, with Mestizo's making up 6% of the Population.

Wikipedia.org

Americans Living in Uruguay

An american (Steve Bowman) explain why he and his wife are living in Uruguay. The title of the article, published in http://coastaluruguay.com/ is Beautiful People, Wonderful Places

"Why is there a Blog/Online magazine for an unknown place like the Uruguayan coast? Good question.

First, it’s one of the last, unspoiled places on the planet and no one knows about it. Second, no one is covering the turf. This beautiful, remote and unknown part of the world has First World Infrastructure (mostly), yet is waiting to be explored. How many places can you think of with a reasonable cost of living, good health care, coupled with great prices for incredible beach and ocean view property? There are a few, but not many. This may be the perfect place to live or own a second home.

The goal for the publication is to attract some good neighbors. You see, the coast of Uruguay is like New Zealand or Australia was 70 years ago; a little additional company wouldn’t hurt! Except for January, February and recently March, we suffer from lack of population. What’s wrong with the other three perfect months of the year? Europe and North America, check it out! There are no crowds most of the year and prices are wonderful to reasonable depending on whether you’ve got dollars or euros. Because it’s sooooo laid-back except for the nutty/hyper January time frame, the opportunities for cultural events and entertainment take a real hit most of the year.

We need just a wee bit more juice to make this place bloom.

This begs the question, aren’t you afraid of being overrun and the place being spoiled? No. At this juncture, we’re not concerned at all about becoming “over discovered.” This part of the world is just too damn inaccessible. The nearest population base that could overwhelm the area is in the United States; I frankly don’t see Americans coming this far a field in mass. Most of the US is at least a 24 hour trip; not our style. In addition, English is very limited except for in Montevideo, once again, not our style.

And last of all, as you’ll hear many times from us, the Uruguayan people are the most important asset. This is no small thing when considering why this unknown corner of the planet may be appealing to you. The folks here are warm, friendly, helpful and honest for the most part. If this sounds like overkill, read some of the posts about everyday acts of kindness.

That’s it. Check out the posts, ask some questions and see if you agree. If you do, come on down."

More information about procedures

Documentation required:

• A photo ID card

• Livelihood
  

• Employees of Legal Persons:
  

A few options:
1. Pledge to work on the company letterhead, signed by person or persons authorized by the company, position or function, which will play the person concerned, the amount of monthly salary must be sufficient for their maintenance, and notarized where certificate certifying the existence

2. Contract work trial, by notarization in which detailed data are required for the company and fundamental terms of the contract (work, pay and run).

a. Employees of a person: submit affidavit signed by the employer and a notarized certificate attesting to: signing of the employment stated above, the amount of salary paid and the registration with the BPS. It will also be valid directly submit a notarized certification under the terms outlined, no affidavit.

b. Entrepreneurs, shareholders (SA, SRL, and so on.) Must submit notarized or certified public accountant containing details of the company (personality, life, term social order, formed in the home country, enrollment in the BPS and the DGI) as well as linking gestiónate to it, and estimated monthly income.

c. Employers and workers (OPEs): submit affidavit of its business with notarization of signature, the data of the company (address, subject) of entry in the BPS and the DGI and monthly income.

d. Rentiers, retirees and pensioners abroad: where to submit notarized certificate certifying that capacity, the concept of income, the amount received in Uruguay (U.S. $ monthly minimum $ 1,500).

e. Retired in Uruguay: Introducing the latest recovery of the public.

f. Spouse of a public employee or retiree in Uruguay: Introducing the latest recovery of the public-salary or retirement.

g. Religious: to present a certificate issued by the church or congregation to which he belongs leaf letterhead, with the same record that takes care of maintenance costs of the applicant. This is where you attach notarized certification proving the legal and other data of the church. Shall be valid letter of the curia or the archdiocese instead of the certificate notarized.

h. Students: for those foreigners who apply for residence in the country for reasons of study, must:
Try as a student by an official certificate from the school, in the case of a private institute will be accompanied by notarization of the existence of the institute, including its data (personality, life, home and order) --
Try livelihoods through notarization or certification of bank installed in the country with the regular movements of money for their maintenance in the country.

i. Owners of property:
Submit notarized certificate where the notary certifies that the person is sole owner of the property (details of the property). It is accepted that the ownership of the property has the family (husband, wife and children). No one accepts that the property belongs to a company's gestionante.
Submit notarized certificate where the notary certifies that the person concerned is promisor buyer of the property (details of the property) and that the purchase was registered in the register of pledges of alienation of immovable deadlines.
To take into account: Certificates of livelihood can be extended by clerks or accountants. In both cases must be lodged with bell ringer Montepio notarized or professional respectively.

* All livelihoods should indicate monthly income.
** Once the file each time you upgrade livelihoods, should submit a new notarially-certified if necessary.
*** Will not be accepted ways of life of the partner or concubine of gestionante, unless the union has Uruguayan descent.

• Health Card: Issued by the ministry of public health or medical institutions authorized to that effect. In all cases must be in the same location or it is for legal residence in the country.4. Exact date of entry into the country, card input / output (tourist) or verbal expression, as appropriate.
• Criminal records. Will require: The country where he lived the last five years before its entry into Uruguay. Should make last address.
• The country of his nationality.
  

* If the person is older than 15 years and lived (for a period longer than one year) during the last five years before entering the country in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, China, Slovenia Spain, France, Great Britain, Holland, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan, and / or their nationality is one of those countries that do not maintain agreement with Interpol, must submit a certificate of good conduct translated and authenticated before the Uruguayan consulate in question, and then legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Montevideo.
In the case of Brazil, which accepts the certificate is issued by the appropriate state. If the certificate of the federal police, just needs to present the authority of the state to be declared a legal resident.
* If the person is older than 15 years and lived the last five years before entering the country in the united states, or their nationality is American, must come to the office of Interpol in Montevideo to take fingerprints, called for the background.
* In order to shorten the time of administrative procedure, for example to obtain the provisional ballot, he may bring the certificate of good conduct (legalized and translated) from countries that maintain the convention of Interpol.

• Identity document with which he entered the country or the current force. If there are differences among the names listed on identity cards and foreign surnames be used in Uruguay-under Uruguayan law, which placed first the last name first, then the maternal surname, the gestionante must provide a birth certificate legalized (and translated, if necessary), or registered in the civil registry Uruguayan.
• Book or Certificate of Marriage
  

If you are married to Uruguayan or legal resident in the country. In that case, must also show an identity card of the spouse.
* To start the process of residency is required to submit all the requirements.
* If he does not speak Spanish, with participating interpreter.
* Any foreigner who is this document to be added to the file must necessarily be legalized by the Uruguayan consulate and the ministry of foreign affairs, and translated into Spanish, if necessary.
* In case of a foreigner under the age of 18 years, in addition to complying with the above requirements, must present specific permission from their parents to settle in Uruguay. You'll have to try as a student from 5 years of age, with certificate of study and a notarized certificate (full details of the school), whether the institution is public does not need a notarized certificate. If the child is not going to live with any of its parents must be established by their parents that adult is responsible for him in the country, which will seek its consent.

*Temporary identity card abroad to start their legal residence will be newly empowered to receive the certificate for obtaining the first Uruguayan identity card as a temporary-resident-in process, once held in the file, or certifications of good conduct from the outside.

Any doubt, consultation, clarification of interest on any aspect of these formalities, do not hesitate to contact us: residenceuruguay@gmail.com