Residency by Roots (for non-Mercosur countries)

⚠️ Current status (June 2026)

Decree 138/024 was in force until November 2025 and no longer accepts new applications. In April 2026 a new Residency by Roots bill was introduced to regularise about 30,000 people still in irregular status. That bill was under parliamentary review when this card was written. Confirm current status with the DNM before starting any process.

Who was/is it for?

It was created for people from countries that are not Mercosur members or associates (mainly Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti and similar) who cannot access residency through the standard route. If you are Venezuelan, Colombian, Argentine or from any Mercosur country, you do not need this route.

Original programme requirements (reference)

For reference, Decree 138/024 requirements were: having entered before 23 May 2024 through an authorised border crossing; having applied for refugee status; residing in Uruguay with intent to stay at least 180 days; and having employment (min 90-day formal link), family, or educational roots.

What to do if your situation is irregular today

If you cannot regularise through the Mercosur route and the arraigo programme is no longer active: (1) Contact the DNM directly (dnm-visasresidencias@minterior.gub.uy). (2) Seek support from OIM Uruguay, UNHCR, Idas y Vueltas or Manos Veneguayas. (3) Follow the new arraigo bill in parliament.