Employer of Record and Payroll Services in Uruguay 
Mercans-owned legal entity
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
Services available
- Employer of record
- Contractor management
- Global payroll
- In-country payroll
Mercans offers complete payroll, PEO and HR services in Uruguay
Mercans offers comprehensive payroll, PEO, and HR services in Uruguay to help businesses manage their human resource needs. With expertise in local compliance, Mercans ensures that businesses can focus on their core operations while staying compliant with the local regulations.
Doing Business in Uruguay
Uruguay is known for being a safe and stable country with a growing economy and a strategic location for business in South America. The government has implemented various incentives to attract foreign investment, and key industries in Uruguay include agriculture, technology, and tourism.
Entity Registration and Incorporation Requirements
Entity registration and incorporation requirements in Uruguay include obtaining a tax ID number and registering with the National Register of Commerce.
Banking
Banking Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from Monday to Friday and Saturday (9:00 am to 2:30 pm)
Working Week
The standard working week is from Monday to Friday from 12:30 pm - 7:00 pm (Winter) and 7:00 am to 2:30 pm
Labor Law
Uruguay has a highly regulated labor market, with strong labor protections and a range of benefits required by law, such as paid vacation and severance pay. The labor laws also establish limits on working hours and overtime, as well as protections against discrimination, harassment, and unfair dismissal.
Main Industries
Food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, textiles.
GDP Growth
3.7
Dates & Numbers
dd/mm/yyyy
Official State Name
Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Population
3.54 Million
Capital
Montevideo
Major Languages
Spanish
Currency
Peso
Internet Domain
.uy
International Dialing Code
+598
20°C
Payroll
In Uruguay, payroll calculations are complex and involve several components, including social security contributions, taxes, and other mandatory withholdings. Employers must ensure compliance with labor and tax laws and maintain accurate records to avoid penalties and fines. Outsourcing payroll services to a local provider like Mercans can help businesses navigate the complex payroll landscape in Uruguay.
It is acceptable to provide employees with online payslips
Payslip
Payroll reports must be kept for 2 years
Reports
Employees receive paid annual leave of 20 days
Annual Leave
Employees receive paid sick leave of 365 days
Sick Leave
14 weeks of paid maternity leave and 13 days of paid paternity leave
Maternity & Paternity Leave
10 days
Employee Termination
There are no provisions mandated by law regarding the 13thmonth salary
13thmonth salary
423 USD per month
Minimum Wage
Overtime payment of 2.5x the employee's ordinary rate of pay for holidays and weekends
Overtime
Employees paid monthly are entitled to 30 days’ pay for each year of employment for every year of service
Severance Pay
Tax and Social Security
In Uruguay, both employers and employees are subject to social security contributions, which fund the country’s social security system. The tax system is progressive, meaning that higher-income earners pay a greater percentage of their income in taxes, with the maximum individual income tax rate set at 36%.
Tax
Uruguay operates on a progressive tax system, which means that higher-income individuals are subject to higher tax rates. The tax system consists of several types of taxes, including personal income tax, corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), social security contributions, and property tax. Tax residents in Uruguay are subject to taxation on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on their income sourced within Uruguay. The tax system in Uruguay is known for being transparent and straightforward, with a relatively low tax burden compared to other countries in the region.
Corporate Income Tax
Personal Income Tax
Sales Tax
VAT
Social Security
Social security in Uruguay is managed by the Banco de Previsión Social (BPS), which provides coverage for retirement, disability, health, and other social benefits for workers and their families.
Social Security Rate
Social Security Rate for Employers
Social Security Rate for Employees
Employment Law
Uruguay's employment law is highly protective of workers, with regulations on issues such as minimum wage, working hours, overtime pay, annual leave, and severance pay. Employers are required to provide their employees with a safe working environment and adhere to strict rules and regulations in the case of dismissals.
Employment Agreement
In Uruguay, employment agreements can be either verbal or written, although written agreements are recommended to avoid any potential disputes. The agreement should include details such as job duties, salary, benefits, and working hours.
Working Condition
The standard workweek in Uruguay is 44 hours, and employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 paid vacation days per year, as well as additional paid public holidays and sick leave. Maternity leave is also available for female employees.
Leaves
In Uruguay, employees are entitled to 20 working days of paid vacation per year, as well as paid national and public holidays. They can also take sick leave and maternity/paternity leave. Employers must pay salary and social security contributions during leave periods.
Employment termination
In Uruguay, an employment contract can be terminated by mutual agreement, by the employer for just cause, by the employee for any reason, or by either party with notice.
10 days
Minimum notice period for terminating an employee
12 days
Total number of public holidays
44 hours
Working hours per week
3 days
Total number of days for Compassionate & Bereavement Leave
Immigration
Foreign nationals who intend to work in Uruguay must obtain a work permit, which is issued by the General Immigration Office. The permit is granted for a maximum of two years and can be renewed. The applicant must provide a copy of their employment contract, a copy of their passport, and other supporting documents. The process may take several weeks, and the applicant must enter the country with a tourist visa while the work permit is processed.
Residency permits
Foreigners seeking residency in Uruguay must first obtain a work visa, sponsored by a local employer. After obtaining the visa, individuals can apply for a temporary residence permit, which is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually. After three years of temporary residence, they may be eligible for permanent residency, but it’s important to note that the process may vary and seeking expert guidance is recommended.
Work Permit Validity
2 years
Required Documents
A completed visa application form
A recent passport photograph
A passport with a minimum of six months of validity
A copy of the main page of the applicant’s passport
An offer of employment from a company registered in Uruguay, which should include information about the job position and the company as well as a signature from the company’s legal representative
A copy of the ID of a reference in Uruguay
Proof of payment of the visa fee
Build the best team and hire top talent compliantly in Uruguay. Get in touch with Uruguay payroll outsourcing & PEO specialists for a free consultation!