New Pathway to Permanent Residency for Cubans Awaiting Refugee Status in Uruguay

Cubans with pending refugee applications in Uruguay now have an opportunity to regularize their status through a new permanent residency option based on established roots. However, they must meet specific conditions and provide particular documentation to the National Directorate of Migration.

This initiative was authorized by the Uruguayan government through a decree dated October 8, 2026. It targets foreigners who arrived in the country before January 1, 2026.

Eligible individuals include those with ongoing refugee applications willing to formally withdraw from the process and those who have already received a definitive denial of their refugee request.

Eligibility and Documentation Requirements

The decree ensures that residency obtained through this method is permanent. To qualify, an applicant must have entered Uruguay legally through an authorized immigration checkpoint.

Additionally, applicants must not have any legal barriers preventing their entry or stay in the country and must lack other ordinary paths to regularize their status as temporary or permanent residents.

After meeting these general criteria, applicants must provide the following key documents:

1. Passport-sized Photograph: A photo must be submitted for migration records.
2. Valid Identification Document: A current and well-preserved ID is required by the decree.
3. Criminal Background Certificate: Applicants need to submit a certificate from the country where they lived for the five years preceding their entry into Uruguay, provided they stayed there for more than 180 days. The document must comply with legal formalities.
4. Proof of Economic Means: Applicants must demonstrate their own income or that of their family residing in Uruguay. This can be done by presenting a labor history from the Social Security Bank or a notarial certificate verifying their occupation and monthly income. These earnings must exceed the national minimum wage. If using a family member's income, legal proof of the relationship is necessary.
5. Vaccination Certificate: Applicants must also present a vaccination schedule certificate as per Uruguayan health regulations.

Special Considerations for Minors and Cubans

For children and adolescents, authorities will evaluate each case, ensuring the best interests of the child and safeguarding their rights.

One critical point for Cubans awaiting a decision on their refugee status is the prohibition of simultaneous processing of both applications. Those who opt for the new residency must renounce their refugee application upon initiating the residency process.

The official processing the renunciation must inform the applicant of its implications and document the details. The decision must also be communicated to the Refugee Commission (CORE).

Exceptions and Rapid Response Mechanism

The decree acknowledges the challenges in obtaining certain documents from Cuba or other countries of origin. The National Directorate of Migration may, under exceptional and justified circumstances, waive the requirement for documents issued by authorities from the applicant's home country.

Considerations for such decisions include the humanitarian situation in the country, the absence of a consulate or embassy in Uruguay, high costs, or a lack of family contacts in the home country.

A rapid response mechanism is also available for individuals in particularly vulnerable situations who cannot meet specific requirements.

Upon beginning the process, Migration will issue the necessary certificate for obtaining a provisional identity document as a resident in process. Once permanent residency is granted based on roots, the corresponding certification for acquiring the definitive document will be provided.

This pathway is not available indefinitely. Interested parties have 12 months from the decree's enactment to apply for residency. The National Directorate of Migration may extend this period once for another 12 months.

The decree will not be implemented immediately; it is set to take effect 90 days after its official publication.

This measure holds significant importance for the Cuban community. As of June, there were 30,715 pending refugee applications in Uruguay, with approximately 89% belonging to Cuban citizens, according to data from the Refugee Commission (CORE). Delays had led to public outcry over the situation of thousands of applicants.