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Citizenship vs. Nationality in Uruguay

Yes. Uruguay’s constitutional system distinguishes between ciudadanía natural and ciudadanía legal, while nacionalidad is regulated separately.

Citizenship and passport

Answer

Yes. Uruguay’s constitutional system distinguishes between ciudadanía natural and ciudadanía legal, while nacionalidad is regulated separately. A foreigner who receives a carta de ciudadanía after a period of residence becomes a legal citizen, but domestic law has historically treated their origin and nationality differently from those of a person born in the country.

The difference is particularly apparent in documents and international travel. Political and civil rights in Uruguay, a civil-registry record, and a passport are related but distinct matters. A credencial cívica is issued after the prescribed period following ciudadanía legal.

When filling out a foreign questionnaire, do not automatically translate ciudadanía as nationality without taking into account the wording of the document. Use valid passport details and check with the consulate of the destination country if the form distinguishes between citizenship and nationality.

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