Feeling overwhelmed by the maze of company formation costs and ongoing compliance in Uruguay? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs and digital nomads are frustrated by opaque fees, shifting regulations, and the ever-present drag of state-imposed costs. In this guide, we’ll break down the real numbers for starting and maintaining a standard company in Uruguay in 2025—so you can make informed, strategic decisions and keep more of your hard-earned capital.
Company Formation Costs in Uruguay (2025): What to Expect
Uruguay’s most common business entity for international founders is the Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL). Here’s a transparent look at the average costs you’ll face when setting up an SRL in 2025, based on official and reputable sources:
| Cost Item | Amount (UYU) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 60,000 | ~$1,500 |
| Notary fees (drafting & registration) | 35,000 | ~$875 |
| Registry fees (Registro Nacional de Comercio) | 5,000 | ~$125 |
| Publication in Official Gazette | 4,000 | ~$100 |
| Legal/accounting advisory fees (average) | 15,000 | ~$375 |
| Total (excluding optional extras) | 119,000 | ~$2,975 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on recent exchange rates. For the latest rates, see Banco Central del Uruguay.
Case Example: Launching an SRL in 2025
Imagine you’re setting up a small consulting firm. You’ll need to deposit at least 60,000 UYU (~$1,500) as minimum capital, pay notary and registry fees, and budget for legal/accounting advice. All told, your upfront outlay will hover around 119,000 UYU (~$2,975). This is a one-time cost, but it’s essential to factor in for your cash flow planning.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Staying Compliant Without Overpaying
Once your company is up and running, annual maintenance is unavoidable. In 2025, expect to pay between 35,000 and 80,000 UYU (~$875–$2,000) per year, depending on your needs and how much you outsource.
| Maintenance Item | Amount (UYU) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services | 25,000 | ~$625 |
| Annual tax filing fees | 5,000 | ~$125 |
| Social security contributions (minimum for small company) | 5,000 | ~$125 |
| Legal address/representation (if outsourced) | 5,000 | ~$125 |
| Optional legal/accounting advisory (recommended) | 40,000 | ~$1,000 |
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Annual Costs
- Review your need for optional advisory services. If you’re comfortable with local compliance, you can skip or minimize the 40,000 UYU (~$1,000) advisory fee.
- Negotiate bundled services. Some providers offer packages that combine accounting, tax filing, and legal address for a lower total.
- Keep your company small and simple. Social security and tax filing costs are lowest for micro and small companies.
Key Takeaways: Uruguay Company Costs in 2025
- Expect to invest around 119,000 UYU (~$2,975) to launch an SRL, including all mandatory fees and minimum capital.
- Annual maintenance ranges from 35,000 to 80,000 UYU (~$875–$2,000), depending on your structure and service choices.
- Strategic outsourcing and careful selection of advisory services can keep your ongoing costs lean and predictable.
For more details and the latest regulatory updates, consult these official resources:
- Uruguayan Government: SRL Incorporation
- World Bank Doing Business: Uruguay
- Uruguay XXI: How to Create a Company
- Estudio Hughes: Opening a Company in Uruguay
- Banco Central del Uruguay: Exchange Rates
With the right knowledge and a strategic approach, you can navigate Uruguay’s company formation landscape efficiently—minimizing friction and maximizing your freedom to operate on your own terms.