New Uruguay immigration policy tests the applicant’s intent to live in Uruguay

There has been an increase in the number of applications for residency in Uruguay over the last couple of years. The Uruguay Immigration Office is backed up with applications. The applicants include those wishing to live in Uruguay, and others who seek legal resident status without the intention of living in the country at the current time.

The world of horses in Uruguay

Horses are a prevalent part of life in Uruguay. Gauchos working in the Uruguayan countryside still use horses to move cattle and mend fences. Recyclers in Montevideo use horse-drawn carts to collect and move their goods. Besides that, there are hundreds of horse competitions and events each year including a variety of riding competitions, rodeos, horse races, polo tournaments, group trail rides, shows, and auctions.

Uruguay’s Department of Tourism recently released a video listing a few of the many Uruguayan horse events held in 2011 to provide you with a taste of The World of Horses in Uruguay.

Punta del Este Airport – more than a place of passage

The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to the Capitan Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport (PDP), formerly called the Laguna del Sauce International Airport, and most commonly referred to as the Punta del Este International Airport, or simply the Punta del Este Airport.

The airport is located 25 kilometers from Punta del Este near Laguna del Sauce. It serves commercial flights, private planes, and is also used by the Uruguayan Navy. The modern terminal is a significant architectural work designed by the Uruguayan architect, Carlos Ott.

Montevideo Airport - one of the 10 most loved airports in the world

According to a recent poll reported on the CNN Go website, Montevideo’s Carrasco International airport is among the 10 most loved airports in the world. It came in number 9, right after Victoria International in Victoria, Canada, and before Auckland Airport in Auckland, New Zealand. The first place position went to Hong Kong International airport.

The article report’s that Uruguay’s Carrasco Airport has earned a level of enthusiasm that is rare for airports in the Americas. The article sited Carrasco Airport’s beauty, cleanliness, and efficiency, and described its appearance as sleek, glassy, and curvaceous. It went on to state that things that might disappoint passengers at regular airports, like no large food court, give this airport an air of sophistication.

Uruguay – Complying with OECD requirements: a moving target?

Mark Teuten

Attorney Mark Teuten provides an update on Uruguay and its controversial relationship with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Introduction:

Uruguay has been on the OECD “grey list” of countries, which do not fully comply with the OECD’s requirements in terms of sharing of tax information, since 2009. Uruguay’s government at that time took the approach that they would do what was necessary to get off that list. After two years, the first stage of investigations by the two OECD countries (USA and Switzerland) detailed to report, resulted in a pronouncement that Uruguay had NOT complied with the requirements. This in turn led to French President Sarkozy naming (and shaming?) Uruguay at the end of the most recent G20 meeting as one of the few tax havens still existing around the world and that should be barred from world commerce.    

Thanksgiving in Uruguay

Calexico restaurant in Punta del Este

Putting together a Thanksgiving diner in Uruguay takes organization and planning. Turkeys can be found in Uruguay but are not readily available. So, the first thing to do is start scouting for a turkey. Then there are the cranberries. Thanksgiving organizers start petitioning their friends who are planning visits to the US months in advance to bring back cranberries (freeze dried or canned) in their luggage. And this is just the beginning of it!

However, (thankfully) there were those who made the effort and organized Thanksgiving feasts this year in Punta del Este, Piriapolis, and Montevideo.

Who is coming to Uruguay and Why?

More people are coming to Uruguay in 2011 than in past years. More Uruguayans are returning to Uruguay from abroad and more foreigners are seeking residency, and it looks like it could be the beginning of a trend. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a perspective of who is coming to Uruguay and why.

La Posta de Vaimaca – Authentic rural dining in Pueblo Eden, Uruguay

Pueblo Eden, Uruguay

Pueblo Eden, Uruguay is a small town with a population of just a few hundred set in a rural area of hills, valleys, and granite outcroppings. It is located 40 kilometers north of Punta del Este on Ruta 12. Pueblo Eden’s town center has a large lawn plaza with benches and palm trees, bordered by a small chapel, a public school, and small homes.

Just one block off the central plaza is a restaurant called La Posta de Vaimaca that advertises “slow food in a slow town”. It is a rustic place with a wood burning heating stove in the middle and overhead lights with armadillo shell lampshades over the serving bar.

General José Artigas - Uruguay's National Hero

General José Gervasio Artigas was a respected soldier and statesman who became Uruguay’s national hero. He was born in Montevideo in 1764. The land east of the Uruguay River, that is now Uruguay, was then known as the Banda Oriental. The people who lived in this La Plata province were known as Orientals. Artigas joined the revolution against Spain in 1811 and rose to become the military leader of the Orientals.

Uruguay Bicentennial celebration in Punta del Este

On Saturday afternoon, October 15th,  the people in Uruguay’s department of Maldonado gathered to celebrate Uruguay’s bicentennial on the Punta del Este Peninsula. The celebration included a narration of the events that led to Uruguay’s national identity and independence that was broadcast over speakers along Gorlero Street, as well as a parade, and a folk dancing exhibition.