Uruguay is moving to modernize its legal citizenship process through a procedural reform that could significantly simplify applications. A new bill under review in the Senate seeks to eliminate one of the most unpredictable elements in the system—mandatory witness testimony—replacing it with a documentation-based approach. While the reform does not change the core eligibility criteria, it reflects a broader effort to streamline administrative procedures and respond to growing demand.

• Ending a Legacy Requirement

Under the current system, applicants must present witnesses who testify in separate hearings, often causing delays and rejections due to minor inconsistencies. The new bill removes this requirement, making documentation—such as passports, migration records, and rental contracts—the primary proof of eligibility.

• A System Built for the Past

The existing framework dates back to 1928 and includes outdated procedural elements that no longer align with modern administrative practices. Issues such as witness substitution and repeated hearings have contributed to inefficiencies, especially as application numbers have increased significantly over the past decade.

• Rising Demand for Citizenship

Applications for legal citizenship in Uruguay have grown sharply, rising from a few hundred annually to around 1,500 in recent years. This surge has placed additional strain on the system, making procedural reform increasingly necessary to handle the volume efficiently.

• Documents as the New Standard

The reform shifts the burden of proof to official documentation. Applicants will demonstrate residency, economic ties, and integration through institutional records, many of which must be issued free of charge. The Electoral Court will also directly obtain certain certificates, reducing administrative steps for applicants.

• Witnesses Become Optional

While witness testimony is no longer mandatory, it remains available as a supplementary option in exceptional cases where documents cannot be obtained. This provides flexibility without making testimony a central requirement.

• Expanded Definition of Family

The bill broadens the definition of what constitutes a “family,” which directly affects residency requirements. In addition to marriage, it now includes judicially recognized cohabitation, having children, or supporting close relatives. However, informal cohabitation without legal recognition remains excluded.

• What Remains Unchanged

The reform does not alter the fundamental conditions for citizenship, including residency duration, good conduct, and proof of livelihood. It also does not address other aspects such as language expectations or the distinction between legal citizenship and nationality.

• Next Steps in the Legislative Process

Although the bill has passed the lower house, it is still under review in the Senate committee and has not yet been scheduled for a vote. If approved, it would represent a procedural shift rather than a policy overhaul.

Summary

The proposed bill replaces the long-standing requirement for witness testimony in citizenship applications with documentary evidence as the primary means of proof. It updates and removes several provisions of a 1928 law while preserving the constitutional requirements for legal citizenship. The reform aims to reduce delays, increase efficiency, and modernize the process without altering eligibility conditions such as residency, good conduct, and economic ties to the country.