Relocation formalities-Doing it on internet or engaging a professional

clintaboo wrote:

Can most things concerning relocation be handled on the internet or is it necessary to visit and engage a professional to assist in all matters?

Dear Clintaboo,

Expats immigrating to South America need to give strong consideration to getting a visa facilitator or an attorney if they seek a permanent residency visa and are challenged in terms of language and/or the complexities of bureaucracy.

Some Expats love figuring out the bureaucratic hoops .. and will overreach in saying everybody can do it on their own.

If you can afford it, save yourselves at least one headache and hire a specialist.

cccmedia

clintaboo wrote:

Ae are two retired professionals from Canada living in Merida Mexico for the past 10 years....

can most things concerning relocation be handled on the internet...?

Doing a long-term rental on the Internet may be tempting, but it's a false step.

You don't really know what you're getting .. you may not know with whom you're dealing .. and you will pay above-market rent.

When you get to Montevideo or wherever, stay in a hotel for a few days .. and use shoe leather, listings in the newspaper and personal referrals to seek the optimal rental.

comedic

You cannot get residency here from afar. It is a slow process and requires you to produce a lot of paperwork which all has to be authenticated and translated and the documents are only good for so long.  There are long waits  even to get an appointment.  You can do it yourself but it is easier and quicker to engage someone. A firm like Fischer & Schickendantz have staff at immigration almost every day and can speed things up a little plus they know every new change.  They are not cheap but you get what you pay for. Uruguay wants to see that you will not be a burden on the State and that you intend to live here. Friends who applied a year or so ago were asked to show $2500 US of verifiable income per month. You will need about there here.

Health insurance here may be a problem, there are few Mutualistas who take people over 65. You do not want to rely on the public healthcare which is intended for the very poor or unemployed. If you are accepted it will be about $100 US each per month. Dentists, medications, ambulances and attendant care while in hospital are all extra.