Working in Uruguay: rights and registration

First: there is no "work permit"

Uruguayan authorities do not issue any document called a "work permit". What formally authorises work is residency status. If you are still processing your residency or have a refugee application in progress, an employer can still hire you, presenting the valid certificate from the DNM or the Refugee Commission.

Equal rights (it's the law)

Migrants, asylum seekers and refugees working in Uruguay are legally entitled to the same rights and obligations as nationals. This includes: national minimum wage (~$24,572/month from January 2026), year-end bonus (paid in June and December), paid annual leave (20 days/year), holiday pay, FONASA health coverage, and dismissal protection.

BPS registration: the most important thing

From day one, the employer is legally required to register you with BPS before you start. Without registration, you don't accumulate seniority, have no FONASA health access, generate no pension contributions and cannot receive unemployment benefit. BPS is the gateway to the entire social protection system.

Self-employed (freelance/independent)

If you'll work independently, you must also register. The most common options are Monotributo (for low income, simple process at BPS/DGI) or Unipersonal. Both give access to the health system and generate pension contributions.