International Trade in Goods and Services in Uruguay: A Unique Tax Regime 1. Introduction Uruguay offers an exceptionally attractive tax regime for international trade in goods and services, applying preferential taxation under Resolution No. 51/997. This regulatory framework, issued by the National Tax Authority (DGI), provides an estimated calculation (presumed, based on income and costs) to determine the Tax on Income from Economic Activities (IRAE) for companies that carry out trading activities from Uruguay. According to the regulatory framework, this activity is defined as the purchase of goods or services to and from abroad, without the goods entering Uruguayan territory or the services being rendered from within Uruguay. 2. Resolution No. 51/997 The regime of Resolution No. 51/997 establishes an optional regime for determining the […]

1. Definition and purpose of free trade zones In Uruguay, free trade zones (FTZ) are areas specifically designated by the Executive Power to promote a variety of industrial, commercial, or service activities. The main appeal of the FTZs lies in the total exemption from national taxes for operations carried out within these areas for foreign markets. This policy has been declared of national interest, with the aim of stimulating investment, diversifying the economy, generating employment, and promoting technological innovation and economic decentralization, thereby contributing to Uruguay’s competitive insertion into global markets. At present, Uruguay is home to 12 FTZs: Several zones are located near the Montevideo metropolitan area, each specializing in activities that strengthen key sectors of the economy. 2. Permitted activities within FTZs The

Introduction Uruguay is one of the most stable and predictable countries in Latin America and offers an attractive tax regime for international business, especially through its free port system. This regime, unique in the region, is designed to facilitate and promote international trade, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth. This type of regime is regulated by Law 16.246, Law 19.276, Decree 455/94, Decree 412/92, and Decree 99/2015. Uruguay’s free port: an overview. Free ports are port customs areas where special tax and customs regimes established in the Ports Law are in force, and where, provided that the physical and organizational conditions necessary in the National Customs Bureau’s opinion are met, there is free circulation of goods without the need for authorizations or formal procedures. The