Uruguay strengthens its strategy to attract investment with new measures

On August 18, 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) unveiled a series of measures aimed at boosting investment in Uruguay and consolidating its position as a reliable, competitive, and innovative destination. Minister Gabriel Oddone, National Director of Free Trade Zones Isabella Antonaccio, and President of the National Development Agency (ANDE) Juan Ignacio Dorrego presented the initiative at a press conference.

The measures are structured around five strategic areas— institutional strengthening, agility, incentives, talent and technology, and affordable housing—designed to foster a more attractive environment for companies of all sizes, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and decentralization.

Among the most significant announcements was the creation of the National Directorate for Investment Incentives (DINAI), which will integrate the Investment Law Enforcement Commission (COMAP) and the National Directorate of Free Trade Zones. Isabella Antonaccio will head the new unit, responsible for centralizing and streamlining project promotion and evaluation processes.

Antonaccio highlighted that COMAP is already incorporating artificial intelligence into its processes, drastically reducing processing times: “The speed of analysis could increase up to 50 times in some cases,” she said. In addition, a simplified evaluation regime will be introduced for projects up to $5 million, facilitating access to tax benefits.

Incentives aligned with sustainable development and inclusion

The tax incentive scheme will prioritize projects that generate a positive impact on employment, exports, decentralization, sustainable production, innovation, research, and technological upgrading. Additional benefits will be granted to initiatives that encourage the hiring of women, young people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and beneficiaries of protected employment programs.

Benefits will also be enhanced for investments in departments facing greater employment and poverty challenges, as well as for companies that expand their international presence with a significant increase in exports.

Talent, technology, and affordable housing

A human capital program will be launched to attract qualified foreign talent in scientific and technological fields, supported by specific tax incentives. A simplified regime for importing equipment and supplies will also be created for science- and technology-based MSMEs, facilitating testing and innovation activities in health and the environment.

Finally, in the housing sector, the MEF will oversee projects outside the existing Entre Todos program, prioritizing those developed in departments with higher socioeconomic vulnerability, in coordination with the Ministry of Housing and local governments.

A new framework for investing in Uruguay

With this strategy, Uruguay reinforces its value proposition as an investment destination by combining macroeconomic stability, legal certainty, and clear rules with active policies to promote innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion.

“The goal is to accelerate the arrival of capital, promote job creation, and deepen the international integration of our companies,” said Minister Gabriel Oddone, underscoring that attracting investment will remain a central pillar of the country’s development.

(Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance)