Immigration
Ley 21.325 of 2021 rebuilt the migration framework
Ley 21.325, in force since 2022, replaced the 1975 decree-law and created the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones. It restructured permit categories, requires most applicants to obtain the appropriate visa before entry rather than changing status from tourist, and establishes a National Migration Policy set by the executive. Permanent residence and then naturalisation follow defined periods of lawful stay.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National, administered by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones
- Deadline — Temporary residence: up to two years, renewable once
- Deadline — Permanent residence: after two years of temporary residence
- Deadline — Naturalisation: five years of residence
Governing law
- Ley 21.325 - Ley de Migración y Extranjería
- Decreto 296/2022regulation
In practice
The most significant practical change in Ley 21.325 is the closing of the in-country change of status from tourist to resident, which had been the normal route under the old law; applicants are now expected to apply from abroad through a consulate. The statute also created a formal appeals structure and set out migrants' rights of access to education and emergency health care.