SAS formation · Accountants and notary in UruguaySAS formation · Uruguay
Set up your SAS in Uruguay with an accountant and a Uruguayan notary.
We form your SAS the traditional way, with the firm’s own Uruguayan notary (escribano público) and registered shares. We support you through formation and getting started: from the articles of association to the RUT, social security and e-invoicing, and through every month that follows.
A traditional SAS, with a public notary and an accountant working together in one process.
- Uruguayan notaryThe firm’s own, in one process
- About one weekTo prepare the paperwork
- ES · EN · PTMainly in writing, in your language; calls also possible
- CCEAU 61148 · 225636CCEAU-registered public accountants
What an SAS is
What is an SAS in Uruguay?
General information on the Uruguayan legal and tax framework, reviewed on 5 October 2026. The treatment of each case depends on its facts and supporting documents. This page does not replace individual professional advice.
The SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada, or simplified share company) was introduced by Law 19.820 of 2019. It has its own legal personality, separate from the people who own it, and it can be formed with a single shareholder.
A company, not your own name
The SAS has its own legal personality. As a general rule, shareholders’ liability is limited to their contributions, subject to the exceptions provided by law.
One shareholder or several
You can form it alone. If partners or investors join later, the structure already allows for it, because it is organised in shares.
Registered shares
In the SASs we form, the shares are registered shares (acciones nominativas): each one is issued in the name of its holder.
Software and service exports
Forming an SAS does not automatically qualify its software income for an IRAE exemption. Eligibility depends on the taxpayer, the type of income, development or service requirements in Uruguay, and compliance with the required formalities.
The SAS is a company type governed by Uruguayan law. Its rights and obligations must be assessed within that legal framework.
One process
A public notary and an accountant, coordinated by the firm.
You do not have to find a notary on one side and an accountant on the other. We form the SAS with the firm’s own Uruguayan notary (escribano público) and coordinate both parts, so you deal with one point of contact.
The Uruguayan notary
You sign in person, in Uruguay. The firm’s own Uruguayan notary (escribano público) is involved in preparing the formation instrument and completing the applicable notarial formalities. This is a traditional SAS with registered shares; we do not use the 100% digital route.
The accountant
RUT and Uruguay’s tax authority (DGI), social security (BPS), e-invoicing and, once the SAS exists, the monthly accounting. The same professional who formed the SAS can then handle its accounting and e-invoicing, with a power of attorney when needed.
You receive the quote in writing before we start: a fixed, all-inclusive price for the formation.
What you get
From the signature to the first month, we are with you.
This is what the formation process includes.
Articles of association (estatuto) and incorporation document
The articles of association and the incorporation document, ready for signature before the notary.
Registrations
The registrations that apply to an SAS.
RUT and tax authority
The company’s registration with Uruguay’s tax authority (DGI) and its RUT number.
Social security
Registration of the company with Uruguay’s social security institution (BPS) within the applicable deadlines.
E-invoicing
E-invoicing set up, so the company can issue valid invoices. It is included in the SAS fee.
Bank account guidance
We tell you what the bank requires and prepare the documentation. Opening the account depends on the bank’s requirements and decision, and its fees are the bank’s: we cannot guarantee it.
Timeline
About a week for the paperwork, up to a month to be operational.
The paperwork is usually prepared in about a week.Getting the SAS fully operational, with the registrations and filings with the authorities (including the Central Bank), can take up to a month.
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We confirm the SAS is the right vehicle
If you already know you want an SAS, we go straight to the quote. If you are unsure between an SAS and a sole proprietorship, we look at it first with an assessment: many people start with a sole proprietorship and move to an SAS as their invoicing grows. It depends on each situation.
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You gather the documents
We tell you exactly what is needed and you send it by email. This is where the timeline can stretch or shorten.
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Signature and registrations
You sign before the notary and, together with the notary, we handle the registrations.
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SAS up and running
RUT, social security and e-invoicing in place, and the bank account under way. From there, if you wish, we continue with the monthly accounting.
Requirements
Requirements and documents for the formation.
What the law asks for to form an SAS. We tell you the specific documents at the start.
Identifying the shareholders
Each shareholder is identified by name and by identity document or tax identification number.
Subscribed and paid-in capital
The capital must be fully subscribed at formation. At least 10% must be paid in for cash contributions and 100% for contributions in kind. Full payment cannot extend beyond 24 months.
Legal representative
The SAS must have at least one legal representative. Unless the articles of association provide otherwise, the legal representative also performs the management functions.
Registry and Central Bank
The SAS must be registered with Uruguay’s commercial registry and comply with the requirements to identify and report shareholders and beneficial owners to the Central Bank of Uruguay.
From abroad
If you live in another country, the usual route is to come and sign.
We regularly work with foreigners who do not live in Uruguay. We advise only on Uruguay. Forming a Uruguayan SAS does not, by itself, mean lower taxes in the country where you continue to live. The tax consequences there require local advice.
If you will be in Uruguay
You sign in person before the firm’s notary.
If you cannot travel
We can also form the SAS without you travelling to Uruguay. It takes longer and costs more: contact us privately.
You need an address in Uruguay
Forming a company requires an address. We can also provide a registered and tax address, as a separate service.
After the SAS exists
Obligations after formation.
Once the SAS exists, it has the obligations of any company.
The new company already has obligations
The SAS may have registration, accounting and tax obligations from formation, even before it starts invoicing. Registration with DGI and BPS, e-invoicing and tax returns are subject to the requirements and deadlines applicable to each case. The same professional who handled the formation can also maintain the company’s records and provide monthly accounting.
Books, decisions and financial statements
After formation, the SAS must maintain the required company books and records, document its decisions, keep company information up to date and prepare financial statements. Filing with AIN is required when the statutory conditions apply.
Taxes, assessed separately
IRAE, VAT and Uruguay’s net wealth tax must be assessed separately. Invoicing a customer abroad does not by itself make a service an export for VAT purposes.
BPS and individual contributions
BPS registration and individual social security contributions must be assessed separately. Contributions depend on the person’s role, activity, remuneration and other circumstances covered by BPS rules.
Before you form it
Is there anything still to decide?
- SAS vs sole proprietorshipWhat actually changes between the two vehicles, compared point by point.
- Setting up a company as a foreignerThe general guide: the order of the steps and what can be done remotely.
- Software and the tax exemptionIf the activity is software: what the requirements are and how they are checked.
- Tax & Structure AssessmentIf the structure still needs validating: paid analysis with a written report.
If the SAS will be the Uruguayan subsidiary of a foreign company or group, start with our accounting firm in Uruguay page for companies.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before forming an SAS
What is an SAS in Uruguay?
It is the Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada, or simplified share company, created by Law 19.820 of 2019. It has its own legal personality, separate from its owners, and can be formed with a single shareholder. As a general rule, shareholders’ liability is limited to their contributions, subject to the exceptions provided by law.
Do you handle the whole formation, including the notary?
Yes. We form the SAS with the firm’s own Uruguayan notary (escribano público) and coordinate the whole process: the incorporation document, the registrations, the RUT, social security and e-invoicing. It is a traditional SAS, with registered shares and signatures before a notary.
Can a foreigner form an SAS without living in Uruguay?
Yes. Being a foreigner is not an obstacle. The usual route is to come to Uruguay and sign in person before the Uruguayan notary. We can also form the SAS without you travelling to Uruguay. It takes longer and costs more: contact us privately. An address in Uruguay is required. We can also provide a registered and tax address, as a separate service.
How long does it take?
The paperwork is usually prepared in about a week. Getting the SAS fully operational, with the registrations and filings with the authorities (including the Central Bank), can take up to a month.
Will you help me open a bank account?
We tell you what documentation the bank asks for and prepare it with you. Opening the account depends on the bank’s requirements and decision, so we cannot guarantee it, and any bank fees are charged by the bank.
How much does it cost?
We send a written quote before we start: a fixed, all-inclusive price for the formation. It depends on your case: ask for it and we will prepare it.
Official sources
Official Uruguayan sources
Law 19.820 · Simplified share companies (SAS)
DGI · SAS registration and e-invoicing
Registration procedure for an SAS in formation · Electronic invoicing (factura electrónica)
Central Bank and AIN · Holders and beneficial owners
Law 19.484, art. 23 · art. 25 · art. 29 · Decree 166/017, art. 25
BPS · Contributions in an SAS
IRAE and software
VAT and service exports
Net wealth tax (Impuesto al Patrimonio)
AIN · Financial statements
Who handles your case
Two registered public accountants, one point of contact.
Your case is handled by a partner of the firm, with complete discretion, and we stay with you after the SAS is formed.
We work with you mainly in writing, in English; calls are also possible.
Cr. Matías Zurbriggen
Public Accountant · CCEAU 225636
Handles tax residency, service exports and software, including clients based abroad.
Cr. Fernando Zurbriggen
Public Accountant · CCEAU 61148
In practice since 1990; founded the firm in 1993. Companies, tax, payroll and administration.
First step
Tell us about your case and we send a written quote.
If you already know you want an SAS, tell us who the shareholders are and what the company will do, and we send you the formation quote in writing. If you are still deciding between an SAS and a sole proprietorship, we look at it first with an assessment.
We work mainly in writing, in English; calls are also possible.
Or, if you prefer, message us on WhatsApp.