How to Set Up a Business in Uruguay and Operate in Latin America from Zonamerica

Uruguay offers a stable and competitive environment for international companies seeking to establish a base from which to manage regional markets. From Zonamerica, companies can centralize services, technology, trading, logistics, industrial activities, and other Operations with a reach across Latin America.

Zonamerica combines the benefits of Uruguay’s leading investment regimes with world-class infrastructure, skilled talent, connectivity, and an ecosystem comprising more than 500 companies.

Why choose Uruguay as a place to set up a business?

Uruguay is positioning itself as a strategic platform for developing regional " Operations " due to its stability, legal certainty, openness to investment, and access to talent.

• Institutional stability and predictability for long-term investments.
• Equal treatment of domestic and foreign investors.
• The option to establish a business without being required to have a local partner.
• Freedom of capital movement and the repatriation of profits, in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Strategic location between Argentina and Brazil.
• Access to the major markets in Latin America.
• Skilled talent and experience in global services.
• Digital connectivity and high-quality infrastructure.
• An energy mix with a high share of renewable sources.

Learn about the benefits of operating from Uruguay →

Why Set Up a Business in Zonamerica?

Zonamerica is Uruguay's leading free trade zone and a business ecosystem designed to enable local and international companies to establish, operate, and expand their operations more efficiently.

Their solution integrates the following into a single platform:

• More than 500 companies from various sectors.
• More than 7,000 people work every day at the campus.
• More than 14 industries are represented.
• Corporate, technological, logistical, and industrial infrastructure.
• Connectivity and operational continuity.
• Access to talent and training programs.
• Specialized services for companies and employees.
• Flexible options for deploying and scaling a Operation.
• A team that supports the evaluation and implementation of each project.

From Zonamerica, a company can coordinate markets, centralize processes, develop global services, manage inventory, and oversee region Operations s from Uruguay.

Learn about Zonamerica's business ecosystem →

Available trading modes

Zonamerica allows companies to evaluate different types of operations based on their business model, activities, and investment objectives.

Free Zone Regime

Uruguay's Free Trade Zone Program ( Regime ) is specifically geared toward companies engaged in international activities in the areas of services, technology, trading, logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, corporate headquarters, and regional centers.

Its main features include:

• Exemption from national taxes for authorized activities.
• Importation of goods without customs duties or import taxes.
• The ability to store, process, divide, package, and add value to goods.
• Operation to different markets from a single location.
• Hiring local and international talent within the limits established by regulations.
• Infrastructure and services designed for international " Operations ."

Learn about the benefits of the Free Zone Regime →

Investment Promotion Act | Industrial Park

The Industrial Park is primarily geared toward industrial, manufacturing, and logistics projects seeking to take advantage of incentives linked to investment in Uruguay.

The benefits may include tax exemptions and incentives related to investment, job creation, exports, and other objectives established for each project.

This method allows you to:

• Develop industrial and manufacturing processes.
• Retain Mercosur origin status when applicable.
• Design infrastructure tailored to the activity.
• Implement projects with scalability.
• Become part of the Zonamerica ecosystem and its services.

The specific benefits depend on the characteristics of the project and its evaluation by the relevant authorities.

Learn about the Zonamerica Industrial Park →

General Regime

The General Regime t offers an alternative for companies that need to establish a corporate presence in Uruguay without operating as free-trade zone users.

It may be suitable for companies looking to:

• Develop activities geared toward the local market.
• Establish an office or sales office.
• Launch Operations in Uruguay.
• Access infrastructure and services within the Zonamerica ecosystem.

Learn about the options available under General Regime s →

What kinds of activities can be carried out at Zonamerica?

The eligible activities depend on the selected Regime and the characteristics of each project.

Provision of services

Zonamerica offers an environment specifically designed for exporting services to other countries. At campus , companies can establish shared service centers, regional headquarters, technology and software operations, back-office functions, financial services, consulting, and other professional activities.

Trading and International Trade

Companies can structure and manage international business Operations from Uruguay, drawing on corporate infrastructure and a legal, financial, and technological platform equipped to operate globally.

Operations

It is possible to carry out activities related to storage, distribution, inventory management, splitting, packaging, and value-added services through various operational models.

Operations industrial

Within the corresponding “ Regime ,” productive, industrial, and processing projects can be developed, with tailored infrastructure, integrated services, and opportunities for growth.

Explore the activities available at Zonamerica →

Learn about the industries that make up the ecosystem →

Infrastructure Options

Zonamerica offers flexible solutions for companies of various sizes, industries, and business Operation models.

Corporate Offices

Spaces for installing equipment, headquarters, service centers, and professional Operations , complete with infrastructure, connectivity, and access to the services at campus.

See available offices →

Warehousing and logistics solutions

Infrastructure to centralize inventory, develop wareh Operations , and manage regional distribution from Uruguay.

Explore our warehouses and logistics solutions →

Lots for Custom Projects

Land for developing proprietary infrastructure in accordance with each company’s operational, technical, and growth needs.

See the available lots →

Private buildings

Exclusive-use buildings that can be customized to centralize corpor Operations , technology, logistics, or industrial operations.

Explore options for private buildings →

How to Set Up a " Operation " in Zonamerica

1. We analyze your Operation and your target markets

We evaluate the business model, the type of activity, the company's needs, and the markets it seeks to manage from Uruguay.

2. We design the most appropriate solution

We identify the most suitable Regime and define the necessary infrastructure based on the project's characteristics, scale, and objectives.

3. We assist with installation and commissioning

We provide guidance throughout the various stages required to begin operations at Zonamerica and coordinate the solution with the teams involved.

4. We promote the growth of the Operation

We connect businesses with infrastructure, specialized services, talent, and an ecosystem of more than 500 companies to facilitate their growth and regional expansion.

Explore your options for setting up your business →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a foreign company need a local partner to set up operations in Zonamerica?

No. A foreign company can establish itself in Uruguay without being required to have a local partner. The legal structure and applicable Regime must be determined based on the nature of the business and the project.

Which " Regime " is right for my company?

It depends on the business model, the markets served, the business activity, the required infrastructure, and the investment objectives. Zonamerica analyzes each project to identify the most appropriate option.

What activities can be carried out under the Free Trade Zone Act ( Regime )?

Authorized commercial, industrial, and service activities may be carried out, including global services, technology, trading, logistics, pharmaceuticals, headquarters, and regional centers.

Does Zonamerica offer only office space?

No. Zonamerica offers corporate offices, warehouses, and logistics solutions; lots for custom development projects and private buildings; as well as infrastructure and specialized services.

Is it possible to manage Operations for Argentina, Brazil, and other markets from Uruguay?

Yes. Companies can use Uruguay as a base to coordinate markets and develop Operations with a regional reach, depending on their business activities and the applicable Regime .

What support does Zonamerica provide during the setup process?

The team assists with the initial analysis, the selection of the Regime and infrastructure, the definition of the solution, and the various stages of installation and commissioning.

Will companies be able to expand their Operation in the future?

Yes. Zonamerica offers scalable solutions that allow you to expand your space, add infrastructure, and adapt your Operation as your business grows.

How can I start evaluating a project?

The first step is to contact the Zonamerica team to share information about the business, target markets, required infrastructure, and growth plans.

See all frequently asked questions →

Install your regional version of Operation from Uruguay

Zonamerica brings together competitive business environments, infrastructure, services, talent, and a well-established business community to facilitate the establishment and growth of international Operations s from Uruguay into Latin America.

Let's talk about your Operation →

The information provided is of a general nature. The benefits, requirements, and applicable conditions depend on the activity, the selected Regime , and the characteristics of each project.