Know what must be reported
We first determine whether a filing, update, record-keeping duty or exception applies to the entity.
Uruguay companies · BCU · Law 19.484
BCU beneficial ownership reporting, from ownership review to filing receipt.
VGC assesses what the entity must report, organises the ownership and control chain, coordinates execution, certifies Formulario B and files it electronically. You receive the filing receipt at the end of the process.
Practical outcome
One coordinated process, not a form-filling exercise
The declaration must match the corporate documents and the way ownership or ultimate control actually operates.
Keep signature and filing aligned
Formulario B, its notarial certification and the electronic submission are organised as connected stages.
Reduce inconsistencies
Holders, percentages, ownership chain, representation and ultimate control are checked against the available records.
Receive a filing receipt
The BCU receipt and the materials that should remain with the corporate file are delivered at the end.
Starting point
Which situation is the entity facing?
The first review identifies the event that triggers the filing and avoids applying one deadline or form mechanically to every entity.
New entity or SAS
The entity obtained its RUT, was converted or otherwise became subject to the regime and needs its first filing.
Ownership or control change
A holder, percentage, ownership-chain entity, beneficial owner or other means of ultimate control has changed.
International structure
A shareholder, intermediate entity, beneficial owner or representative is outside Uruguay.
Review or regularisation
A previous declaration needs checking, a deadline may have passed or the current structure is not fully documented.
Scope
What the service may include
The final scope depends on the entity, the condition of its records and the complexity of the ownership or control chain.
Obligation and exception assessment
Review of the entity, triggering event, any applicable exception and the deadline relevant to the specific filing.
Ownership and control map
Direct holders, percentages, intermediate entities and other means of control are mapped to the relevant natural persons.
Corporate record review
Bylaws, registers, powers and earlier declarations are checked for missing or inconsistent information.
Formulario B and execution
The declaration is prepared and execution by a duly authorised representative is coordinated in Uruguay or abroad.
Certification and submission
Notarial certification, electronic data, advanced digital signature and filing through the BCU process are coordinated.
Receipt and closing file
The BCU receipt and an organised record of the materials relevant to later updates are delivered.
Process
From corporate records to the BCU filing receipt
Each stage prepares the next so the paper declaration, notarial certification and electronic data remain consistent.
- 01
Assess
We identify the entity, the reason for filing, the relevant date and any people or structures involved.
- 02
Map
Ownership and control are reconstructed, supporting records are reviewed and any missing information is identified.
- 03
Document
Formulario B is prepared, execution is coordinated and the entity's existence, standing, signature and representation are certified.
- 04
Submit
The electronic information is completed, digitally signed and sent to the BCU, after which the filing receipt is delivered.
Deadlines
The count depends on the event and residence profile
There is no single deadline for every filing. These references help identify urgency; the exact count is confirmed against the entity's records.
45 business days
General reference
This may apply to a newly obligated entity or to changes in holders, chain, beneficial owners or control when no non-resident component is involved.
90 business days
Non-resident components
This may apply when relevant holders, ownership-chain participants or beneficial owners are non-residents.
From the RUT
New SAS
For a common or digital SAS, the period runs from the business day after the entity obtains its RUT.
Special rules also apply to certain data changes. If the period may already have expired, dates, prior filings and supporting documents should be reviewed before submission.
Initial review
What is useful to have available
Do not send these documents through the public web form. A suitable channel is agreed after the first contact.
- Entity type, formation or conversion date and RUT.
- Current articles, bylaws or constitutive agreement and amendments.
- Registers or records showing present holders and interests.
- An ownership and control chart or a plain-language explanation of the chain.
- Basic identity and residence information for holders, chain members and possible beneficial owners.
- Powers or other evidence of the signatory's authority.
- Earlier Formulario B declarations and BCU receipts, if available.
Official sources
Uruguayan law and institutional guidance
The final position is determined from the rules in force and the entity's specific circumstances.
Uruguay Law 19.484
Beneficial-ownership and holders identification and reporting regime.
Open official source ↗Decree 166/017
Rules on covered entities, identification, exceptions, filings and deadlines.
Open official source ↗Law 19.820, Section 16
Express application of the beneficial-ownership regime to Uruguay SAS entities.
Open official source ↗AIN official information
Official materials on Law 19.484, forms, procedures and frequently asked questions.
Open official source ↗Current SAS deadline guidance
AIN guidance on 45 or 90 business days from the entity's RUT.
Open official source ↗Signature and notarial certification
Official criteria for execution, certification and submission of Formulario B.
Open official source ↗BCU register
Official access to the register, forms and filing instructions.
Open official source ↗Frequently asked questions
Beneficial owners, Formulario B and BCU filing
Who is considered a beneficial owner in Uruguay?+
A natural person who directly or indirectly holds at least 15% of the integrated capital or equivalent, or voting rights, or exercises ultimate control by other means. Falling below the ownership threshold does not rule out control through another route.
Must a Uruguay SAS report to the BCU?+
Yes. Law 19.820 expressly subjects SAS entities to the applicable holders and beneficial-ownership reporting regime.
Does every company file Formulario B?+
Not necessarily. The regime is broad, but complete or partial exceptions may apply depending on the entity's type, composition and circumstances.
What is the filing deadline?+
Many filings use a 45-business-day period, extended to 90 when relevant non-residents are involved. The triggering event and any special rule must be confirmed for the case.
Should Formulario B be reviewed before signing?+
Yes. As a rule, the same notary who certifies it must complete and submit the electronic filing, so ownership, dates, representation and records should be coordinated first.
Does the representative electronically sign Formulario B?+
AIN guidance states that the representative does not electronically sign Formulario B. The notary certifies its execution and uses an advanced electronic signature for the submission.
Can the representative sign outside Uruguay?+
Yes. Foreign notarial certification, apostille or legalisation and translation may be required, followed by the relevant checks and filing by a Uruguayan notary.
Which changes may require an update?+
Changes to holders, percentages, the ownership chain, beneficial owners or ultimate control may require a new filing. Other data have their own procedures and periods.
Is beneficial-ownership information public?+
No. The law gives the register's information secret status and limits access to legally authorised bodies and circumstances.
What if the deadline has passed?+
The entity may regularise its position, but dates, earlier declarations and supporting records should be reviewed because fines or other administrative consequences may apply.
What does the BCU receipt confirm?+
It confirms receipt of the declaration and its incorporation into the register. It is not a substantive approval of the structure or information reported.
Initial assessment
Tell us where the entity stands
A general description is enough to identify the next step. Do not include tax IDs, names of beneficial owners, percentages or sensitive documents in this form.
What helps us respond
- General entity type.
- Whether this is a first filing, change, review or regularisation.
- Whether a previous declaration exists.
- Whether people or entities outside Uruguay are involved.
- The RUT or change date, or any known deadline, if available.
BCU beneficial ownership enquiry
Describe the situation without including sensitive corporate information. The initial reply will identify the documents, secure channel and next steps.
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