Consulate General in Guangzhou

What is a proof of life certificate?

A Proof of Life Certificate (Certificado de existencia), also known as a Life Certificate (Fe de vida), is the document through which the Consulate certifies that a retiree or pensioner residing abroad is alive.

This certification is periodically required by the Social Security Bank (Banco de Previsión Social – BPS) and other Uruguayan pension funds or social security institutions to maintain the payment of retirement benefits, pensions or other benefits.

Who may do this procedure?

Persons residing within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Uruguay in Guangzhou who receive retirement benefits, a pension or another benefit from the BPS or another Uruguayan social security institution.

The procedure is not limited to Uruguayan nationals.

Requirements

To complete the procedure, the following must be submitted:

• A Uruguayan identity document, such as an identity card (cédula de identidad) and/or passport.
• In the case of foreign nationals, the identity document under which they are registered with the social security institution.
• Information identifying the institution or pension fund before which proof of life must be provided.
• Identification or beneficiary number, if applicable.

If the Uruguayan documents have expired, a valid foreign identity document may also be submitted.

How is the procedure initiated?

An appointment must be requested by emailing cgcanton@mrree.gub.uy and providing the following information:

• Full given name(s) and surname(s).
• Uruguayan identity card (cédula de identidad uruguaya) number or the number of the document under which the person is registered with the social security institution.
• The institution or pension fund before which proof of life must be provided.
• Contact telephone number and email address.

On the day of the appointment, the interested person must appear in person before the Consulate with the original documentation. Once their identity has been verified, the Consulate will issue the certificate or communicate the proof of life to the corresponding institution.

Remote procedure

When the interested person is unable to appear before the Consulate for health, mobility or distance-related reasons, they must contact the Consulate by email to inquire about the applicable procedure.

Depending on the circumstances, the following may be requested:

• A copy of the identity document.
• A declaration or certificate of survival issued by a competent authority.
• A medical certificate attesting to the person’s inability to appear in person.
• An apostille and translation of the submitted documentation, where applicable.

The Consulate may request a video interview or other supporting evidence that allows it to verify the identity and existence of the interested person.

Other options available through BPS

The Social Security Bank (Banco de Previsión Social - BPS) offers biometric facial recognition mechanisms that, in certain cases, allow proof of life to be provided remotely without appearing before the Consulate. Interested persons must contact the BPS directly to determine whether they are eligible to use this option.

Validity

The frequency and validity period of the proof of life depend on the social security institution and the method used. In the case of the BPS, proof of life completed in person is valid for 90 days.

Important: Certificates intended for the Armed Forces Retirement and Pension Service (Servicio de Retiros y Pensiones de las Fuerzas Armadas) are processed only during January and July of each year.

Cost

The procedure is free of charge.

Consular Jurisdiction

The Consulate General of Uruguay in Guangzhou (Consulado General del Uruguay en Guangzhou) issues Proof of Life Certificates (Certificados de existencia) for persons residing in Guangdong, Fujian, Hunan, Hainan, Guizhou and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Persons residing outside this jurisdiction must contact the corresponding Uruguayan consular office, as indicated in the Consular Map (Mapa Consular).