The name Uruguay means ‘river of the colourful birds’ in Guarani, the language spoken by the natives in the area. It is a country in South America, with Argentina to the west and Brazil to the north.
If you are (or plan to be) an expat living in Uruguay, please find below a list of expat clubs Uruguay, country information and more...
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Local embassies
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
Newcomers Club
This is a directory of Newcomers Clubs, Women’s Groups, Moms Clubs & Dads organisations in Uruguay, which are designed to give men and women the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with others who live in the area.
Website: www.newcomersclub.com
Uruguay Expat Life
We at Uruguay Expat Life & Uruguay For Me enjoy sharing our experiences, creating internet communities where other folks considering life in Uruguay gather to chat, and meeting and conversing with other expats, immigrants, slow travelers, who may be wondering if Uruguay is for them. That’s why we created and offer so many different free options for online community.
Website: www.uruguayexpat.info
Total Uruguay
Welcome! To the Uruguay Expat and Travel web page. We’ve been providing information for those interested in visiting, living in or retiring to Uruguay since May of 2005! This website is large and has a tremendous amount of resources relating to Uruguay.
Website: www.totaluruguay.com
International Schools
Uruguayan American School
The Uruguayan American School (UAS) is a private college preparatory school enrolling approximately 300 international and host country students in Nursery through Grade 12. Our mission is to be a multicultural, academically challenging learning community that prepares students to be responsible global citizens and lifelong learners.
Curriculum: U.S., International Baccalaureate and Uruguayan
Address: Saldún de Rodríguez 2375, Carrasco, Montevideo, Uruguay
Tel: +598 2600 7681
Email: mschramm@uas.edu.uy
Website: www.uas.edu.uy
The British Schools
The School is best described as a “British International School in Uruguay”. “British” through foundation, and orientation; “International” in outlook and in terms of many of the learning programmes used; immersed in, and contributing to the development of, Uruguay. The British Schools in the early 21st century enjoys the reputation of being one of the leading schools in Latin America.
Curriculum: British
Address: Máximo Tajes 6421, Montevideo, Uruguay
Tel: +598 2600 34 21
Email: inquiries@british.edu.uy
Website: www.portal.british.edu.uy
Local News in English
Uruguay News: www.en.mercopress.com/uruguay
NewsNow: www.newsnow.co.uk
Country Information
Full name: Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Location: South America
Population: cc. 3.4 million
Capital City: Montevideo
Other Important Cities: Salto, Ciudad de la Costa, Las Piedras
Currency: 1 Uruguayan peso = 100 centesimos
Language(s): Spanish
Religion(s): Christanity
Calling Code: +598
Internet TLD: .uy
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Emergency Numbers: 911
Uruguay is a very beautiful small, sized country on the east coast of South American, south of Brazil and east of Argentina. It’s often known as the heart-shaped country. The country consists of a low, rolling plain in the south and a low plateau in the north. And although it’s small geographically, the country is a faithful representation of the fact that quality cannot be measured based on quantity, since its people, its land, its attractions and its coastlines are of a very good quality. Plus, Uruguayans have a strong sense of national identity and patriotism.
Embassy Information
Find your local ambassy in Uruguay, here you'll find a big list...
www.embassyworld.com
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Uruguay has a stated policy of welcoming foreign nationals who wish to come and live in the country. There is no immigration quota, nor does Uruguay’s immigration authority discretionally reject applications. It is not required that the applicant invest in the country, either. As long as the applicant meets the requirements listed below permanent resident status is always granted.
The required documents needed to apply for permanent residency are as follow:
1. Birth certificate
2. Marriage certificate (optional)
3. Police record
4. Proof of Income: proving you have a steady stream of income to support yourself. The amount of income you declare has to be consistent with your lifestyle
5. Tetanus vaccination
6. Medical check-up
7. Proof of address: Uruguay requires that applicants have an actual address in Uruguay
Once you have completed and successfully gained your residency visa, there will be a number of advantages:
- You’ll be able to apply for citizenship in 3 years if married, or 5 years for single applicants
- You will be able to stay in Uruguay indefinitely
- You will be able to bring your personal belongings and household goods duty free
- You’ll obtain a National Identification Document, and local health insurance
- You’ll have easier travel requirements among MERCOSUR countries
Accommodation
Most people that move to Uruguay pick one of the following places and types of homes to live in:
- Montevideo: condos in the coastline neighbourhoods of Pocitos or Punta Carretas or in the Old City; houses in residential Carrasco
- Punta del Este: beachfront condos or houses
- Piriapolis, Atlantida or Rocha: houses near or on the coastline
- Colonia: colonial houses
- Farms which are distributed throughout the whole country
Driving License
Driving is on the right in Uruguay, and if you’re an expat from countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan or Singapore, this particular road rule may be somewhat difficult at first. The national speed limit is 110 km/h, but most routes are fixed at 90 km/h. The speed limits are clearly signposted so you just need to check while you’re driving.
As a driver, you’re responsible for a few rules of the road: whenever your drive on a major route, you must drive with your headlights on. It’s also up to you as a driver to make sure everyone has their seat belt on in the car. Seatbelts are the law. Plus, there is zero tolerance towards drinking and driving in Uruguay.
Healthcare
Uruguay is considered as South America’s ‘first welfare state’ as a result of its pioneering efforts in the fields of public healthcare over the decades. There are two types of healthcare systems that run congruently in Uruguay – public and private.
The Ministry of Public Health runs the public healthcare system in Uruguay through the State Health Administration and other related agencies, such as the Armed Forces or the Police. Public health insurance is provided for all Uruguay citizens and residents that also pay into Banco de Previsión Social (BPS).
The private healthcare system is made up of mainly private, non-profit healthcare institutions, also known as Mutualistas or Cooperativas. There are about 48 of these Mutualistas/Cooperativas providing health care in Uruguay to nearly half of the population through private health insurance plans.
Insurance Companies:
- LatAM Insurance: www.insurancelatam.com
- Uruguay South America: www.world-insurance-companies.com
- Aon Expat Insurance: www.aonexpatinsurance.com
Hospitals
Hospital Pereira Rossell
Address: Bulevar General Artigas, 1550, Montevideo
Tel: +598 2709 7741
Website: www.pereirarossell.gub.uy
Hospital Evangelico
Address: Bvar. Jose Batlle y Ordonez 2759, Montevideo
Tel: +598 2487 2319
Website: www.hospitalevangelico.com
Hospital Britanico
Address: Av. Italia 2420, Montevideo
Tel: +598 2487 1020
Website: www.hospitalbritanico.com.uy
