How much does immigration to Uruguay cost?

My name is Julia, and I’m going to explain how much emigration to Uruguay usually costs, using the example of two people. These numbers aren't made up — they’re based on real experience, including details that many people tend to overlook at the beginning.

Documents and Flight

The first step is paperwork. You need to prepare your documents while you're still in your home country. Whether you’re in Europe, the U.S., or Russia, you’ll have to gather certificates, get them apostilled, and translated. Each country has its own requirements, but on average, this comes out to about $300 per person. It's best not to delay — doing it later, once you're already in Uruguay, can be more expensive and complicated.

A one-way flight for two people from the U.S. or Europe costs around $1,000. But if you're flying from Russia, be prepared to pay over $2,000. And most likely, you'll also need to buy return tickets — airlines often won't let you board without them. This is especially common for travelers from former CIS countries.

Transfer and Initial Accommodation

Upon arrival, you’ll need a transfer or taxi, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. That’s another $100–200, depending on the distance and time of day. It’ll be cheaper if you arrange it in advance.

For the first few weeks, you'll likely stay in an Airbnb or a hotel. We paid $100 per night for a decent but not luxurious option. If you want comfort and more space, expect to pay $200–300 per night. Over two weeks, that adds up to a significant amount.

Legalization Documents and Long-Term Rental

We found long-term housing within two weeks. Average rent ranges from $800 to $1,500 per month, depending on the neighborhood and the condition of the apartment. You’ll need to pay a commission to the agent equal to one month’s rent, plus a security deposit of one month. So to move in, you’ll need to pay 2–3 months’ rent upfront.

If you’re applying for residency on your own, it’s a long and complicated process, but it’s inexpensive. If you don’t want the hassle and prefer to hire professionals who know the system, that’s an additional $1,000 per person.

Health Insurance and Daily Life

Health insurance is mandatory. There are several options — some are free if your monthly income is under $600 per person, and paid plans start at about $50 per month.

Furniture, kitchenware, appliances, bedding, tables, chairs — if your rental is unfurnished (which is often the case), you’ll need to spend at least $1,000, possibly more, to get set up.

Total: How Much Does the Move Cost?

If you keep things minimal and avoid luxuries, expect to spend between $7,000 and $10,000 for two people to settle comfortably in Uruguay. That’s without buying a car or property — just enough to get set up, live, and avoid stress during the first weeks.

The takeaway?
Emigration isn’t just about suitcases and plane tickets. It requires serious financial planning. It’s much better to calculate everything in advance than to scrape by on your last dollars once you're already there.