Working in Uruguay for Foreigners: All About Job Search and Opening a Business

Hello my dears! This is Yuliya, and today I want to share with you invaluable experience that will help you find a job in Uruguay. I went through it myself when I arrived here and desperately needed work, but I had absolutely no idea how and where to find it. It's such a stress, believe me! But don't worry, I'm here to help you through this journey.

Language and First Steps Upon Arrival

The first and most important thing I highly recommend is language. Learn at least basic words and numbers before you arrive, so you already have some kind of foundation. This will greatly simplify your life and job search. Upon arrival, be sure to register on Mercado Libre and download the LatamGuru app. It has so much useful information, I just can't express it! Also, be sure to join groups and chats of your compatriots on Facebook and Telegram. Job vacancies or side hustles often appear there, it's a goldmine for newcomers.

Traditional Job Search and Qualification Confirmation

The next option, which works flawlessly, is to make a resume and print several copies. Distribute them to the places where you want to work. For example, if you want to work in a hotel or cafe, just go in and leave your resume. The average salary for a cook here starts from 800 dollars a month, and in high season it can reach 1500 if you're a good specialist.

If you're a specialist in some field, be sure to get your documents apostilled in your home country. Upon arrival, you'll need to have them translated to confirm your specialty. Then you'll be hired for a job in your field even with minimal language knowledge. For example, specialized builders here have salaries starting from 1500 dollars. At the beginning, if you're a specialist, earning 5 thousand is not a problem. And don't forget that many of your compatriots here have their own business, and they always need someone to work for them, where you can even get a job without knowing the language. And in high season, there's generally a shortage of employees in all fields. It's simply amazing!

Your Own Business: Unlimited Opportunities

Another great option is to open your own business. Many immigrants do this. For this, you open a self-employment or sole proprietorship and start your business. And if you are a specialist in some field, you can first provide services in your native language, and then, when you learn Spanish, in Spanish too. And be sure to list yourself as a specialist in the LatamGuru app so your compatriots can find you. There's no limit to what you can earn with your own business. For example, my friends opened a restaurant in Punta del Este, and in the summer they earn over 500 thousand dollars! Yes, people here have money, it's a fact. Good luck to all of you in this difficult, but very exciting endeavor!