Perhaps you have been thinking about moving to Uruguay? Or you have already traveled to Uruguay in the recent past and felt a sense of home that you didn’t expect. As a result, the idea of moving to Uruguay has taken root in your mind. The more you think about it, the less crazy the idea seems.
However, moving to Uruguay – a completely different country – is more complicated than moving to another city in Europe. You’ll probably need to get legal residency, open a bank account, get health insurance, find an apartment, and learn at least some Spanish.
In this post, you will find an overview of the tasks involved in your move to Uruguay. In addition, we will provide you with some information about the country in South America.
Renting an apartment after your move to Uruguay
In Uruguay, move-in costs include a large deposit. It often makes sense to stay in a short-term furnished apartment first (for example, on Airbnb) while you get to know the area and decide exactly which city you want to live in. Look for long-term housing once you’ve decided.
When you’re ready, start by contacting a bilingual real estate agent before looking for an apartment or house to rent.
Move-in costs when renting an apartment generally include the first month’s rent, which is paid to the landlord up front. The amount for the security deposit is often three to five months’ rent.
Learn Spanish to make your move to Uruguay easier
Learning some Spanish will make your experience in Uruguay easier and more fascinating. Consider already learning some basics of Spanish in a course at home before you move.
Once you are living in Uruguay, you should take a course at a Spanish language academy. Not only will you learn the country’s language, but also its culture. Plus, you’ll get helpful tips for everyday life and you’re sure to make some new friends.
Open a bank account
A bank account allows you to pay your bills. Like all financial institutions, banks in Uruguay must prove the identity of depositors and the origin of deposited funds.
Most private banks in Uruguay do not accept foreign citizens as customers because of the paperwork involved. Most people making a move to Uruguay open their account with Banco Republica, Uruguay’s state-owned bank. An introductory account at this financial institution consists of your deposit in Uruguayan pesos, euros or US dollars.
However, keep in mind that the specific terms vary from bank to bank and change frequently. Inquire about the current conditions for bank documents just before you move to Uruguay.
The basic requirements to become a resident after you move to Uruguay.
In order to live in Uruguay permanently, you will need to have a few things in place. One of them is proof of your income. You will need to prove your tax support in an amount that is reasonable for the number of people you are applying for. Generally, an income of 1,400 CHF per month is sufficient for a single applicant.
Furthermore, you will need a police clearance certificate from the country where you have lived for the last five years. You will also need your birth certificate and marriage certificate if you are married. Once you arrive in Uruguay, these documents must be translated into Spanish by a licensed public translator.
Once you have submitted all papers for review, you will receive a temporary “cédula”. It will allow you to live in Uruguay as an “occupant in process”.
What is a Mutualista?
A mutualista is different from a health insurance. With a mutualista, there is no intermediary between you and the private sanatorium that will provide your medical care.
Once you are accepted as a member, you go to your private sanatorium or one of its convents for all your medical needs, including routine exams, tests and surgeries.
Membership in a mutualista usually costs less than $100 per month. In addition to the annual fee, a small co-payment is due if you undergo a medical examination.
Private mutualista set their own age and pre-existing condition guidelines for accepting or not accepting non-employed members. Some are reluctant to accept new members over the age of 60 or 65, while others accept them with a kiss.
There is also a public health system that can operate much like a mutualista, only without restrictions on age or pre-existing conditions.
Hopefully, this post has provided you with plenty of information to make your move to Uruguay easier. You know how to find an apartment, what hurdles you need to overcome to become a citizen, and how to open a bank account in Uruguay.
However, you may still have unanswered questions. In this case, we would be happy to answer them for you. Just send us an email and we can assist you with your move to Uruguay.