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The Wall Street Journal declared Americans Are Leaving the US in Record Numbers in February. So how many Americans are moving to Uruguay?
Last year, 616 US citizens applied for residency in Uruguay. That’s more than double the number in 2024—303—and 298 in 2023. Last month saw another 56 applications.
So the numbers are rising—but they are still small. Compared with the tens of thousands of people from the US applying for residency in places like Portugal, Uruguay remains a niche choice for Americans moving abroad.
Most immigrants to Uruguay come from Spanish-speaking countries and our neighbours. Here are the immigration numbers and what Uruguayans think about foreigners.
The figures above were cited in a recent article, for which Guru’Guay was interviewed, in the national press. With its click-bait title Fleeing Trump to live in Pocitos or Punta del Este: hundreds of Americans choose Uruguay as their new refuge, it was viewed 30,000 times and went to #1 on the El País Uruguay website on the day it was published.
For the article, El País interviewed Steve and Dawn — both Guru’Guay clients — who decided to relocate from the US after carefully weighing their options, including investing in several relocation consultations with Guru’Guay.
Steve and his husband moved from Madison, Wisconsin, USA with their son. We had an online consultation prior to their arrival. Then they came for an exploratory trip which started with a VIP Day which included checking out a small bilingual school where their son will finish his last two years of high school.
Dawn moved to Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay from a small town in Texas, USA. She didn’t expect to like it but during our online consultation I perceived it could be a great fit for her and her young family. And she totally fell in love on her Punta VIP Day.
Steve wanted to protect his marriage. Dawn wanted her kids to grow up in a safe, less politically-charged, bilingual environment.
They weren’t looking for perfection. You know I always say, no country is perfect. They were looking for a country with a good quality of life, where rights are respected, healthcare is accessible and daily life is much less intense.
They knew that that quality of life comes at a price tag.
For many Americans in Uruguay, these same motivations come up again and again: safety, stability and a calmer pace of life. Uruguay’s enshrined LGBTQ rights are seen as a clear indicator of a rights-based society.
Also, compared to the vast majority of countries in the world, it is still pretty easy to get the right to reside in Uruguay.
El País also talked to every single one of our trusted relocation service providers. It is revealing to read how many enquiries they are getting a week now from people primarily from the US exploring residency in Uruguay.
Interest in residency in Uruguay for Americans may be growing, but the overall numbers remain modest compared with other migration destinations.
If you live in Uruguay are you feeling the presence of people from the US? If you’re thinking of moving, what are you thinking? Your thoughts are always of interest to me.
Important cultural note
We used the term “American” in this article because we understand that people from the USA will be searching on that term. However, if you are coming from the States, please remember that America is the term for the entire continent.
In Latin America, you are estadounidense (say e-stah-doh-oo-nee-DEN-say) or de Estados Unidos—from the USA. Americanos are everyone from all over the continent.
In 2025, 616 US citizens applied for residency in Uruguay, more than double the number from the previous year.
Compared with many countries, residency in Uruguay is relatively straightforward. Applicants typically need proof of income, a clean criminal record and basic documentation.
Many Americans in Uruguay cite safety, political stability, quality healthcare and a calmer pace of life.
Namasté — Vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo
Namasté is more than just a vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo. This colourful, family-run spot has been serving vegetarian and vegan food since 2008. And the food is only part of the experience. Come for a relaxed meal, stay for the atmosphere, the friendly service and the chance to slow down for a while.
Dance tango in Uruguay. Whether a complete newbie or you already dance, the tango scene in Montevideo is a great way to make friends.
Estancia Los Plátanos – Authentic 6th generation ranch
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Ignacio Fuentes, RE/MAX – Recommended Montevideo realtor
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Estancia El Cangüé – Cattle & roses in Paysandú
Home to Uruguay’s biggest rose collection, this 200 year west Uruguay estancia is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure or a wedding.
Martín Pescador – Sierras ranch 1 hr from ocean
Just an hour inland from the beaches of Punta and José Ignacio, the perfect Uruguay estancia, horse riding and trekking.
Uruguay LGBT rights – A trailblazer for over a century
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We interview foreigners in Uruguay who moved here from principally English-speaking countries so you can learn from their mistakes.
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We perused Reddit to find foreigners’ most asked questions about Uruguay and answer so you can decide if Uruguay is the Plan B you’re looking for.
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