Moving to Uruguay

Cost of Living: Switzerland vs. Uruguay

The cost of living in Uruguay is significantly lower than in Switzerland, which can be very attractive for expatriates. In nearly all areas – housing, food, dining – prices in Uruguay are lower. For example, rental prices in Montevideo are around 70% lower than in Zurich or Geneva. Restaurant and shopping costs are also half or more lower. To put this into perspective: the average monthly living expenses in Uruguay are less than half of those in Switzerland. However, it is important to note that Uruguay is not a “cheap” country within South America – the price level is higher than in many neighboring countries, especially in popular coastal locations like Punta del Este. Still, expatriates from Switzerland can expect a comfortable budget, particularly in terms of rent, services, and local products. While a simple lunch in Zurich may cost 25 CHF, in Montevideo you can enjoy a meal for under 10 CHF. Imported or luxury goods may be as expensive as in Europe, but the everyday shopping basket (fruit, vegetables, meat at local markets, public transportation, etc.) is significantly cheaper. At the same time, local salaries are lower – so expatriates earning foreign income or living on a Swiss pension will be able to enjoy a very good standard of living in Uruguay. Overall, Uruguay offers a high quality of life at affordable costs, which is particularly beneficial for retirees and families.

Nature, Climate, and Leisure Opportunities

Uruguay’s nature and climate significantly contribute to the quality of life. The country lies in a temperate climate zone and has four distinct seasons. Summers (December to March) are warm to hot, with average temperatures around 24–32 °C, ideal for beach days and water sports. Winters (June to September) are mild and relatively short – daytime temperatures are typically between 8–18 °C, with frost or snow being extremely rare. These mild conditions mean that heating in winter is rarely an issue, and you can spend much of the year outdoors. Along the approximately 660 km long Atlantic coast, endless sandy beaches invite relaxation, swimming, and surfing. Punta del Este and the surrounding resorts come alive in the summer, offering various leisure activities, from beach parties to sailing trips. Inland, wide grasslands (pampa) and gentle hills provide excellent opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, or rural tourism on estancias (farms). Uruguay does not have spectacular mountain landscapes, but it impresses with green meadows, palm groves, and wetlands, home to a rich birdlife. Nature lovers can hike in national parks like Santa Teresa or Esteros de Farrapos, enjoying peace and quiet. For city life, Montevideo offers parks and the kilometer-long waterfront promenade (Rambla), perfect for jogging, cycling, or drinking mate at sunset. Culturally, there are museums, theaters, and regular festivals. Overall, Uruguay offers a very diverse leisure offer – whether you are a beach lover, nature enthusiast, or culture fan, you will find something to enjoy.

Economic Situation and Opportunities for Expats

The Uruguayan economy is stable and growth-oriented. With around 3.5 million inhabitants and a per capita income of approximately 16,000 USD annually, Uruguay is considered one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America by the World Bank. The country has a well-established democracy and low corruption, which creates a reliable environment for business and investment. Uruguay traditionally excels in agriculture and livestock farming – beef, dairy products, wool, and soy are some of the main export goods. In recent years, the service sector and tourism have also grown significantly.

Uruguay has also invested heavily in renewable energy (a large portion of electricity comes from wind and hydro power) and is promoting the IT sector. For expatriates, there are several opportunities: skilled professionals in agriculture, food production, tourism, or education may find niches as specialized labor is in demand. Montevideo is also developing into a regional tech and start-up hub, where English-speaking IT professionals or remote workers can find opportunities. A major advantage for expatriates is the favorable tax system: foreign income is not taxed for a long period (currently 0% income tax on foreign earnings), making the country attractive for retirees, digital nomads, and investors. Uruguay also actively seeks foreign investments in high-tech and research – for example, logistics centers and research projects are being established, where multilingual specialists have good chances.

Moving Services from Switzerland to Uruguay

An international move from Switzerland to Uruguay requires careful organization. Altaventura GmbH, as an experienced Swiss moving company, offers tailored solutions for your move from Switzerland to Uruguay. We take care of all steps – from the safe packaging of your belongings to smooth delivery to your new home in Uruguay. Due to the large distance, transport is typically done via sea and/or air freight. For a full household move, a sea freight container is usually recommended, which is shipped from a European port (e.g., Antwerp, Hamburg, or Genoa) to Montevideo. The sea transit time typically takes about 3-5 weeks, depending on the route and shipping schedule. Including pickup, customs clearance, and delivery, you can expect an overall transit time of around 6-8 weeks before your belongings arrive in Uruguay. For smaller moves or urgent shipments, air freight can be used to send part of your belongings to Uruguay. Air freight is more expensive, but your items can reach Montevideo within a few days (typically 5-7 days). This option is ideal for sending urgent documents or essential items, while the rest is transported by sea. In practice, many customers combine the methods: sending a few suitcases or essential items by air, and the majority by sea freight. The best transport option for you depends on your budget, timeframe, and volume of belongings – we will advise you individually.

Expat Platforms and Communities in Uruguay

When starting out in a new country, connecting with like-minded individuals can be incredibly helpful. In Uruguay, there are several platforms and communities that connect expatriates and promote the exchange of experiences. Here are some recommended places to visit:

• InterNations Montevideo – The world’s largest expat network is of course also represented in Uruguay. The Montevideo community has thousands of expatriates. Regular meetups, leisure activities, and an online forum provide opportunities to quickly make connections and receive tips. InterNations is open to all nationalities and helps newcomers find their way.
• Expat.com Uruguay Forum – An active online forum where expatriates can ask questions and share their experiences. Topics range from “Finding a place to live in Montevideo” to “Schools in Uruguay” and “Emigrating experiences.” New members introduce themselves, and experienced Uruguay expatriates – including locals – are happy to offer advice.
• Facebook Groups: Facebook also hosts several groups for expatriates in Uruguay, such as “Expats in Uruguay” or “Uruguay Expats.” Here, you can casually ask questions, post classified ads (housing searches, job offers, language partners, etc.), or simply find people for joint activities. The groups are often very helpful and offer an honest insight into daily life.
• Local Clubs and Associations: In Montevideo, there are various foreign clubs that also welcome Swiss and Germans. For example, the Swiss Club Montevideo organizes regular meetings, fondue evenings, and cultural events for the Swiss community. There is also a German-Uruguayan Cultural Association and other international societies. Such clubs help you get to know fellow countrymen and foster integration in Uruguay.
• Expat Meetups and Networking: In addition to the major platforms, informal meetups are also worth checking out. In Montevideo, there are language meetups (for Spanish-English-German exchange) and international events organized through websites like Meetup.com. Here you can find new friends and exchange experiences about life in Uruguay.

Quality of Life and Opportunities for Expats in Uruguay

In summary, moving to Uruguay offers exciting opportunities for expatriates from Switzerland. The country stands out with its vibrant culture, friendly people, and – compared to Western Europe – lower living costs. The quality of life is high: from the bustling metropolis of Montevideo to cozy cities like Pécs, everyone can find the right place to create a new home. Professionally, larger cities offer a variety of opportunities, and thanks to Uruguay’s EU association, settling in is relatively simple for Swiss nationals (despite Switzerland’s non-EU status). Of course, every new country comes with challenges – from the unfamiliar language to understanding local customs. However, Uruguay’s active expat community, numerous online resources, and the openness of Uruguayans make it easy to find connections and settle in quickly. In short: Uruguay offers expatriates from Switzerland a high quality of life, a warm community, and attractive opportunities – a fresh start that can be rewarding in many ways.

All information is without warranty – as of May 2025. (For your move to Uruguay, we are happy to inform you about the currently applicable regulations.)