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This is an information resource mainly written for trans US citizens considering emigrating to another country, although we hope it is useful beyond that.

Please treat this wiki as a starting point for your own research, not as an authoritative source of truth or as legal advice.

Many of the authors have gone through the process themselves and want to share what they have learned.

Uruguay

From Trans World Express

This page is a work in progress and will continue to be updated! It's partly based on the collection of procedures and rights for immigrants to Uruguay can be found on Cartografías Migrantes. The original content was done in Spanish due to its focus on regional immigration, other languages are machine translations. More info about trans-related topics will continue to be added.

Uruguay is a comparatively LGBTQ+-friendly country with some legal protections for trans people.

Why Uruguay?

These bits sum up some information from a very comprehensive Wikipedia article on LGBTQ Rights in Uruguay.

  • Legal gender recognition: Since 2009, people can change their name and gender marker, with has been made easier through the 2018 "Comprehensive Law for Trans Persons", which removes requirements for surgeries, hormone therapy or any form of diagnosis and also enables minors to change legal gender with parental consent. No "third-gender marker" for IDs exists as of 2025. However, gender is not listed on the national ID (cédula) or on Uruguayan driver's licenses.
  • Anti-discrimination laws: The Comprehensive Law for Trans Persons law also established a framework to revert past discriminatory state actions, including monetary reparations to transgender individuals persecuted during the Uruguayan Dictatorship. It stipulates that transgender people should receive 1 percent of public and private educational scholarships and the "free development of personality according to their chosen gender identity", and calls on the Government to ensure that transgender people are treated respectfully by authorities.
  • Public healthcare: The Comprehensive Law for Trans Persons guarantees access health services. Details on trans-specific healthcare below.
  • LGBTQ+ rights and community: Uruguay has some of the most progressive LGBT laws in Latin America, and a very live and let live culture (tranqui). Discrimination does exist, but in general people are not going to bother you based on how you look.
  • Immigration pathways: Uruguay has one of the quickest and easiest paths to permanent residency. (See more below) Uruguay is a part of Mercosur, a trade agreement between South American countries which allows for easier travel and immigration with some other Mercosur countries as a part of Uruguayan residency.
  • Friendly people Uruguay is known for it's friendly and laid-back population. While you will need to learn Spanish, people are very understanding and encouraging of people who are just getting started with the language.

Why not Uruguay?

This also needs effort by people with 1st hand experience!

While progress has been made, trans people still face barriers and discrimination. According to the Medical Union of Uruguay in 2019, the average life expectancy of trans people then was only 35, half of the population average. Furthermore, many trans people struggle to finish their secondary education or find employment.

There is not legal recognition of genders other than male and female.

Uruguay is very expensive compared to other Latin American and even many European countries.

Most expats complain about the food. (That it is bland/boring, not that it is unsafe. Food and tap water are safe to eat and drink in Uruguay.)

Political Situation for Trans People

details from people with 1st hand experience needed here

Uruguay's comprehensive law protecting trans people was passed in 2018 with more than two thirds of senators voting in favor. A referendum to repeal it shortly afterwards did not get enough signatures to make it to a vote. Trans people are entitled to 1% of government jobs, and reparations were set up for trans people harmed under the dictatorship. However, the 1% quota is somewhat famous for not being met.

Uruguay's secretary of human rights is a trans woman. However, as of July 2026, she is being forced out of office. While she has made some missteps, she believes she is being forced out due to "transodio".

Interacting with people while trans

It seems like many people are not very educated about trans people, so there can be some well-meaning ignorance, especially for non-binary people. On the other hand, it generally is well-meaning, and there is no coordinated anti-trans movement in the country. People will probably understand you if you use non-binary pronouns and adjectives, but they may not produce those pronouns/adjectives themselves.

It is not common to experience rude looks and the like. Random people don't seem to consider other people's gender their business. Many trans expats here report that they feel like they can just relax and be who they are.

Gender is not marked on the most commonly used ID here, the cédula, or on your driver's license.

School

Parents of binary trans children generally report good experiences in school, whether or not their child is stealth. The school's reaction to children disclosing they are trans has generally been positive, and they will stand up to other parents who might have a problem with learning a child is trans.

Things can be a bit more difficult for non-binary kids. Kids, teachers and other parents tend not to be educated about what non-binary is, and activities are often divided by gender in a way that can make non-binary kids feel like they don't fit in. Other kids may really want to know if the child is a boy or a girl, and if they choose a bathroom or activity based on gender, may want to assume that the child is that gender. Schools can vary widely in how they handle issues like bathrooms, etc for non-binary kids. Parents recommend doing thorough research about the school and asking them specifically about how they will handle a non-binary kid in their classroom. There are more school options in Montevideo than in other places.

A non-gender related note on schools in Uruguay is that the school day can vary widely between schools. Public schools generally have a 4-hour school day, with some kids attending in the morning and another group attending in the afternoon. Private schools tend to have longer school days, but they can also vary a lot, with some running from 9-3 and others from 8-5, for example.

More info is needed about discrimination (or lack thereof) and in the workplace.

Access to Trans Healthcare

  • Beyond the right to access healthcare broadly, there has been a push to improve trans healthcare
  • CASMU is the mutualista most used by trans expats; they are available in Montevideo and have an office in Maldonado as well
  • However, trans healthcare is an expected part of healthcare here, and other providers will also provide care for trans kids and adults.

There are no restrictions on children receiving gender-affirming care, and it is not controversial here. Both children and adults will likely be expected to see an endocrinologist to get hormones or puberty blockers. Wait times at a mutualista to see one tend to be ~2 months. However, your GP may be able to write you a prescription for the time you need to wait. If you are really in a bind, you can show your existing prescription at the emergency room, you can get a refill to get you to your next appointment.

Access to hormones

As is the case with most drugs here, hormones are available over-the-counter without a prescription. You will have to ask the pharmacist for it. Long-term, it probably makes sense to get a prescription via your local healthcare provider, as that will likely save you money.

Access to estrogen/progesterone

More info is needed about access to progesterone

Estrogen can be obtained over the counter without a prescription. However, it can be expensive to get it that way. Depending on your healthcare, it may be cheaper to get a prescription from your doctor. Estrogen patches and injectable estrogen do not seem to be available. Cream/gel and oral are over the counter, but not all pharmacies carry them. Online ordering and delivery is available.

Access to testosterone

Testosterone is available at pharmacies without a prescription; you will need to ask for it at the counter (as is the case for almost all drugs in Uruguay). However, not all pharmacies carry it; you may have to ask around. Depending on your healthcare, it may be cheaper to get it via a prescription from your doctor. In general, it is something you get via an appointment with an endocrinologist, who will take your hormone levels and give you the prescription. You then take the prescription to a clinic, pay for the prescription (~$40 pesos, depending on your healthcare) and have it administered there. In general, it is a monthly shot that is administered by a healthcare professional. Gel testosterone may not be available.

Access to surgery

In general, access to surgery seems to be considered a normal part of trans health care here. It is not gate-kept, and is considered a decision that you make with your doctor.

More info is needed about wait times for surgery.

Top surgery

Uruguay does not have US-like barriers to top surgery. Doctor's main concerns (CASMU) seemed to be ensuring you had adequate care post-surgery. Therapists letters and the like are not required. The surgery is available in Montevideo.

Bottom surgery

More info is needed about access to bottom surgery (FtM)

Bottom surgery (MtF) is available in the country, with similarly low barriers. While surgeons recommend that children wait to have the procedure, they are more flexible than in the US and other countries; you can get a consult with a surgeon as young as 14, and if surgery is deemed medically necessary it can be performed on people under 18.

Healthcare

While public healthcare is cheap and available via ASSE, most immigrants prefer to get private healthcare. However, these private options can deny you coverage based on pre-existing conditions or age. Also they are more expensive for older people. Healthcare does not usually cover dental. Paying into FONASA, (either by having a Uruguayan job or starting a business in Uruguay) makes it so that mutualistas cannot deny you coverage.

There are several options for private health care and mutualistas (this is not an exhaustive list)

ASSE

This is the public healthcare system. It is available to residents once their application is in process, or you can access it before your residency application by paying a small fee and/or by starting a Uruguayan business. It does not deny people based on age or health conditions. There are no waiting periods to join.

  • Wait times to see specialists may be very long.
  • No frills; offices are not fancy, hospital rooms are shared
  • Trans healthcare at ASSE (spanish)

Hospital Britanico - Montevideo/Maldonado

This is the poshest and most expensive option by far.

CASMU - Montevideo/Maldonado

  • Recommended by trans people, less expensive than Britanico. https://casmu.com.uy/
  • There are some english speaking staff, but it can be difficult to find out who they are.
  • Has a special program for trans people, Integramas, which will set you up with an endocrinologist and hormones

COSEM

https://www.cosem.com.uy/index.php/quienes-somos-2/presentacion-2

La Assistencial - Maldonado

This is the largest healthcare system in Maldonado/Punta del Este and the surrounding area. Used by trans people in the area.

Immigration Policy

US citizens need a visa to move to Uruguay for work, study and other long-term stays. Be aware that most/all of the process is done in Spanish. A lot of the information can be found here in an English translation here.

The most common visa routes are:

  • Student Visa: Available for those studying at an Uruguayan university, granted on a temporary basis
  • Family-Route: If you have a partner/family member who is a permanent resident/citizen of Uruguay, you have the right to permanent residency.
  • Digital Nomad Visa: Valid for 180 days of temporary residency, can be extended once. Can only be started from within Uruguay from a tourist visa. You will want to get an appointment to get your cédula before coming to Uruguay and applying for the permit, as appointments can be several months to get. Be sure you will be in the country and have the Digital Nomad permit before your appointment takes place.
  • Work Visa: Can be permanent or temporary, depending on the type of work
  • Permanent Residency (see below)

Experiences of trans people interaction with immigration officials

LB: Although Uruguay does not officially recognize a third gender, the immigration officials took my X passport, made no comment on it, and put down "otro" for genero.

KH: Even though our son's documents did not all match in terms of gender, immigration officials were kind and understanding of his situation.

Medical Inadmissibility

While Uruguay requires a health card (carné de salud) to be done within the country when applying for longer-term residency, it does not have any medical inadmissibility criteria and the medical checkup serves for preventative medicine.

Vaccines are required as a part of residency (MMR and TDAP), so if you cannot take vaccines, you may have a harder time navigating the system.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency can be applied for directly; although it may be convenient to apply for a Digital Nomad permit first, so that you can get an ID card (cédula) while waiting to start the permanent residency process. Temporary residency is not required to apply for permanent residency. Once you have started the permanent residency process, you can get a cédula that is valid for two years. Appointments can be made once you are in the country, and will probably be 2-3 months from the day you schedule the appointment. Appointments are in Montevideo.

https://www.gub.uy/tramites/residencia-legal-permanente#contenido-seleccion

Costs

While the fees for applying for permanent residency are not high, you should expect to spend $400-$700 on translations and other processes like getting a health card. Bank accounts are not required for residency, but may be useful for proving your income. They quite expensive for American citizens (approx $100/month as of 2026). This is less expensive for non-US immigrants (due to stringent US reporting requirements).

Requirements

  • passport
  • vaccination certificate
    • Required vaccinations: TDAP (tetanus), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
    • You will need proof of vaccination from your country (the easiest route may be to simply get a booster for these shots)
    • on arrival, you will need to verify these vaccinations and get a Uruguayan vaccination certificate
    • more information is needed about what to do about this requirement if you have a medical reason for not taking vaccines
  • Documentation of income
    • Prove legal, stable income generated outside Uruguay
    • Minimum USD 600/person/month (bare minimum).
    • Recommended USD 1,200–1,500/person/month; ~USD 3,000 for a couple.
    • Accepted: pensions, social security, rentals, dividends, stable remote/self-employment
  • FBI background check (with apostille)
    • while this can be obtained in Uruguay, it is highly recommended to get it in the United States
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Birth certificate
    • Apostilled
    • Translated by a Uruguayan translator
    • Notarized by a Uruguayan notary (this might not be necessary)
    • Registered with the Uruguayan government
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
    • Same requirements as birth certificate.
  • Health card (Carné de Salud)
    • You can get this at CAVICA and some other places. No appointment needed
    • Requirements:
      • Urine sample - from your first morning's pee; get a frasco from a local pharmacy, and bring the sample with you
      • Blood sample - fast for 8 hours before going in
      • Dental check - they do a very fast dental checkup
      • Health questions
        • They take your height and weight and ask what medications you take
      • Eye exam - your basic look at the chart and read it to as small as you can make out
  • Uruguayan bank account - Not necessary for all cases
    • Used for day-to-day expenses in Uruguay
    • This is an expensive part of the process, many banks won't open accounts for foreigners without a large deposit (think $15k). Itaú will open an account with less money, but they charge $200 to open the account, and $100/month to keep it open ($40 for non-US foreigners). Once you have residency you can change to a cheaper account.
    • Requirements:
      • Letter from your US bank on letterhead with a wet signature (i.e. signed in ink by a person, not a stamp or a digital signature) saying you have accounts with them since such and such a date and are in good standing.
      • Proof of address in the form of a bill. (This can be your Antel cellphone bill)
      • Passport
      • Work documentation -> letter from employer with salary and saying you can work remotely (if you work remotely)
      • Bank statements from your current bank accounts
      • Most recent tax return
  • Minors
    • Birth certificate (with apostille)
    • Permission from the parents to reside in Uruguay
    • Other requirements listed in the link above

Citizenship Pathway

After 5 years of residency one can apply for citizenship. If you are married (even if you are not married to a Uruguayan) this is shortened to 3 years.

Immigration Lawyers

Immigration lawyers are not really a thing in Uruguay, beware anyone who says you need one.

Immigration consultants

Immigration consultants can be relatively inexpensive and worth the cost. However, they are not necessary; everything can be done without a consultant. You will likely want a translator if you don't speak Spanish, though. Generally consultants will charge you some money up front and the remainder when you achieve your immigration goals, or you can pay fee-for-service. They can help with things like setting up appointments, translation at appointments, and generally keeping you on track. They know what documents you need and when and usually have contacts like translators, accountants and lawyers when you need them. While you can do these things without help, having someone who knows the system can give you peace of mind and may make things go a little faster.

Consultants used by TWE members
  • Aldo Relocation Service Aldo is friendly and helpful and his services are affordable. A full relocation package includes getting your digital nomad permit, health checks, drivers license, setting up a business if you need it, all the way through getting your permanent residency. You do have to pay any government fees for appointments.
  • Uruguay Relocation Companion A TWE member has worked with Ro. A queer-run organization. Somewhat more hands-off than Aldo.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities

Top Trans-Friendly Cities

  • Montevideo
  • Punta Del Este
  • Melo

In general, most people live along the coast, and the interior of the country is known for being more conservative.

Community & Support Resources

National Organizations

TUS Card

The TUS card is a social welfare card that is available to all trans people. It is available to immigrants once you have your cédula (residencia en tramite). It is not much, a little less than $2000 pesos per month. While in theory you can get it in 10 days, it may take up to 6 weeks to obtain.

It can be used to buy

  • Food
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Home cleaning producs
  • Clothing
  • Propane (for cooking)

Cost of Living

  • The cost of living in Uruguay has increased drastically in recent years due to hyperinflation and devaluation.
  • Rent is… ~ 23,000 UYU in Montevideo, one bedroom
  • Public transport … ~60 pesos for an city bus, 470 UYU for a bus from Maldonado to Montevideo
  • Healthcare is universal, with access for immigrants as well
  • Grocery prices … similar to the states, but you'll pay lower prices avoiding American brands and getting your vegetables and meat from fruterias and carnecerias.
  • Education is public and free, including for migrants under some conditions

Housing Access & Cost

  • add details on discrimination in rentals if applicable
  • Housing costs are broadly unregulated depending heavily on income and "market opportunities.” See here for details on housing

Law Enforcement & Safety

Censorship & Digital Privacy

Disability

This section will be updated as we learn more information

While Uruguay does have a law similar to the ADA, it is not at all well enforced. Wheelchair users may have issues with narrow, steep ramps, lack of ramps, high curbs, or complete lack of sidewalks. Ubers are often small cars and sometimes even a folding manual chair cannot fit in the trunk. That being said, our experience (sample size 2) is that individual people tend to be much more accepting and accomodating of disability than people in the US. People are willing to help in ways that aren't condescending or infantilizing. If you go to a store on a regular basis, you may find that it becomes more accessible over time without you having to say anything.

Mutualistas (healthcare) can deny coverage based on age or disability, so that is something to be aware of. There are ways to get around this, either by using ASSE, or by starting a small business to get on FONASA. Once you are on FONASA you cannot be denied.

Helpful apps once you're here

  • WhatsApp It is impossible to survive here without WhatsApp. People use it, businesses use it, you use it to make your doctor's appointment. There are LGBT WhatApp groups for expats in Montevideo and Maldonado/Punta del Este that are good sources of information and community.
  • Moovit for city bus travel. Enter the address you're going to and it will plan your bus route. Too many ads but what can you do. Outside of Montevideo it is probably not worth it to pay for bus tracking. Also outside of Montevideo it is less accurate on holidays and weekends; it's best to check on the bus company website.
  • Uber is an option for rideshares, although it is safe to hail a taxi here. Not available outside of Montevideo/Maldonado/Punta del Este. However, taxis are safe and reliable.
  • Cabify is another rideshare option. Also likely restricted to certain cities.
  • Waze is essential for driving; speeding tickets are very high and automated; waze will tell you where the radar is.
  • Mercado Libre is the Amazon of Uruguay, you can find places to rent, and things to buy
  • Emergencia 911 is for reporting emergencies
  • Pedidos Ya for ordering food delivery
  • Prex pre-paid credit card, useful for making recurring payments. Apply on the app and pick it up at Abitab.
  • Wise get this one before you go, useful for money transfers, and you don't have to pay IVA if you're using a foreign card
  • Instagram You can't avoid it, if you want info about Uruguayan businesses, you're gonna need instagram

Ease of Travel to Other Countries

  • The only airport serving international, long-distance destinations is in Montevideo, which mostly serves flights across Latin America, with Miama & Madrid being the two exceptions.
  • You can reach Brasil and Argentina by bus or boat to Buenos Aires (from Montevideo or Colonía).
  • The Uruguayan ID card (cédula) allows travel to MercoSur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia) and some other South American countries without a passport

Animal Policies

  • Uruguay is very pet-friendly - you can absolutely bring your four pomeranians to the mall with you. Or to the cafe.
  • Bringing a pet to Uruguay requires
    • Vet checkup within 10 days of leaving
    • De-paratization of pets
    • Test for Leishmania
  • More info (from the UY government)
  • For more information to travel with your pet to Uruguay, see: Traveling with pets

Where to stay

Many people stay in AirBnBs when they first get here. This can be a pretty affordable way to get started and decide where you want to live. But beware that prices may rise dramatically in the summer months (December/January), so you may want to look for permanent lodgings or a place further from the beach during that time period.

Renting an Apartment

⁠Apartment rental long-term may require special insurance (guarantía) or large deposits (think 6 months rent). Insurance agents will want to know about your income to give you the guarantía.

The easiest way to find an apartment is probably via a real estate agent; they will charge you one month's rent. But you can also find places to rent by going around and seeing signs (Alquiler and a phone number, usually) or by looking on Mercado Libre. Generally you'll want to Whatsapp with the owner (properitaria).

You can often negotiate for a discounted rent by paying a large deposit up front, i.e. if you pay six months rent up front, you might save $100 off the regular rental price. In general the security deposit is two months rent.

You should do a home walkthrough and take a video before signing the contract. Expect the contract to be read in full. Make sure any agreements you have with the owner are written into the contract. which you should get the chance to review before you sign it.

Apartments in Maldonado/Punta del Este generally come fully furnished. In Montevideo this is much less common. Especially if you are in a beach town, be sure you know if you contract is for the winter or for the full year. It's not uncommon to have 9 month contracts so people can rent by the week in the summer months.

Driving

You will be able to drive with your US license while you are on a tourist visa. (More details needed about digital nomad visa). Speeding tickets in Uruguay are automated, and extremely expensive (U$S 600), so you will want to download Waze and use it when you drive so it can tell you where the radars are.

Once you are a permanent resident, you will need to convert your driver's license to a Uruguayan libreta de conducir. it is best to prepare for this before you leave the US.

Before leaving the US, get:

  • Apostilled driver's record from the state of your drivers license

Once you are in Uruguay you will need:

  • A copy of your driver's license and a translation by a certified Uruguayan translator
  • An explanation of your driver's license class translated by a Uruguayan translator
  • A translation of your apostilled driver's record (Also by a Uruguayan translator)
  • A form from a doctor saying you are good to drive. You can get this at your mutualista (you will likely need an appointment) or at CAVICA (does not require an appoinment).

Once you have these requirements, you can go to the local departmento de movilidad and get your license the same day.

Paying for things

In general, it's fairly easy to pay for most things via cash and credit card. And you often get a discount for paying with a card, and sometimes an extra discount for a card from a certain bank. Taking cash out repeatedly can get expensive; it's worth going to different ATMs to find out which ones are cheapest. Some US banks like Charles Schwab will reimburse for foreign ATM fees; it might be worth getting an account before you leave.

However, it's also extremely common to pay people via transferencia, or a bank transfer. This is a common way to pay your landlord, or for classes you're taking, etc. Transfers from US banks can end up costing a lot if you're making them repeatedly, so it probably makes sense to set up a Uruguayan bank account if you're planning on staying long-term. (See section on permanent residency for bank account requirements.)

Marijuana

Marijuana is legal and highly regulated in Uruguay. However, only permanent residents and citizens can buy it, and it is only available as flower. Because of this, there is still a black market that exists, selling things like baked goods and gummies. You can also have a certain number of plants at home if you want to grow it yourself.

Pharmacies and clubs are not allowed to advertise, so you will have to check the links below or rely on word of mouth (or Instagram) to find clubs.

Farmacias

One way to get weed is to buy it at a pharmacy. You must register with your cédula to get a certain amount per week. There are a few different strains available, but it is not the choice you might expect at a US dispensary.

List of participating pharmacies

Clubs

The other way to get weed legally is to obtain it through the club system. You will pay membership dues and get a certain amount of weed per month, up to 480g per year.

Information on the club system

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