Finding housing in Uruguay as a foreigner presents a specific challenge: the security deposit. Unlike in many countries, landlords in Uruguay require a security deposit before renting. But there are ways to work around this—and this guide explains them all.
The First Few Days: Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals
The smartest thing to do when you arrive is not to rush into signing a lease. Staying in an Airbnb, hostel, or co-living space for the first 2 to 4 weeks gives you time to get to know the neighborhoods, tour apartments in person, and make a decision without rushing.
- Airbnb: the most popular choice among digital nomads. Wide selection in Pocitos, Palermo, and Ciudad Vieja. — airbnb.com
- Booking.com: hotels and short-term rentals. A good option for your first few nights. — booking.com
- Coliving Montevideo: a variety of coliving options featuring furnished rooms or studios, with internet included and a community. Search for "coliving Montevideo" on Facebook to see current options.
Arrival tipBook only the first two weeks on Airbnb. Once you’re in town, search directly on Facebook groups and local websites—prices are significantly lower than on international platforms.
Where to look for a long-term apartment
Uruguayan real estate websites
- Gallito: Uruguay's largest real estate website. Filter by neighborhood, price, and property type. — gallito.com.uy
- Infocasas: the second most popular option. Modern interface, high-quality photos. — infocasas.com.uy
- MercadoLibre Real Estate: Many private sellers list properties here, sometimes without paying a real estate commission. — inmuebles.mercadolibre.com.uy
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are where much of the rental market targeting foreigners takes place. They’re more straightforward, commission-free, and feature landlords who are accustomed to renting to expats.
- "Montevideo Rentals for Expats" — the most active platform for the expat community
- "Digital Nomads in Uruguay" — also features posts about housing
- "Expats in Uruguay" — a mix of housing inquiries and listings
Other options
- NomadUY Community Board: verified posts from community members.
- Real estate agencies specializing in foreign clients: Some agencies in Pocitos and Palermo have experience renting to expats and handle the paperwork for alternative security deposits.
The issue of the warranty
Here's the crux of the matter. In Uruguay, to sign a standard two-year lease, the landlord requires a security deposit. As a foreigner, you don't have a local landlord who can vouch for you—but there are legitimate alternatives:
Warranty options for foreign nationals
- ANDA (National Housing Agency): government-backed guarantee. Requires proof of stable income. Free application. — anda.gub.uy
- Bank deposit: You deposit the equivalent of 12 months' rent with a bank as a security deposit. You will get it back at the end of the lease, provided there have been no breaches of contract.
- Real estate agencies that don't require a security deposit: Some agencies work with landlords who are willing to rent without a traditional security deposit, in exchange for an additional 1 or 2 months' rent as a deposit at the start of the lease.
- Co-living and short-term rentals: most do not require a security deposit. Ideal for the first 3 to 6 months while you apply for residency and open a bank account.
The most common strategyYou arrive → first few weeks on Airbnb → look for a coliving space or a short-term rental that doesn't require a security deposit → once you have a few months of residency history in Uruguay and your residency permit is in process, you negotiate a traditional lease with a bank guarantee. This works for the vast majority of people.
Rental prices (2025–2026)
Prices in Montevideo are often quoted in dollars, although the contract is signed in Uruguayan pesos with an inflation adjustment.
- Room in a shared apartment: $250–400 USD/month
- Furnished studio apartment in Palermo or Cordón: $400–600 USD/month
- Furnished studio apartment in Pocitos: $600–850 USD/month
- Furnished two-room apartment in Pocitos or Punta Carretas: $800–1,200 USD/month
- House with a garden in Carrasco: $2,500 USD/month and up
Prices in UYU vs. USDMany landlords quote prices in USD, but the lease is signed in pesos. The exchange rate is fixed at the time of signing. With annual inflation in Uruguay at around 8–10%, it’s common for leases to include adjustment clauses every 6 or 12 months. Be sure to check this before signing.
What a typical rental includes (and what it doesn't)
In Uruguay, most long-term leases do not include utilities. It’s important to know this when calculating the actual monthly cost.
- Usually included: heating (sometimes), building maintenance fees (in some cases).
- Generally NOT included: electricity (UTE), water (OSE), gas (sometimes), internet (ANTEL or private providers).
- Internet: Uruguay has high-speed fiber-optic internet provided by ANTEL and private operators. Speeds of 100–500 Mbps are available in most apartments. Cost: ~$800–1,500 UYU/month.
- Electricity and water: between $500 and $1,500 UYU per month for a studio apartment, depending on usage.
Coliving — The all-in-one option
If you prefer simplicity over price, coliving spaces are ideal for your first few months. They include a room or studio, verified high-speed internet, cleaning services, and an established community. You don’t need a security deposit, you don’t sign a two-year lease, and you can move in with just your suitcase.
- Search for "coliving Montevideo" on Google and in Facebook groups to find current options—the market changes frequently.
- Some coworking spaces also offer coliving: Sinergia and other spaces in Pocitos have agreements with nearby buildings.
For nomads staying 1 to 3 monthsIf you're staying for less than three months, coliving or a long-term Airbnb (with weekly or monthly discounts) is always a better option than signing a lease. Negotiate the monthly rate directly with the Airbnb host—most offer unlisted discounts for long-term stays.
