Teach English in Uruguay

Yes, you can teach English in Uruguay, a small, stable and safe country with steady demand for English, mainly in Montevideo. Most work is at language institutes, private bilingual schools and in private and business lessons. A 120 hour TEFL certificate is the usual requirement, and Uruguay has the highest national minimum wage in South America in US dollar terms.

Teaching English in Uruguay at a glance

Who can legally teach English in Uruguay?

Visiting. UK, Irish, EU, US, Canadian and Australian citizens can usually visit Uruguay without a visa for up to 90 days. Visitor entry does not allow you to work for a Uruguayan employer.

Legal residence. To work legally you need residence and a Uruguayan identity card, the cédula. Uruguay’s residence process is relatively accessible: applications are handled by the National Migration Directorate, and Mercosur nationals have a simplified route. Allow time for document checks, apostilles and appointments.

Working holiday visas. Uruguay has working holiday agreements with several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, which can allow younger applicants to work for up to a year. Check current eligibility with the Uruguayan embassy in your country.

Working informally on visitor entry is not legal, and we do not recommend it. See our Visa Desk for current entry rules.

How much do English teachers earn in Uruguay?

Uruguay is one of the higher wage countries in South America, but it is also one of the more expensive, particularly in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Most institute work is paid by the hour in pesos, private bilingual schools pay monthly salaries, and private and business lessons pay more per hour. A full time employment contract must pay at least the national minimum wage of UYU 25,383 a month from July 2026. Many teachers add online lessons for foreign students, which typically pay around US$10 to US$25 an hour. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Uruguay?

Montevideo, the capital and home to around half the population, has most of the language institutes, bilingual schools and business clients. Punta del Este has seasonal demand linked to tourism. Colonia del Sacramento and Salto have smaller markets. Uruguay’s English teaching market is small overall, so being in Montevideo and networking with schools in person makes a real difference.

What qualifications do you need?

A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is the practical minimum, alongside native or near native English. Bilingual schools usually prefer a degree and often a teaching qualification. Cambridge exam preparation is a common requirement at private schools, so exam teaching skills are valuable. Our 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard requirement, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course is a regulated qualification employers can verify on the Ofqual register. Spanish helps a great deal in daily life.

What does it cost to live in Uruguay?

Uruguay is one of the more expensive countries in South America, with prices in Montevideo closer to southern Europe than to its neighbours. Rent is the biggest cost, especially in popular neighbourhoods such as Pocitos and Punta Carretas, while groceries, eating out and imported goods are also relatively expensive. Public buses are reliable and reasonably priced. Most new teachers share a flat and combine local teaching with online students to make the numbers work.

What is it like teaching in Uruguay?

Uruguayan learners are typically friendly, relaxed and well educated, and many already have a good grounding in English from school. Classes value conversation and practical English. Daily life is calm and unhurried, sharing mate with colleagues is part of the culture, and relationships matter for finding work. Expect a quieter pace than Buenos Aires or São Paulo, with a strong sense of safety and community.

Last updated: 1 October 2026. The minimum wage figure is from Uruguay’s Decree 319/025. Pay and living costs are approximate. Immigration rules change, so confirm current requirements with Uruguay’s National Migration Directorate before you travel.