Most first-hand reports shared here ended in success.
Based on 6 first-hand reports shared by the community — 3 reported success, 3 mixed or conditional — for banking in Uruguay. Reviewed for 2026.
Uruguay: banking for non-residents and digital nomads. Uruguay is outside the EU where, for a foreigner, accounts open with some effort and generally leaves foreign income untaxed. Most banks work mainly with local and regional clients, so it pays to come prepared with proof of address, source-of-funds evidence and a clear account purpose.
Opening an account and going remote. A personal branch visit is normally needed to open the account; others note an in-person branch visit was still required.
Reporting, AML and stability. Uruguay takes part in CRS automatic exchange, so an account here is reported to your tax-residence country each year; it is not on the FATF/EU AML high-risk lists, so onboarding follows standard due-diligence rather than enhanced scrutiny; political and economic stability is rated high (World Bank governance indicators), which shapes the risk of capital controls, abrupt banking-rule changes or currency turmoil affecting your account.
What applicants report. What people brought: passport, $500 USD minimum deposit, proof of address (hotel address accepted), two forms of identification, ID document, proof of address, minimum deposit, minimum deposit of 25,000 UYU. practical tips from the community: bring two forms of ID (DNI, cédula, passport); hotel address is acceptable as proof of address; choose branch carefully as it determines future service location; foreign address from abroad is acceptable; personal account is straightforward with basic documentation; can register a company in Uruguay as a foreigner. Treat this as community orientation, not a guarantee.
Bottom line. Banking access in Uruguay is workable but uneven, so come prepared and keep a backup.
Grouped by bank — each applicant type is a row. Colour shows the reported outcome.
new residentconditional1 voice · early signal
A foreigner who moved to Uruguay was planning to open an Itaú account to transfer savings from Revolut. Fellow users confirmed Itaú receives international Revolut transfers within minutes at a combined cost of ~$13.55 USD. The OP noted Revolut ceased service after detecting the Uruguay move as it lacks a local license. A minimum balance of ~25,000 UYU is required to avoid monthly fees, and domestic transfers between Uruguayan banks under 50,000 UYU can be done without visiting a branch.
Matches your experience?
minimum deposit of 25,000 UYUforeign identification
Conditions: accounts fall below 25,000 UYU incur monthly maintenance fees; Revolut cannot serve customers within Uruguay (no local license)
Watch out: neobank disruption after moving to Uruguay — Revolut stops working
Tips: Revolut to Itaú transfers arrive within minutes · combined fees: Revolut $3.55 USD + Itaú $10 USD per transfer · inter-bank transfers up to 50,000 UYU can be done without visiting a branch
last seen 2026-02-11
non resident foreignerconditional1 voice · early signal
A Bolivian national planning a non-resident account at Itaú confirmed via phone the requirements: apostilled bank reference letter, apostilled utility bill, two forms of ID, and a $200 USD minimum deposit. Another user noted Itaú historically required $50,000 USD for non-resident accounts, suggesting the bank may have relaxed requirements or that the $50k threshold applies to specific account tiers.
Matches your experience?
bank reference letter (apostilled)utility bill (apostilled)two IDs (cédula and passport)$200 USD minimum depositapostilled documents
Conditions: non-resident accounts at Itaú historically required $50,000 USD in account or fixed deposits, but the bank indicated current requirements are lower
Watch out: requirements may change upon arrival despite phone confirmation
Tips: call the bank to confirm requirements before traveling · bring more than the minimum (user planned $2,000 extra) · apostille all documents before arriving
last seen 2024-10-01aged
otheropens1 voice · early signal
A user seeking a bank account for Google Adsense payments received fee comparisons: Itaú charges ~UYU 300 monthly account fee plus $10 USD per international incoming transfer, while Scotiabank charges $17.50 USD per transfer with no monthly cost. One user recommended HSBC as the best option.
Matches your experience?
not explicitly stated
Conditions: Itaú charges $10 USD per international incoming transfer for individual accounts plus ~UYU 300/month account maintenance
Watch out: none mentioned
Tips: Itaú costs ~UYU 300/month plus $10 USD per international transfer received · Scotiabank charges $17.50 USD per transfer with no monthly fee · HSBC recommended as best by one user for receiving international payments
last seen 2019-05-07aged
non resident foreignerconditional1 voice · early signal
A non-resident looking to open a BROU account to receive dividends and foreign salary was told by commenters that BROU requires passport, $500 USD minimum deposit, and proof of address (hotel address accepted). Two forms of ID are mandatory. The branch chosen at opening becomes the permanent service location for all future transactions unless formally transferred.
Matches your experience?
passport$500 USD minimum depositproof of address (hotel address accepted)two forms of identification
Conditions: the branch where the account is opened becomes the permanent service location for all future in-person transactions unless formally transferred
Watch out: limited flexibility — stuck with chosen branch permanently unless transfer is processed
Tips: bring two forms of ID (DNI, cédula, passport) · hotel address is acceptable as proof of address · choose branch carefully as it determines future service location · foreign address from abroad is acceptable
last seen 2014-06-28aged
new residentopens1 voice · early signal
An Uruguayan living abroad asked about Uruguayan bank accounts for non-residents. A respondent reported Itaú has the lowest international transfer fees and superior online banking. Two users strongly advised against BROU, describing it as an 'absolute disaster' with contradictory information between staff, confusing international transfer processes, and a requirement to visit the branch in person for everything. One user closed their BROU account entirely and was happier. BBVA was also recommended as an alternative to Itaú.
Matches your experience?
Uruguayan ID (cédula)
Conditions: BROU international transfers require internal approvals with no clear process; each employee gives different answers
Watch out: BROU described as an 'absolute disaster' for international transfers; user closed their account and became happier
Tips: use Itaú instead for international transfers and better online banking · BBVA is another alternative · consider appointing a power of attorney for in-person needs
last seen 2025-11-29
non resident foreigneropens1 voice · early signal
A Chilean entrepreneur planning to open a Uruguayan bank account for an online business was told personal account opening is easy with ID, proof of address, and a minimum deposit. Business accounts require more paperwork and company registration, but opening a company in Uruguay as a foreigner is possible.
Matches your experience?
ID documentproof of addressminimum deposit
Conditions: personal account opening is straightforward for foreign nationals; business accounts require company registration in Uruguay which is possible for foreigners
Watch out: none mentioned
Tips: personal account is straightforward with basic documentation · can register a company in Uruguay as a foreigner · minimum deposit varies by bank
last seen 2018-04-29aged
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