1.3 million tourists in the summer season
Between December 2025 and February 2026, Uruguay received 1,301,913 tourists.
This section explains how short-term rental works in Uruguay and how to correctly separate the various legal, fiscal, and operational layers. The specific answer depends on the type of property, the manner of operation, and the applicable rules in the case.
This section explains how to analyze market, profitability and investment in Uruguay without confusing the different legal, fiscal, and operational layers. The specific answer depends on the type of property, the mode of exploitation, and the rules that are applicable to the case. The specific and verified data are presented below in the Gatavia information block.
The investment analysis must separate tourism general data from the actual metrics of a specific property. National or regional overnight stays help to understand demand but do not equate to occupancy, average price, or the profitability of a property.
Data, context and key indicators for the tourism market.
Between December 2025 and February 2026, Uruguay received 1,301,913 tourists.
Tourist spending from December 2025 to February 2026 reached USD 928 million, a 3% increase from the previous season.
The average stay in the summer season 2025-2026 was eight nights.
Uruguay received 3,604,488 visitors in 2025 and generated USD 2,040 million in tourist foreign exchange.
Public information is not yet available for this section.
Tourist-use property under Law 20.352 Application: Transitory accommodation with immediate occupancy and one or more services provided for a fee Verified rule: Law 20.352 creates a specific category of tourist-use property. Conditions: The service actually offered must be analyzed, not just the duration of the reservation. Exceptions: Mere seasonal leasing without service provision must be distinguished from regulated tourist accommodation. Moment: Before starting the activity. Legal reference: Law N.º 20.352, articles 1 and 2
Registration and number visible in the offer Application: Properties for tourist use covered by Law 20.352 Verified rule: The law establishes a sworn declaration in the Tourism Operators Registry and a registration number in all offers. Conditions: The current operational procedure and applicable regulations on the date of registration must be confirmed. Exceptions: As of August 2026, Gatavia's oversight must continue regarding the approval and deployment of the regulatory decree announced by the Ministry. Timing: Before offering when the regime becomes operational and enforceable. Legal reference: Law No. 20.352, article 3
Guest information to the Ministry of the Interior Application: Properties for tourist use Verified rule: Law No. 20.352 requires periodically reporting the identity, document, and country of origin of the guests. Conditions: Applies to the tourist use property regime of the law. Exceptions: Must be coordinated with data protection regulations and the procedural regulations. Moment: During the operation and conservation for five years. Legal reference: Law No. 20.352, article 4 literal d)
Seasonal contract: up to 120 days Application: Leases of properties in tourist areas Verified rule: Law No. 20.352 redefines the seasonal contract as a lease in tourist areas whose term does not exceed 120 days. Conditions: Property located in a tourist area and maximum contractual term of 120 days. Exceptions: The illegitimate use of the figure may result in penalties for taxes, costs, and damages. Moment: In each seasonal lease. Legal reference: Law No. 20.352, article 5
Summer tourists 2025-2026 Value: 1,301,913 tourists Reference year: 2026 Scope: Uruguay Interpretation: Official indicator of summer demand.
Uruguay received 3,604,488 visitors in 2025 and generated USD 2,040 million in tourist foreign exchange.
Uruguay already has Law 20.352, but the specific regulation was presented as a project by the Ministry.
Advanced analysis for owners, managers and investors who need to go beyond public information.
Professional checks before purchasing, operating or converting short-term accommodation.
In-depth analysis of requirements, restrictions, risks and regulatory scenarios.
Advanced tax treatment, scenarios and issues requiring special attention.
Processes, recurring obligations and documentary control.
Assessment of territories, cities and areas with different market or regulatory conditions.
Risks, costs, profitability, scenarios and criteria before making an investment decision.
Compliance, representation, reporting and professional management for third parties.
Professional indicators covering market, demand, risk and regulatory evolution.
You can also purchase the country's PDF edition as a one-off purchase without an annual membership.