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Spanish Uruguayans () are Uruguayans whose Spaniards originates wholly or partly from Spain. They are the longest-established European group in the country, as Spanish immigrants began arriving during the colonial period, prior to independence, when administrative roles were held by European-born settlers and Criollo people under Spanish rule. Along with the massive waves of immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries, it is estimated that around 70% of the Uruguayan population has Spanish ancestry to varying degrees.
Following independence, Spaniards—together with Italians—were the principal source of immigration from the mid-19th century onward, forming a foundational pillar of modern Uruguayan culture and society.Alcides Beretta Curi (2025). 9789974010819, Comisión Sectorial de Investigación Científica - Universidad de la República.. ISBN 9789974010819 In relative terms, Uruguay received the highest number of Spanish immigrants in proportion to its population.
Spanish settlement along with the Italians, formed the backbone of today's Uruguayan society. Like its neighbour country Argentina, the culture of Uruguay exhibits significant connections to Spanish culture; in terms of language, customs and traditions.
Many Uruguayans who have a Spanish lineage include those of post-independence Spaniards immigrant descent, as long as they have retained a Spanish cultural identity. Large proportions are of Galician descent. During the Spanish Civil War, thousands of Spaniards fled from Spain to Uruguay. The Spanish republicans fled Franco's regime as well, seeking to escape retribution from the new government.
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