Doorkeeping is the single largest expense in a Uruguayan building's common charges. It can represent 30% to 50% of your monthly bill. In 2026, with inflation at historic lows but building staff wages rising above CPI, the question keeps coming up at assemblies across the country: should we switch to virtual doorkeeping? Here are all the numbers, pros, cons and concrete steps.
The context: why doorkeeping is at the center of the debate
Uruguay is experiencing a unique economic moment. Year-over-year inflation is around 3% to 3.5%, the lowest in over 70 years. However, doorkeeper wage agreements were negotiated based on a projected 4.5% inflation, meaning doorkeeper salaries are rising faster than actual inflation.
This puts direct pressure on common charges: while the general economy slows down, building staff costs keep growing. And doorkeeping staff is, by far, the most expensive line item in any building's monthly statement.
A 24-hour on-site doorkeeping service requires four employees (8-hour rotating shifts plus coverage for holidays, sick leave and vacations), with salaries, social security contributions, bonuses and housing allowances. The total monthly cost runs between UYU 200,000 and 240,000 (approximately USD 4,600–5,600).
The real numbers: 2026 cost comparison
| Item | On-site 24hs | Virtual 24/7 | Hybrid model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total monthly cost | UYU 200,000–240,000 | UYU 40,000–60,000 | UYU 120,000–150,000 |
| Staff required | 4 doorkeepers | 0 (monitoring center) | 2 doorkeepers + virtual overnight |
| Coverage | 24hrs (rotating shifts) | 24/7 uninterrupted | 24hrs (on-site + virtual) |
| Cost per unit (30 apts) | UYU 6,700–8,000 | UYU 1,300–2,000 | UYU 4,000–5,000 |
| Savings vs. on-site | — | UYU 5,000–7,000/mo | UYU 2,500–3,000/mo |
In a 30-unit building, the annual savings from switching to virtual doorkeeping can exceed UYU 2,000,000 (approximately USD 46,000). That money can go to the reserve fund, infrastructure improvements, or simply lower each co-owner's monthly bill.
How virtual doorkeeping works
The system replaces physical presence with professional monitoring technology. Key components include:
- Access kiosk: a screen with intercom in the lobby, with an HD camera and direct communication to the monitoring center.
- Surveillance cameras: night-vision cameras at entrances, hallways, garage and common areas, recording 24/7.
- Facial recognition / key fob: residents access without keys, via facial recognition or electronic tag. Visitors are authorized from the resident's app.
- 24/7 monitoring center: professional operators at a remote center who respond in real time to any event — no shift changes, no holidays.
- Vehicle control: automated garage opening with license plate reading or tag, logging every entry and exit.
The hybrid model: the growing middle ground
It doesn't have to be all or nothing. More and more buildings in Montevideo are choosing a hybrid model:
- On-site doorkeeper from 8am to 8pm (2 shifts, 2–3 employees) for package reception, direct assistance and human presence during peak hours.
- Virtual doorkeeping from 8pm to 8am for overnight coverage with remote monitoring and automated access control.
This cuts staff costs roughly in half (from 4 employees to 2–3) and keeps human presence during peak activity hours. The savings aren't as dramatic as full virtual, but the transition is smoother and generates less pushback at the assembly.
What the market says in 2026
The trend is clear. According to industry data:
- Over the past 3 years, more than 500 doorkeepers have been replaced by virtual systems in Uruguay.
- New buildings in Cordón, La Blanqueada, Tres Cruces and Ciudad Vieja are built with virtual doorkeeping from day one.
- Companies like Foxsys, Spotter, Masterson and Hunter Virtual operate in Uruguay, and the market grows each year.
- A "kiosk tax" was even proposed by the doorkeepers' union, highlighting the scale of the shift.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does virtual doorkeeping cost in Uruguay in 2026?
Virtual doorkeeping in Uruguay costs between UYU 40,000 and 60,000 per month for an average building. Larger buildings or multi-tower complexes may pay UYU 60,000–100,000. This is 4 to 5 times less than 24-hour on-site doorkeeping, which costs UYU 200,000–240,000 per month.
How much can common expenses be reduced by switching to virtual doorkeeping?
The reduction depends on how much doorkeeping represented in the total statement. It can range from 30% to 70%. In a 30-unit building with on-site doorkeeping, each co-owner can save between UYU 5,000 and 7,000 per month by switching to virtual.
Is virtual doorkeeping safe?
Yes. Systems include HD cameras with night vision, facial recognition, access kiosks with intercom, continuous 24/7 monitoring from a professional center, and real-time alerts. Unlike a physical doorkeeper, there are no gaps during shift changes, leave or illness.
Can you have hybrid doorkeeping (virtual + on-site)?
Yes, and it's an increasingly popular option. Many buildings have an on-site doorkeeper from 8am to 8pm and virtual doorkeeping overnight. This halves staff costs while keeping human assistance during peak hours.