A Guide To Uruguay’s Digital Nomad Visa

Despite being the smallest Spanish-speaking country in South America, the charms of Uruguay are not to be underestimated. Tucked between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay has a lot to recommend it, making it an interesting prospect for those considering a new hub to embark on their digital nomad journey.

But is this even a possibility? And what does life entail for a nomadic remote worker in this picturesque locale? Let’s delve deeper into these questions.

Does Uruguay Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

 
Of course, the first and foremost question on the mind of any digital nomad: Does Uruguay offer a visa to facilitate their stay?

Rewind to last year, the good news is that Uruguay indeed introduced a permit allowing remote workers to journey to its shores to legally work and reside in the country. The introduction of last year’s new digital nomad law means that eager nomads now have the opportunity to dwell in this beautiful country for up to 180 days.

Yet, for remote workers and self-employed individuals alike, what exactly does life in Uruguay entail? Before delving into the ins and outs of the new digital nomad visa, it’s important to first gain an understanding of what life in this country entails so that you may determine if it aligns with your wants and requirements.

Moving to Uruguay as a Digital Nomad

 
Uruguay might not immediately spring to mind when considering destinations for launching your digital nomad journey, given the stiff competition from various other South American countries offering similar visas. However, dismissing it would be a missed opportunity, and here’s why.

To begin with, living in Uruguay can be a financially sensible move. The country boasts a comparatively low cost of living, regarding factors such as accommodation, dining, nightlife, transportation, and so on. Additionally, Uruguay exempts residents from taxes on income earned abroad. This is particularly advantageous for digital nomads, as the requirement to work solely outside the country means income earned from external sources remains, thankfully, untaxed.

So, nomads can relish this financially beneficial environment but, better yet, this can be relished from any of Uruguay’s beautiful settings. From the bustling capital of Montevideo to the historically enchanting Colonia del Sacramento and the charming coastal haven of Punta del Este, the country offers a range of environments that can be sure to suit every nomad’s preference.

To top it off, in any of these spots, nomads can expect to find reliable infrastructure, robust Wi-Fi connectivity, and abundant coworking spaces for productive work sessions. Beyond these practical amenities, Uruguay promises an enjoyable experience, owing to its safety, cultural richness, and vibrant atmosphere, particularly evident in major urban centres known for their welcoming attitude towards tourists.

Notably, Uruguay also boasts a sizable expatriate and rapidly growing digital nomad community, meaning any nomad can expect to make easy connections with like-minded individuals and thus establish a supportive network.

Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa

 
Uruguay’s digital nomad visa, also known as the permiso de residencia para nómades digitales, offers self-employed individuals or remote workers the opportunity to legally live and work in this vibrant South American destination for an initial period of just under 6 months, with the possibility of renewal for a further 6 months.

To qualify for this visa, applicants must demonstrate their employment with a company located outside Uruguay. Additionally, they need to furnish essential documents including a valid passport, a clean criminal record, health insurance, a vaccination certificate, and proof of sufficient income to cover living expenses during their stay.

The application procedure is straightforward. Applicants can easily apply online through the designated portal, where they can submit all required documents and affirm their intention to stay for up to 180 days. Following payment of the reasonable visa fee, applicants await the processing of their visa, after which they are free to embark on their adventure to this remarkable country.