Digital Nomad Visas to Uruguay

Uruguay may not be the first destination that springs to mind in connection with remote work. However, digital nomads now have a compelling option thanks to a new visa initiative introduced by the authorities of this country, often overlooked for such opportunities. Uruguay offers a special kind of visa specifically tailored for digital nomads, commonly known as the Digital Nomad Visa or Hoja de Identidad Provisoria Nómada Digital in Spanish. This visa is an official travel authorization for individuals seeking to work remotely. The application process and requirements for obtaining the digital nomad visa are remarkably straightforward, with no minimum income prerequisites. The entire application process is conducted online, and IT professionals can benefit from additional advantages such as tax incentives. It seems evident that Uruguay is well-positioned to capture the interest of digital nomads, positioning itself as a top choice on their preferred destination list.

The Digital Nomad Visa in Uruguay

Introduced following the enactment of Decree N° 238/022 on July 28, 2022, and incorporating amendments to immigration laws, Hoja de Identidad Provisoria Nómada Digital grants the opportunity to legally live and work in Uruguay for an initial six months, with the option for a further six-month extension. The Uruguayan digital nomad visa is designed for three main categories of individuals:

Remote employees affiliated with companies outside Uruguay;
Self-employed freelancers providing services globally;
Owners of international companies seeking to work and reside in Uruguay as digital nomads.

Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Uruguay

Traditionally, visa programs for digital nomads include specific requirements. The Uruguayan program is recognized for its notably low entry requirements. The comparatively short list of demanded features makes the application seamless and hassle-free. Eligible applicants must engage in remote work, maintain a clean criminal record, and get the income that would support them in Uruguay. Listed below are the minimum criteria you must fulfill to be eligible for the digital nomad visa to Uruguay:

Valid passport: A valid home country ID is an absolute must for those applying for a digital nomad visa from Uruguay;
Remote work: No matter who the applicant is – a business owner whose profits come from businesses and customers outside of Uruguay, a freelancer, or simply an employee, their engagement in remote work is a crucial requirement;
Clean criminal record: If a visa holder intends to extend your initial digital nomad visa for an additional 6 months, they should be prepared to provide evidence of their clean criminal record;
Adequate income that would provide the necessary financial support in Uruguay: As a digital nomad, it is required that the applicant submit a sworn statement confirming that their remote work generates ample income to sustain themselves throughout their stay in Uruguay.

Cost and Application

Obtaining the Uruguayan digital nomad visa comes at a cost of approximately UYU 400 (Uruguayan pesos), equivalent to around EUR 9 or USD 10. However, payment must be made through a Uruguayan bank account, presenting a practical challenge for those without local banking options. While technically possible to initiate the application remotely, it is advisable to wait until arrival to ensure a smoother process, with options available for assistance from local contacts or online services for bill payments in Uruguay.

Applying for a Uruguayan Digital Nomad Visa: Three Steps Online

Step 1: Creating a Digital ID

Before initiating your digital nomad visa application for Uruguay, it is imperative to obtain an official digital identification card. Visit the website gub.uy/tramites/hoja-identidad-provisoria and click on the “Iniciar trámite en línea” (start online process) button. Note: The interface is available only in Spanish, but you can overcome this by using your browser’s automatic translation feature. Provide personal details such as your name, surname, and passport information to create the digital ID. Upon completion, an email confirmation containing your digital identification card will be sent to the specified email address. Additionally, alternative electronic identification means, such as Antel TuID or the Abitab Mobile client identifier, are acceptable.

Step 2: Applying

Once you have obtained the digital identification card, return to the website, click the “start online process” button, and enter the received ID. Authenticate yourself using the previously generated password to verify your identity. Proceed to fill out the digital nomad visa application. For your home address, provide the address where you intend to live in Uruguay. Please, make sure you update this information if your address changes. The system will later request details about the intended duration of your stay, with a maximum of 180 days, aligning with the visa’s validity period. In subsequent steps, upload a digital copy of your passport and download and sign an affidavit, confirming your remote employment and sufficient income. Attach the signed affidavit to your application. Upon submission, the applicant receives a confirmation email.

Step 3: Visa Fee Payment and Issuance

Upon completing the application, you must pay the associated visa fees using the available payment options. After payment, anticipate receiving your digital nomad visa to Uruguay. Successful applicants will obtain the electronic visa within 10 days from the payment date.

Extending a Digital Nomad Visa

You can extend your stay beyond six months – up to one year. To extend the stay, submit additional documents, including a clean criminal record certificate and a Uruguay-issued vaccination certificate. Such documents include:

Uruguayan official digital nomad identity card;

Affidavit confirming adequate income without supplemental details;
Legally recognized criminal record certificate, translated, if necessary, if issued by non-Spanish-speaking countries where the applicant resided for six months or longer within the past five years;
A vaccination certificate issued in Uruguay to confirm compliance with the country’s protocols.

Expert Assistance

In conclusion, remote work visas in Uruguay facilitate online employment opportunities and open doors to a unique experience – a journey to the country celebrated for its warmth, stability, and charm. Despite the current lenient requirements, experts speculate that in the future, conditions may become stricter, so it is crucial to stay informed. Contact us for detailed guidance and support throughout the application process.