Last Updated
Latin America is increasingly being hailed as a top destination for digital nomads, who come from all around the world to experience the wonders that this continent can bring.
Some come for warm weather or the interesting blends of cultures, some come for stunning landscapes, while many more digital nomads come to this continent to stretch their dollar further.
The good news is that the countries of Latin America are offering more and more digital nomad visas, providing the chance for remote workers to stay longer than a traditional tourist visa would allow.
Some counties, such as Colombia and, more recently, Argentina and Ecuador, have become digital nomad hotspots, while others are just starting to follow suit.
The latest Latin American country to offer a digital nomad visa? Uruguay.
Why Uruguay?
You can find Uruguay on the South Atlantic Coast, nestled between its more famous neighbors of Brazil and Argentina. Some might confuse it with Paraguay, but rest assured, this country very much has its own identity.
The best time to visit is in the summer from November to April, when the weather is warmer. Those who have lived here mention that the vibe during the rest of the year can feel a bit more subdued when the cooler weather keeps most inside.
Now, if you are coming from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you are likely used to this and will find ways to keep yourself busy and can duck into the numerous cafes to get some work done while warming up.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
One thing that those who come here mention quite often is the level of freedom you will feel in Uruguay as compared to other countries in Latin America. This, coupled with the friendliness of the locals, really helps digital nomads feel at home.
As many with real-life experience of living here will tell you, Uruguay is not a budget designation for digital nomads, although any internet search might tell you otherwise. Digital nomads who have called this country home for a while will be the first to tell you that the actual costs they faced in their day-to-day life are much higher than a simple Google search will lead you to believe.
However, those who are coming from the U.S. or U.K. will likely still find lower prices on just about everything than they would back home.
Most digital nomads base themselves in the coastal capital city of Montevideo, a city that offers most of the creature comforts from back home with a much different vibe.
There are many reasons Uruguay is perfect for digital nomads, and the new digital nomad visa adds just another reason to give this diverse country a try.
The Fine Print
As the latest country to pass legislation that will allow digital nomads to stay in the country while they work remotely, Uruguay’s digital nomad visa is an attractive choice for those looking to log on from somewhere different than home.
While not officially coined a digital nomad visa, what the county offers is a Provisional Identity Card, or “Hojas de Identidad Provisoria”. Once only offered to those who worked for a company within Uruguay, they are now expanded for anyone who works remotely for any company, foreign or national.
This Identity Card allows those who receive it to stay and work in Uruguay for six to twelve months, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency.
The process for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card is a bit different than other countries, and to be honest, it seems much easier and more straightforward.
You enter the country on a tourist visa and then apply online for the identity card once you are already in the country. The online application has been noted to be quite simple, and you must sign an affidavit that states you can financially support yourself while in the country.
This is much different from most countries that want actual proof of income falling within a certain bracket.
With no actual salary requirement, this opens up Uruguay as a great home for those who freelance or do any job that you cannot prove on paper you make a certain amount of money.
Once granted, you are allowed to stay in the country for six months, and to extend for another six you must show proof of vaccination in Uruguay as well as a clean criminal record for any place you have lived longer than six months in the previous five years.
For more information on the Uruguay Provisional Identity Card, it’s best to refer to its official website (Spanish).
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Gregory Homatas
Sunday 21st of May 2023
I read their vaccination requirement and had a question maybe a consular officer can answer or someone who has encountered this: what if you had measles as a kid and are therefore immune. Do you still need to be vaccinated? Something doesn't sound right here. Clarification please.
Ryan
Monday 22nd of May 2023
@Gregory Homatas, I went there in March are there was no vax requirement.
R
Sunday 21st of May 2023
It’s the most expensive country in South America. Everything Is expensive - from rent to food. I’d chose Argentina which is extremely closed by.