➡ 2024 UPDATE
Uruguay introduced a digital nomad visa designed for remote workers and self-employed individuals looking to live and work in the country. This visa allows applicants to stay for up to 180 days with a straightforward application process and minimal requirements. Notably, Uruguay does not demand a minimum income level, making the visa highly accessible for a broad range of applicants.
Nomad Visa Uruguay 2024
Uruguay has rapidly become a hotspot for digital nomads, drawing them in with its captivating landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and tantalizing cuisine. If you are considering indulging in the urban elegance of Montevideo, soaking up the old-world charm of Colonia del Sacramento, or relaxing in the glamorous seaside haven of Punta del Este, Uruguay is poised to offer a memorable adventure for all visitors.
For digital nomads looking to extend their journey beyond standard visa durations, Uruguay presents a unique opportunity with its Provisional Identity Card. This forward-thinking program is set to revolutionize the remote work scene, allowing for a deeper, more prolonged engagement with the stunning South American nation.
In May 2023, Uruguay launched its digital nomad visa, officially known as the Provisional Identity Card (Hojas de Identidad Provisoria). This visa permits remote workers to reside and operate in Uruguay for a period of six to twelve months, and it also opens the door to potential permanent residency.
Benefits of the Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
The Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa comes with several advantages:
- It provides temporary residency status for up to six months, which can be renewed for another six months within the same calendar year.
- It permits foreign nationals to work remotely for their non-Uruguayan employer or company without needing sponsorship from a local company.
- There are no stringent requirements regarding income level, skill set, or specific employer to be eligible for the visa.
- It offers a pathway to permanent residency for those who meet the necessary conditions and decide to stay in Uruguay.
Eligibility for the Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
The Provisional Identity Card is available to any remote worker who serves clients or a company outside of Uruguay, irrespective of nationality, profession, income level, skill set, or employer.
Applying for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card can be done either online before arriving in Uruguay or in person once you are in the country:
Online Application Before Arrival:
- Create a user account on the official website of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and follow the instructions to complete a form and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay a visa application fee of approximately 15 USD (557.30 UI) online.
- Wait for your application to be processed, which may take up to 20 working days.
- Once approved, print the email confirmation containing your visa number and barcode, which you will need upon entering Uruguay.
- Schedule an appointment online with the National Civil Identification Office via the official Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil website. Choose “Agendar Trámite” (Schedule Procedure), select “Retiro de Hoja de Identidad Provisoria” (Withdrawal of Provisional Identity Sheet), and provide your personal details, passport number, and email.
- Attend your appointment at the National Civil Identification Office, bringing your passport, printed visa confirmation email, appointment confirmation email, and receipt of your visa fee payment to receive your Provisional Identity Card. You can find more details about the location and contact information for the National Civil Identification Office on their official website.
Remember: You must enter Uruguay within 60 days after obtaining the visa.
If you choose to apply in person for Uruguay’s Digital Nomad Visa after arriving in the country, the following detailed steps will guide you through the process:
Step 1: Entry into Uruguay
Upon arrival, you will initially enter Uruguay on a tourist visa or a visitor visa. The specific type of visa required depends on your nationality and intended duration of stay. To determine if you need a visa and the appropriate type, visit the official website of the Dirección Nacional de Migración – Ministerio del Interior.
Step 2: Appointment Scheduling
Once in Uruguay, schedule an appointment with the National Civil Identification Office. This can be done through the official Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil website. Create an account, and select “Agendar Trámite” (Schedule Procedure). Choose “Solicitud de Hoja de Identidad Provisoria” (Request for Provisional Identity Sheet) as the procedure type. You will need to enter your personal details, passport number, and email address, and select a suitable date and time for your appointment from the available options.
Step 3: Attend the Appointment
Go to the National Civil Identification Office for your scheduled appointment. Bring your passport, the confirmation email of your appointment, and all required documents (detailed further below).
Step 4: Visa Fee Payment
At your appointment, you will be required to pay a visa fee of approximately 30 USD (1,114.60 UI). This payment is made directly at the National Civil Identification Office.
Step 5: Application Processing
After submitting your application, the approval process typically takes about one week. You must wait for your application to be processed and approved.
Step 6: Collection of Provisional Identity Card
Once approved, return to the National Civil Identification Office to collect your Provisional Identity Card. Present your passport, receipt of the visa fee payment, and the visa confirmation email.
Documents Required for the Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
The documents needed are consistent whether you apply online or in person. Ensure you have:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your arrival date.
- A recent passport-size photo (5 x 5 cm).
- A round-trip ticket or proof of onward travel.
- Confirmation of accommodation in Uruguay, such as a hotel reservation or rental agreement.
- Documentation of health or medical insurance coverage.
- A letter from your employer or proof of your business detailing the nature and duration of your remote work.
- A signed declaration stating that you are working remotely for a company or clients based outside of Uruguay.
For extensions or applications for permanent residency, additional documents include:
- Proof of any vaccinations administered in Uruguay.
- A clean criminal record from any country where you’ve lived for more than six months in the past five years.
Cost of the Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
The cost varies based on the application method and the duration of your stay:
- Approximately 15 USD (557.30 UI) if applying online before arrival.
- About 30 USD (1,114.60 UI) if applying in person after arrival.
- An additional fee of about 30 USD (1,114.60 UI) is required for extending your stay for another six months.
Timeline for Applying for the Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
- Online applications before arrival can take up to 20 working days to process.
- In-person applications after arrival typically take about one week.
- The processing time for an extension is not specified; however, it is recommended to apply well before your current visa expires.
Paying Taxes in Uruguay
Uruguay is becoming increasingly attractive as a destination for digital nomads, largely due to its favorable tax regulations.
To qualify as a tax resident in Uruguay, you must either spend more than 183 days within a calendar year in the country or demonstrate that your core life interests—such as owning a home or maintaining a bank account—are primarily based there. Establishing tax residency under these conditions can offer significant financial advantages.
Tax Implications for Digital Nomads in Uruguay
Uruguay operates under a territorial tax system, which means that only the income earned within Uruguay is subject to local taxes. This system can be highly beneficial for digital nomads, as income generated outside of Uruguay could potentially be tax-exempt with proper planning and structuring.
Tax Rates for Residents
The tax rates for personal income in Uruguay are progressive. For earnings exceeding approximately €185,000, the tax rate reaches a maximum of 36%. This structure ensures that higher earners contribute a larger percentage of their income.
Investment Income Taxation
The tax on investment income from Uruguayan sources is generally fixed at 12%. While the territorial tax regime exempts most foreign-sourced income, investment income from abroad is still taxable. However, Uruguay offers a tax credit for any taxes paid in foreign jurisdictions, which can mitigate the overall tax liability.