🇺🇾

Uruguay

South America

Uruguay is emerging as a top destination for digital nomads in South America, offering a dedicated Digital Nomad Permit (launched May 2023), excellent infrastructure, political stability, and an 11-year tax holiday on foreign-sourced income. Often called the "Switzerland of South America," Uruguay ranks as the safest country on the continent with strong democratic institutions, low corruption, and a transparent immigration system. The capital Montevideo offers reliable fiber-optic internet, modern coworking spaces, and a relaxed lifestyle that appeals to remote workers seeking a balance between productivity and quality of life.

Visa Types

Nationalities visa-free

🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads

Tourist

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of 84 countries can enter Uruguay visa-free for up to 90 days, with the possibility to extend for an additional 90 days. Mercosur citizens can enter with just an ID card.

90 days

Duration

— fee

+$150 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓No visa application required

✓Can be extended for additional 90 days

✓Mercosur citizens can enter with ID card only

✓Multiple entries allowed

✓Can apply for Digital Nomad Permit while in country

📋 Requirements (4)

•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Proof of sufficient funds for stay
•Return or onward ticket
•Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation

📝 Application Process

Embassy Required⏱ Immediate on arrival

1Arrive at any port of entry (Carrasco International Airport, ports, or land borders)
2Present passport to immigration officer
3Receive entry stamp for 90 days
4Keep entry stamp for departure

Apply Online

🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max 1x)

Cost: Free

Process: Apply for 90-day extension at the National Migration Office (Dirección Nacional de Migración) before your initial 90 days expire. Bring passport, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds.

Renewal: After 180 days (90 + 90 extension), you must leave Uruguay or apply for a residency permit.

💡 Pro Tips

•Argentina is easily accessible by ferry for quick trips to Buenos Aires
•Apply for extension well before 90 days expire to avoid overstaying
•Consider upgrading to Digital Nomad Permit for longer stays
•Keep copies of entry stamp and passport pages

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads

Special Program

Digital Nomad Permit

Uruguay's dedicated permit for remote workers launched in May 2023 (Decree 238/022). Allows freelancers and employees of foreign companies to live and work legally in Uruguay for 6-12 months, with a path to permanent residency.

180 days

Duration

UYU 390

— fee

+UYU 17,000 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓Legal authorization to work remotely from Uruguay

✓Obtain Uruguayan ID card (cédula) for local transactions

✓Access to local banking with full services

✓Path to permanent residency after 12 months

✓Not subject to Uruguayan income tax on foreign-sourced income during permit period

✓Can extend for additional 6 months

✓Simple online application process

📋 Requirements (5)

•Valid passport
•Proof of remote work (employment contract with foreign company, freelance clients, or business ownership abroad)
•Signed affidavit of financial self-sufficiency
•Vaccination certificate from Uruguay (tetanus and measles required)
•Clean criminal record (for extension, from countries lived 6+ months in past 5 years)

📝 Application Process

✓ Online Application⏱ Approximately 7 days from application submission

1Enter Uruguay as a tourist (visa-free for eligible countries)
2Create account on gub.uy or use digital identity method (TuID, Identidad Mobile)
3Complete online application form at migracion.minterior.gub.uy
4Upload passport copy and sign digital affidavit of financial means
5Pay application fee at Abitab or RedPagos (cannot pay with foreign cards online)
6Receive Digital Nomad Permit via email within approximately 7 days
7Book appointment at National Civil Identification Office to obtain Uruguayan ID (cédula)

Apply Online

🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 180 days (max 1x)

Cost: 390 UYU

Process: Apply for 6-month extension before initial permit expires. Extension requires: clean criminal record certificates from all countries where you lived 6+ months in past 5 years, updated vaccination certificate from Uruguay, continued proof of remote work.

Renewal: After 12 months total on Digital Nomad Permit, you can apply for temporary or permanent residency if you wish to stay longer. Path to citizenship available after 3 years (married) or 5 years (single) of residency.

💡 Pro Tips

•Get vaccinations at a Uruguayan health center immediately upon arrival
•Application form is in Spanish - use browser translation if needed
•Book cédula appointment early as slots can fill up
•Keep all documents organized for extension application
•Join local digital nomad communities in Montevideo for tips and networking

Tourist Visa

Tourist

Consular visa for citizens of countries that require prior authorization to enter Uruguay. Valid for 90 days with possible 90-day extension. Processing takes approximately 20 business days.

90d

Duration

$42

— fee

+$150 additional

📍Apply: Embassy

⏱Approximately 20 business days from submission

🔄Extendable +90d

View full details

💰 Cost Breakdown

USDUSD

Required

Visa application feeStandard fee for most nationalities. FREE for Indian citizens.

$42—

Additional (estimated)

Travel insurance (90 days)Strongly recommended

$150—

Required Total

$42—

+ Additional (estimated)

$150—

Estimated Total

$192—

💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended departure from Uruguay
•Completed visa application form
•Recent passport-size photograph (5x5 cm)
•Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
•Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, salary proof, credit card)
•Return or onward travel ticket

📝 Application Steps

1Contact nearest Uruguayan consulate or embassy
2Complete visa application form
3Gather required documents
4Submit application in person at consulate
5Pay visa fee (if applicable)
6Wait for processing (approximately 20 business days)
7Collect passport with visa stamp
8Travel to Uruguay within visa validity period

⚠️ Restrictions

•Cannot work locally
•Requires advance application at consulate
•Processing can take several weeks
•Must present printed air ticket at time of visa issuance

💡 Tips

•Apply well in advance of travel dates
•Check if your nationality is eligible for visa-free entry with valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visa
•Indian citizens with valid US/Canada/Schengen/UK multiple-entry visas can enter visa-free through Carrasco Airport, Port of Montevideo, or Colonia Port

Temporary Residency

Special ProgramPopular

For those planning to stay 180 days to 2 years in Uruguay for work, study, or other purposes. Renewable once for an additional 2 years. Mercosur citizens have a simplified process.

365d

Duration

UYU 613

— fee

+UYU 526 additional

📍Apply: Embassy

⏱6-12 months for approval

🔄Extendable +730d

View full details

💰 Cost Breakdown

UYUUSD

Required

Residency application fee557.30 UI (Unidades Indexadas), approximately USD 70

UYU 557—

Migratory certificate fee55.70 UI for ID card issuance, approximately USD 7

UYU 56—

Additional (estimated)

Re-entry permit (if leaving during process)225.60 UI per departure, approximately USD 28

UYU 226—

Document translation and apostilleVaries by country and number of documents

UYU 300—

Required Total

UYU 613—

+ Additional (estimated)

UYU 526—

Estimated Total

UYU 1,139—

💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

•Valid passport and photocopies
•Birth certificate (apostilled and translated to Spanish)
•Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled and translated)
•Criminal record certificate from country of origin and countries lived 5+ years (apostilled and translated)
•Vaccination certificate from Uruguay (tetanus and measles)
•Occupational health card from authorized Uruguayan health provider
•Proof of income or employment (letter from employer on company letterhead)
•Passport-size photograph
•Proof of Uruguayan address

📝 Application Steps

1Enter Uruguay (as tourist or with visa)
2Gather and apostille all required documents
3Have documents translated by certified Uruguayan translator
4Schedule appointment at National Migration Office
5Attend in-person interview (bring interpreter if needed)
6Pay application fees
7Obtain temporary ID card (cédula)
8Wait for residency approval (6-12 months)

⚠️ Restrictions

•Requires in-person appointment at Immigration Office
•Documents must be apostilled and translated
•Interview may be required (conducted in Spanish)
•Processing time can be lengthy (6-12 months)
•Must pay for re-entry permits if leaving during application

💡 Tips

•Mercosur citizens (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and associated states) have faster processing
•Get documents apostilled before leaving home country
•Start gathering documents early as some have short validity periods
•Consider applying directly for permanent residency if you meet the requirements

Permanent Residency

Special ProgramPopular

For those intending to settle indefinitely in Uruguay. Provides full rights to live, work, and access services. Path to citizenship after 3 years (married) or 5 years (single).

365y

Duration

UYU 613

— fee

+UYU 10,226 additional

📍Apply: Embassy

⏱6-12 months for approval, up to 2 years in some cases

🔄No extension

View full details

💰 Cost Breakdown

UYUUSD

Required

Residency application fee557.30 UI (Unidades Indexadas), approximately USD 70

UYU 557—

Migratory certificate fee55.70 UI for ID card issuance, approximately USD 7

UYU 56—

Additional (estimated)

Re-entry permit (if leaving during process)225.60 UI per departure, approximately USD 28

UYU 226—

Rentista visa fee (if applying through Independent Means)USD 10,000 contribution for Rentista visa path

UYU 10,000—

Required Total

UYU 613—

+ Additional (estimated)

UYU 10,226—

Estimated Total

UYU 10,839—

💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

•Valid passport and photocopies
•Birth certificate (apostilled and translated to Spanish)
•Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled and translated)
•Criminal record certificate from country of origin and all countries lived 5+ years
•Vaccination certificate from Uruguay
•Occupational health card from authorized Uruguayan provider
•Proof of income or means of support (bank statements, pension, rental income, employment)
•Proof of intention to reside (rental agreement, property deed, or host letter)
•Passport-size photograph
•Brief medical examination at authorized clinic in Uruguay

📝 Application Steps

1Enter Uruguay (many applicants enter as tourists first)
2Gather and apostille all required documents from home country
3Have documents translated by certified Uruguayan translator
4Submit letter to government notifying intent to immigrate
5Schedule appointment at National Migration Office
6Attend in-person interview with documents
7Pay application fees
8Complete medical examination at authorized clinic
9Verify Uruguayan address at local police station (with 2 witnesses)
10Receive temporary ID card while application processes
11Wait for permanent residency approval (6-12 months)

⚠️ Restrictions

•Requires demonstrating proof of income or substantial savings
•Documents must be apostilled and translated
•In-person interview and medical examination required
•Processing can take 6-24 months
•Must maintain ties to Uruguay or residency may lapse

💡 Tips

•The Rentista visa (Independent Means Visa) is popular for those with passive income of USD 1,500+/month
•Investment in real estate (USD 510,000+) can provide faster path to tax residency
•Choose between 11-year tax holiday on foreign dividends/interest OR permanent 7% rate
•Citizenship interview at Electoral Court is in Spanish - basic proficiency needed
•Start gathering documents months in advance as apostille and translation take time

Work Visa

Work

For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Uruguayan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and leads to temporary residency with work authorization.

365d

Duration

$112

— fee

+$300 additional

📍Apply: Embassy

⏱2-6 months including employer authorization and visa processing

🔄Extendable +730d

View full details

💰 Cost Breakdown

USDUSD

Required

Work visa application feeConsular visa fee

$42—

Residency application feeApproximately 557.30 UI

$70—

Additional (estimated)

Document translation and apostilleVaries by documents

$300—

Required Total

$112—

+ Additional (estimated)

$300—

Estimated Total

$412—

💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

•Valid passport
•Job offer letter from Uruguayan employer on company letterhead
•Employment contract specifying position, salary, and duration
•Employer registration documents (DGI and BPS registration)
•Proof of employer legal representative identity
•Criminal record certificate
•Educational qualifications (if required for position)

📝 Application Steps

1Receive formal job offer from Uruguayan employer
2Employer prepares documentation and submits to Ministry of Labor
3Apply for work visa at Uruguayan consulate in home country
4Submit required documents and pay visa fee
5Wait for authorization from National Migration Office (20+ business days)
6Receive work visa stamp (valid 30 days for entry)
7Enter Uruguay and apply for residency within 30 days
8Obtain temporary residency and work authorization

⚠️ Restrictions

•Requires employer sponsorship
•Tied to specific employer initially
•Processing can take several months
•Must apply at consulate before entering Uruguay for work
•Visa is only valid for 30 days for entry - must apply for residency quickly

💡 Tips

•Uruguay XXI offers expedited processing through the Talent Attraction Plan for tech workers
•Consider Digital Nomad Permit if working remotely for foreign company instead
•Employer must be properly registered with DGI (tax) and BPS (social security)

Working Holiday Visa

Work

Available to young citizens (18-30, or 18-35 for some countries) from countries with bilateral agreements. Allows 12 months of travel and work experience in Uruguay.

365d

Duration

$50

— fee

+$500 additional

📍Apply: Embassy

⏱2-4 weeks for processing

🔄No extension

View full details

💰 Cost Breakdown

USDUSD

Required

Application feeApproximate cost, varies by nationality

$50—

Additional (estimated)

Health insurance (12 months)Required for some nationalities, strongly recommended for all

$500—

Required Total

$50—

+ Additional (estimated)

$500—

Estimated Total

$550—

💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

•Valid passport from eligible country
•Age 18-30 at time of application (18-35 for some countries)
•Single or married without dependent children
•No previous Working Holiday Visa for Uruguay
•Clean criminal record
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Return ticket or funds to purchase one
•Health insurance (required for some nationalities)

📝 Application Steps

1Confirm eligibility (age, nationality, first-time applicant)
2Contact nearest Uruguayan consulate for appointment
3Gather required documents
4Attend consulate appointment
5Pay application fee
6Receive Working Holiday Visa in passport
7Enter Uruguay within visa validity period
8Register with National Migration Office upon arrival
9Obtain Uruguayan ID card (cédula)

⚠️ Restrictions

•Limited to 12 months, no extension
•One-time use only - cannot apply again
•Must be single or without dependent children
•Age restrictions apply
•Only available to specific nationalities

💡 Tips

•Check your country specific requirements as they vary
•Australians do not need health insurance, other nationalities may require it
•Can work for up to 6 months with any single employer
•Great way to test Uruguay before committing to longer-term residency

Student Visa

Education

For those intending to study at Uruguayan educational institutions. Leads to temporary residency during the course of study.

365d

Duration

$112

— fee

+$200 additional

📍Apply: Embassy

⏱20+ business days

🔄Extendable +nulld

View full details

💰 Cost Breakdown

USDUSD

Required

Visa application feeStandard consular fee

$42—

Residency feeApproximately 557.30 UI

$70—

Additional (estimated)

Document translationIf documents not in Spanish

$200—

Required Total

$112—

+ Additional (estimated)

$200—

Estimated Total

$312—

💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

•Valid passport
•Acceptance letter from Uruguayan educational institution
•Proof of financial means during studies
•Criminal record certificate
•Academic transcripts and diplomas (apostilled and translated)
•Proof of accommodation in Uruguay

📝 Application Steps

1Obtain acceptance from Uruguayan educational institution
2Gather required documents
3Apply for student visa at Uruguayan consulate
4Pay visa fee
5Receive visa (valid 30 days for entry)
6Enter Uruguay and register with Migration Office within 30 days
7Obtain Provisional Identity Sheet (Hoja de Identidad Provisoria)
8Register with educational institution

⚠️ Restrictions

•Must maintain enrollment to keep residency
•Limited work authorization during studies
•Visa valid only 30 days for entry - must apply for residency quickly
•May need to register with Social Security (BPS) if working

💡 Tips

•Public universities in Uruguay are free, including for foreigners
•University of the Republic (UdelaR) is the main public university
•Private universities also available but charge tuition
•Spanish proficiency required for most programs

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalMontevideo

CurrencyUYU ($)

LanguageSpanish

TimezoneUTC-3

Last UpdatedDec 1, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration Bureau Embassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uruguay have a digital nomad visa?

Yes! Uruguay launched its Digital Nomad Permit (officially "Hoja de Identidad Provisoria Nómada Digital") in May 2023 under Decree 238/022. It is one of the most accessible digital nomad visas in the world, with no minimum income requirement - you simply sign an affidavit declaring you have sufficient means to support yourself. The permit is valid for 6 months, extendable for another 6 months, and can lead to permanent residency. Remote workers employed by foreign companies, freelancers with foreign clients, and owners of international businesses are all eligible.

Can I work remotely on a tourist visa in Uruguay?

Remote work for foreign clients/employers while on a tourist visa operates in a gray area. For short stays, it is generally tolerated as you are not taking jobs from locals or earning Uruguayan-sourced income. However, for stays beyond 90 days or if you want legal clarity, the Digital Nomad Permit is the proper authorization. You cannot work for Uruguayan companies or be employed locally on a tourist visa. If you stay 183+ days in a calendar year, you may become a tax resident with reporting obligations.

What are the tax benefits for new residents in Uruguay?

Uruguay offers significant tax advantages for new residents. The country has a territorial tax system where only Uruguay-sourced income is taxed. New tax residents can choose between: (1) An 11-year tax holiday on foreign dividends and interest (10 years plus the year of becoming tax resident), after which a 12% rate applies; OR (2) A permanent 7% flat tax on foreign passive income from day one. There is no tax on foreign capital gains, rental income, pensions, or cryptocurrency sold abroad. No inheritance tax, no exit tax. This makes Uruguay highly attractive for passive income earners, retirees, and investors.

How easy is it to open a bank account in Uruguay as a foreigner?

Uruguay is one of the easiest countries in Latin America for foreigners to open bank accounts. Non-residents can open accounts at major banks like BROU (state-owned), Santander, Itaú, and Scotiabank with: valid passport, proof of address (from home country accepted), proof of income/source of funds, and a bank reference letter. Accounts are available in both Uruguayan Pesos and US Dollars. Monthly fees average USD 40-50 for non-residents, dropping once you become a resident. Many banks require an in-person visit, and online banking is modern and user-friendly.

What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Uruguay?

Uruguay has a moderate cost of living by South American standards - higher than Argentina or Colombia but lower than most Western countries. In Montevideo, expect: rent USD 600-1,200/month for a one-bedroom in good neighborhoods (Pocitos, Punta Carretas); groceries USD 300-400/month; dining out USD 12-20 per meal; coworking space USD 150-250/month. A comfortable digital nomad budget is USD 1,500-2,000/month. Punta del Este is more expensive, especially during summer (December-February). Fiber-optic internet (100+ Mbps) costs around USD 50/month.

What are the best cities for digital nomads in Uruguay?

Montevideo is the top choice, offering excellent infrastructure, reliable fiber-optic internet, numerous coworking spaces (Sinergia, Espacio Serratosa, Co-Work Latam), and a vibrant cultural scene. Popular neighborhoods include Pocitos and Punta Carretas for safety and walkability. Punta del Este is Uruguay's beach resort destination, more expensive but perfect for combining work with a luxury beach lifestyle - ideal outside high season (March-November). Colonia del Sacramento offers UNESCO heritage charm and lower costs. Smaller coastal towns like La Paloma provide a laid-back alternative with good internet.

How do I extend my stay beyond 90 days as a tourist?

If you entered visa-free for 90 days, you can extend for an additional 90 days by visiting the National Migration Office (Dirección Nacional de Migración) before your initial 90 days expire. Bring your passport, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. After 180 days total, you must either leave Uruguay, apply for the Digital Nomad Permit, or apply for residency. Border runs to Argentina (easy ferry to Buenos Aires) or Brazil are possible to reset your 90-day period, though this is not a long-term solution.

Which countries have Working Holiday agreements with Uruguay?

Uruguay has Working Holiday Visa agreements with: Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Age limits are typically 18-30, except New Zealand (18-35). The visa allows 12 months of travel and work experience. Applicants must be single or married without dependent children, have no previous Uruguayan WHV, and show proof of sufficient funds. Some nationalities require health insurance while Australians are exempt. Apply at your nearest Uruguayan consulate.

What vaccinations are required for Uruguay?

For short-term tourists, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements to enter Uruguay. However, the CDC recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccines including measles, tetanus, hepatitis A/B, and typhoid. For Digital Nomad Permit and residency applications, you MUST obtain a vaccination certificate FROM URUGUAY (not from your home country) showing tetanus and measles vaccinations. These can be obtained free at Uruguayan health centers. Yellow fever vaccination is not required unless arriving from a high-risk country.

How long does it take to get Uruguayan citizenship?

The path to Uruguayan citizenship is relatively fast: 3 years of residence if married or living with family, or 5 years if single. The timeline begins from when you APPLY for permanent residency, not when it is granted. Requirements include: continuous residence (can travel but maintain ties), basic Spanish proficiency, two Uruguayan witnesses for your citizenship interview at the Electoral Court, and demonstrated integration into Uruguayan society. Uruguay allows dual citizenship with no restrictions. The Uruguayan passport ranks 23rd globally with visa-free access to 156+ countries.

⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025

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