Uruguay launches a residence permit for digital nomads seeking to establish themselves in the country and work remotely, both for their own account and for companies abroad. This initiative responds to the global growth of digital nomadism as a way of life and employment, and seeks to attract talent from abroad to live and work in Uruguay.
The measure, approved through decree 238/022, allows applicants to establish themselves in Uruguay for a period of six months, with the option to renew for an additional six months. If they decide to stay, they can choose to apply for temporary or permanent residence.
To request the residence permit for digital nomads, those interested must enter Uruguay as regular tourists and then complete an online form with their personal data and sign an affidavit in which they claim to have the means to support themselves financially during the period.
the uruguayan president Luis Lacalle Pou has highlighted that Uruguay offers a combination of attributes that make it attractive to digital nomadssuch as its infrastructure, economic, legal and social stability and security, as well as its quality of life.
During the event Test & Invest organized by the Inter-American Development Bank at the end of 2022, the president expressed that during the pandemic the Uruguay became an attractive place for many people to settle or invest.
Uruguay has established itself as a business and innovation hub in the region, and the government agency Uruguay XXI has incorporated talent attraction as a line of work. According to data from the World Economic Forum, there are currently 35 million digital nomads in the world and it is estimated that this number will grow exponentially in the coming years. According to a report by the US business platform MBO Partners published in 2022, 72 million people of US origin plan to become digital nomads in the next two to three years.
Although the most common positions held by digital nomads are linked to marketing, software development, design, e-Commerce and content writing, what really defines a digital nomad is the possibility of being able to carry out their work remotely. With this new initiative, Uruguay joins the list of countries seeking to attract these remote workers, offering them a place to live and work legally.
How to live and work in Uruguay as a digital nomad
Digital nomads are a growing community of freelancers and entrepreneurs who use technology to work from anywhere in the world. These professionals can work from a cafeteria, a beach, a park or any other place with an Internet connection. Digital nomads do not have a fixed place of work, but are constantly on the move in search of new experiences and job opportunities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, as many companies have embraced remote work and digital nomads have seen an opportunity to combine work with the joy of travel. This way of life offers professionals the flexibility to work their own hours and the freedom to travel and discover new cultures and places.
However, being a digital nomad is not easy. It requires great discipline and organization to work efficiently and meet deadlines set by clients. In addition, it is necessary to have social skills and adaptability to interact with people from different cultures and work in changing environments.
Applicants, after entering Uruguay as a regular tourist, must complete a
online form with personal data and sign an affidavit stating that they have the means to support themselves financially during the period.
Learn here the tutorial on how to access the digital nomad residence.
