Uruguay lets remote workers apply online, after arriving as tourists, for a digital nomad permit of 6 months, renewable once. There's no income minimum, just a signed statement that you can support yourself, and it can lead to residence.
Checked against the sources at the end on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visit first | 90 days visa-free, extendable |
| Route for remote workers | Digital nomad permit (identity document for remote workers) |
| Money you need to show | No income minimum. You sign a sworn statement that you can support yourself and work remotely for companies or clients abroad |
| Length | 6 months, renewable once for 6 more |
| Government fees | Small administrative fees |
| Timeline | Usually quick once you're in the country |
| Where you apply | Enter as a tourist, then apply online and sign an affidavit; you get a Uruguayan ID (cédula) |
| Family | Each family member applies; children can attend local schools |
| Long-term residence | Temporary and permanent residence are available afterward; Uruguay's residence process is one of the region's more straightforward |
| US taxes | Still due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide |
Who qualifies
Uruguay lets remote workers apply online, after arriving as tourists, for a digital nomad permit of 6 months, renewable once. There's no income minimum, just a signed statement that you can support yourself, and it can lead to residence.
- Remote employees of companies outside Uruguay: yes.
- Freelancers and business owners: yes.
- Money: No income minimum. You sign a sworn statement that you can support yourself and work remotely for companies or clients abroad.
Open question: The permit gives 12 months in total; plan the switch to residence early.
Documents
Order US documents first: apostilles and FBI checks are the slowest part.
- Passport
- Online form
- Signed affidavit of means and remote work
Step by step from the US
- Check your numbers against the rule above, using the last 6 to 12 months of income.
- Order US documents: FBI background check, apostilles and translations where needed.
- Apply: Enter as a tourist, then apply online and sign an affidavit; you get a Uruguayan ID (cédula).
- Buy health insurance that meets the requirement for your whole stay.
- Arrive and register your address and any residence card on time.
Taxes
- More than 183 days or your main base of activities in Uruguay makes you tax resident
- New tax residents can choose a tax holiday on foreign investment income for up to 11 years
- No US-Uruguay tax treaty; there is a totalization agreement
- US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.
Common mistakes
- Montevideo is one of South America's pricier cities
- Banks ask for a lot of paperwork
Where to live in Uruguay
Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: Montevideo · Punta del Este · Colonia del Sacramento · Maldonado.
Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.
- Uruguay XXI: Digital nomads can legally live and work in Uruguay (official)
- Live in Uruguay: Digital nomad permit (official)
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