Uruguay is an enticing destination for many digital nomads, offering scenic landscapes, diverse cultural experiences and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you wish to bask in the urban sophistication of Montevideo, experience the quaint charm of Colonia del Sacramento, or unwind amidst the seaside glamour of Punta del Este, Uruguay promises an enriching experience for everyone.
But what if you are a digital nomad who wants to extend your stay beyond the typical visa limitations? The solution is Uruguay's Provisional Identity Card, an innovative initiative set to transform the remote work landscape, offering an extended, immersive experience in this beautiful South American country.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Uruguay's Provisional Identity Card, explaining the eligibility criteria, application process, and the advantages that this unique permit offers. Plus, we will delve into a crucial aspect that digital nomads often neglect - managing taxes in Uruguay.
Does Uruguay Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Uruguay introduced its digital nomad visa in May 2023. It is officially called the Provisional Identity Card (Hojas de Identidad Provisoria). This permit allows remote workers to live and work in Uruguay for six to twelve months, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency.
Benefits of Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
Some of the benefits of Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card are:
- It grants a temporary residence status for up to 6 months, which can be extended for another 6 months within the same calendar year
- It allows foreign nationals to work remotely from Uruguay for their foreign employer or company without local company sponsorship
- It does not require you to have a specific income level, a specific skill set, or a specific employer to apply for it
- It can lead to permanent residency if the applicant meets the requirements and wishes to stay in Uruguay.
Who Can Apply for Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa?
Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card is available to anyone who works remotely for a company or clients outside of Uruguay, regardless of their nationality, activity, income level, skill set, or specific employer!
How to Apply for Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
The process for applying for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card depends on whether you apply online before arriving in Uruguay or in person after arriving in Uruguay.
If you apply online before arriving in Uruguay
STEP 1: Create a user account on the official website of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and follow the instructions to fill out a form and upload the required documents. The list of required documents can be found in the section below.
STEP 2: Pay a visa fee of about 15 USD (557.30 UI ) online.
STEP 3: Wait for the approval of your application, which can take up to 20 working days.
STEP 4: Print your email confirmation with your visa number and barcode, and bring it with you when you enter Uruguay.
STEP 5: Make an appointment online for the National Civil Identification Office through the official Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil website. You will need to create a user account and select the option “Agendar Trámite” (Schedule Procedure). You will then need to choose the type of procedure you want to do, which is “Retiro de Hoja de Identidad Provisoria” (Withdrawal of Provisional Identity Sheet). You will then need to enter your personal information, passport number, and email address. You will also need to select the date and time of your appointment from the available options.
STEP 6: Attend your appointment at the National Civil Identification Office, with your passport, printed visa email confirmation, printed appointment email confirmation, and the receipt of the visa fee payment, to collect your Provisional Identity Card. You can find the address and contact details of the National Civil Identification Office by visiting the official Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil website.
If you apply in person after arriving in Uruguay
STEP 1: Enter Uruguay on a tourist visa or a visitor visa, depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. You can check whether your country requires a visa by visiting the official website of the Dirección Nacional de Migración - Ministerio del Interior.
STEP 2: Make an appointment online for the National Civil Identification Office through the official Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil website. You will need to create a user account and select the option “Agendar Trámite” (Schedule Procedure). You will then need to choose the type of procedure you want to do, which is “Solicitud de Hoja de Identidad Provisoria” (Request for Provisional Identity Sheet). You will then need to enter your personal information, passport number, and email address. You will also need to select the date and time of your appointment from the available options.
STEP 3: Attend your appointment at the National Civil Identification Office, with your passport, printed appointment email confirmation, and required documents. The list of required documents can be found in the section below.
STEP 4: Pay a visa fee of about 30 USD (1,114.60 UI) at the National Civil Identification Office.
STEP 5: Wait for the approval of your application, which can take about one week.
STEP 6: Collect your Provisional Identity Card from the National Civil Identification Office in person by presenting your passport, your visa fee receipt, and your visa confirmation email.
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Get iVisa help nowDocuments Required for Applying for Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
The documents required for applying for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card are the same regardless of whether you apply online before arriving in Uruguay or in person after arriving in Uruguay. They are:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity after your arrival
- A passport-size photo (5 x 5 cm)
- A round-trip ticket or reservation
- A hotel reservation or other proof of accommodation and income
- Health or medical insurance documentation
- A letter from your employer or business, outlining the specifics and length of your remote employment
- A declaration of oath, stating that you work remotely for a company or clients outside of Uruguay
These documents are needed for the initial application, which allows you to stay in Uruguay for 6 months. If you want to extend your stay for another 6 months or apply for permanent residency, you will also need:
- A proof of vaccination administered in Uruguay.
- A clean criminal record from all countries you have resided in for more than six months in the previous five years.
How Much Does Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The cost of Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card varies depending on the method of application and the duration of the stay:
- If you apply online before arriving in Uruguay, you need to pay a visa fee of about 15 USD (557.30 UI)
- If you apply in person after arriving in Uruguay, you need to pay a visa fee of about 30 USD (1,114.60 UI)
- If you want to extend your stay for another six months, you need to pay an extension fee of about 30 USD (1,114.60 UI) at the National Civil Identification Office.
Timeline for Applying or Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
The timeline for applying for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card also depends on the method of application and the duration of the stay:
- If you apply online before arriving in Uruguay, the processing time can take up to 20 working days.
- If you apply in person after arriving in Uruguay, the processing time is about one week.
- If you want to extend your stay for another six months, the processing time is not specified, but it is advisable to apply well in advance of the expiry date of your Provisional Identity Card.
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Get iVisa help nowWhat If I’m Not Eligible For Uruguay's Provisional Identity Card As a Digital Nomad?
If you are not eligible for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card, you may have other options to work legally in the country, depending on your situation and goals. Some of the alternatives are:
- Temporary Residence—for a work period from six months to two years. For workers coming to the country for between 6-24 months, it is possible to apply for temporary residence, which can be extended for a further 2 years. This option requires a written job offer from an Uruguayan company or from a foreign company with a registered Uruguayan subsidiary, as well as other documents such as a birth certificate, a criminal record certificate, and health coverage or medical insurance. The application process can take several months and involves submitting the documents online and in person at the National Directorate of Migration.
- Visitor Visa—for a short-term work period of up to 90 days. For workers who need to visit Uruguay for a specific work-related purpose, such as attending a business meeting, a conference, or a training session, it is possible to apply for a visitor visa, which allows multiple entries and exits within the validity period. This option requires a signed letter from the inviting company or organization in Uruguay, as well as a signed letter from the applicant’s employer or company, stating the details of the visit. The application process involves applying at the Uruguayan consulate in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality and paying a visa fee of 42 USD.
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Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad In Uruguay
Paying taxes as a digital nomad in Uruguay may depend on your tax residency status, your income source, and your tax obligations in your home country. Some of the general rules are:
- Uruguay does not tax residents on foreign-earned income. So as a digital nomad earning income working remotely with companies or clients outside of Uruguay, you should not be liable to pay income tax in Uruguay.
- Uruguay taxes residents on their worldwide income. This means that if you become a tax resident of Uruguay, you will have to pay income tax on any income you earn from sources within Uruguay, such as interest, dividends, or rental income.
- Uruguay has tax treaties with several countries. This means that if you are a tax resident of one of these countries, you may be able to avoid double taxation on your income by claiming a foreign tax credit or an exemption in your home country.
- Uruguay has a territorial tax system for non-residents. This means that if you are not a tax resident of Uruguay, you will only have to pay income tax on any income you earn from sources within Uruguay, such as interest, dividends, or rental income.
- You become a tax resident of Uruguay after living there for 183 days in a calendar year. This includes temporary absences for holidays or business trips. You can also become a tax resident of Uruguay by establishing your permanent home or the center of your economic interests in the country.
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