The idea of not just working remotely but doing so entirely from another country – in other words, becoming a ‘digital nomad’ – is a trend that sure ain’t slowing down any time soon. Bucketloads of countries now offer visas specifically targeted at digital nomads, aiming to lure away workers who aren’t tied to any specific office or place.
The latest country to offer a digital nomad visa? Well, that’d be the tiny South American country of Uruguay. Following in the footsteps of regional neighbours Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador, Uruguay is set to grant digital nomads visas that’ll let them stay in the country for an entire year.
And better yet, Uruguay’s visa for remote workers appears much more accessible than similar schemes around the world. This is chiefly because it currently has no minimum income requirement. All that’s required is that you’re not Uruguayan, have a clean criminal record and that you’re either self-employed or work for a foreign company. The sitch is even better if you’re a tech worker because, as noted by Euronews, those in the tech industry are exempt from paying taxes in Uruguay.
So why exactly would you want to live in Uruguay? Sprawling wine regions, countless stretches of unspoiled sandy beaches, thermal baths, world-famous steaks, an electrifying football culture... the list goes on. What’s more, it’s got a much higher standard of living than many South American countries.
To apply for Uruguay’s digital nomad visa, you can fill in an online form on the official website here. That’ll get you a residence permit lasting 180 days, which can be extended to up to a year. The only real catch is that the fee for the form, which is just $11 (£8.90), cannot be paid from a foreign bank account. In other words, you’ll likely have to get to Uruguay before applying.
In any case, it all makes for even more exciting news for remote workers! As for the rest of us? Well, we’ll keeping enviously looking on...
Did you see that this is what it’s like to actually be a digital nomad?
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