Digital Nomads Highlight Uruguay as an Ideal Destination for Its Infrastructure and Relaxed Lifestyle

Uruguay is an increasingly popular destination for expatriates and digital nomads. In recent years, a growing number of foreigners have settled in the country, attracted by the advantages of an open-door policy and the combination of infrastructure, good connectivity, economic, legal, and social stability, as well as its relaxed quality of life and lifestyle.

“If I had to define Uruguay in three words, they would be culture, kindness, and energy,” says Delfina Santamaría, a digital nomad who arrived in the country from Argentina.

“Uruguay has magic if you like landscapes, if you love poetry, and want to enjoy life,” says Karina Hunt, born in the United States but living in the country for seven years, working as an English teacher and writing mentor.

“The best thing about the country is the tranquility. I believe there is a palpable difference in the energy,” says Logan Ware, a native of Texas, who also works in Uruguay as an English teacher.

An Open-Door Country

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely from anywhere in the world using technological tools. The most common activities include marketing, software development, design, e-commerce, and content writing.

In recent years, Uruguay has established itself as a business and innovation hub in the region. The government agency Uruguay XXI, in its role promoting investments, has incorporated talent attraction as a key focus. In this regard, the national government has also implemented measures to facilitate the arrival of remote workers, recognizing the growth of digital nomadism worldwide.

To attract this segment, Uruguay approved a residence permit for digital nomads, which allows them to settle in the country for an initial period of six months, renewable for another six months. A tutorial on how to access the digital nomad residence is available here.

One of the most discussed features by foreigners is the tranquility the country offers and a relaxed environment where people take the time to savor daily life.

Delfina Santamaría works as a tester, is a writer, and is starting to develop a publishing venture in Uruguay. She arrived in the country unintentionally while on a trip to Florianópolis in search of digital nomad communities. On a friend's advice, she tried staying in Punta del Diablo for a few days and found a surprise.

“I finished my daily work as a tester. I went to write, and I felt the same peace I had felt before, a peace that envelops everything. It has something rustic, something very much like a fishing village, but it also has the technology I need to work. So, I told myself I would extend my stay for a few more days.” That was in 2024, and from then on, she stayed.

Logan Ware, for example, describes how he had to work internally to overcome the sense of urgency he had carried with him, learning to enjoy the moment even while waiting for a coffee. Delfina speaks of a time when she had a setback on the road and how surprised she was to discover that no one honked their horn or yelled at her from the line of cars she had blocked. Karina Hunt, in turn, highlights the kindness and help she received upon arriving in Uruguay, even in everyday situations like forgetting her wallet.

Uruguay positions itself as an attractive destination thanks to its reliable internet infrastructure and the growing availability of coworking spaces. That’s why Delfina, working in software from Punta del Diablo, is a clear example of these benefits. Additionally, she points out that Uruguay’s time zone makes it easier to collaborate with companies in North America.

Finally, but no less important, Uruguayan culture is another of its great attractions. Rich and vibrant, its culture goes beyond the stereotypes of barbecue and soccer. As Karina Hunt points out, Uruguay has a special magic for those who love nature, poetry, and the beauty of life. An annual report on digital nomads created by Global Citizen Solutions compiled a list of the best destinations for this type of worker, based on indicators such as economy, technology, and innovation.

Uruguay, the report details, offers several benefits for digital nomads. First, in visa application costs. "In Uruguay, the visa application fee is approximately US$10, making it one of the most affordable options."

The report also details that Uruguay is a country with high levels of safety and integration. It adds that investments have been made in the Americas to improve technology and innovation. In this context, Uruguay is a standout player; with its characteristics as a small, organized, open, and transparent country, with access to advanced technology, Uruguay is an ideal destination for providing high-quality services.