Last Updated on 16 November 2023 by Brittany
It felt like every other month, there was news about South America digital nomad visas being released in 2022.
As one of the most popular continents for digital nomads to travel and work remotely, South American countries decided to introduce digital nomad visas. This is an excellent opportunity for digital nomads who want to stay in their favorite South American country for longer than the tourist visa allows.
With some of the most affordable cities for digital nomads and a large community of remote workers, South America is a smart and adventurous destination.
If you’re a digital nomad who has fallen in love with the excitement and culture of the continent, then you’re lucky to have found this article listing all of the South America digital nomad visas available.
We frequently update this list as new South America digital nomad visas are announced, so make sure to save this page and join our newsletter.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in a foreign country and receive a temporary residence permit.
They are allowed to enjoy all that the country has to offer and experience the culture and lifestyle while earning a remote income from a company established outside of the country where they hold the visa. An applicant may also work as an independent contractor, but their clients must be located abroad.
Digital nomad visas do not allow you to engage in local economic business activity or search for employment in the country.
Some digital nomad visas can lead to permanent residency and even citizenship. However, this is still rare to find.
Available Digital Nomad Visas in South America
There are currently three countries in South America offering digital nomad visas. All of the digital nomad visas in South America available now were introduced last year in 2022, so they are still fairly new.
The South America digital nomad visas offer temporary residence for one to two years. Many of them are renewable if the applicant continues to meet the visa requirements.
Brazil
The largest country in South America, Brazil, has been a popular destination for digital nomads. With an affordable cost of living, gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and vibrant culture, digital nomads can now live in the country for one year.
The digital nomad visa was introduced in January 2022 and has gotten plenty of attention from remote workers. One of the reasons Brazil’s digital nomad visa is so popular is that one of the requirements is to either earn a certain amount each month or have a specific bank balance.
To apply for the visa, you must visit a Brazilian consulate in your country of residence.
Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)
Visa Requirements
- Valid passport
- Work remotely
- Earn $1,500 per month OR have a bank balance of $18,000
- Health insurance coverage in Brazil
- Clean criminal record
Read more about the requirements and how to apply for the Brazil digital nomad visa here.
Colombia
When the Colombian government decided to join other South America digital nomad visas, they wanted to make the application process as easy as possible. Colombia’s digital nomad visa also has one of the lowest income requirements in South America.
As one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in South America, Colombia’s digital nomad visa was welcomed with wide arms by the traveling remote worker community. Many digital nomads choose to live in Medellin and Bogota while traveling in Colombia.
With an online application process, this temporary resident visa is a great opportunity for digital nomads looking to begin a startup in Colombia. It’s important to note that the time spent in Colombia on the digital nomad visa does not count towards permanent residency.
Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)
Visa Requirements
- Valid passport
- Work remotely
- Earn $900 per month
- Health insurance coverage in Colombia
- Letter of motivation
Read more about the requirements and how to apply for the Colombia digital nomad visa here.
Ecuador
Remote workers can now open their laptops each day near the middle of the earth in Ecuador. As one of the countries in South America that offer digital nomad visas, Ecuador is a popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers.
The ideal weather and sunshine call digital nomads from around the world, as do the friendly culture and beautiful nature it boasts. Digital nomads can travel to the Galapagos Islands and experience the unique flora and animals or stay in major cities like Quito.
The application process is quite easy for Ecuador’s digital nomad visa. However, applicants must visit an Ecuador embassy or consulate before traveling to the country.
Important to Note: Citizens of the following countries are restricted from applying for and receiving this type of visa – Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, North Korea, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)
Visa Requirements
- Valid passport
- Work remotely
- Earn $1,350 per month
- Add $250 per dependent
- Health insurance coverage in Ecuador
- Clean criminal record
Read more about the requirements and how to apply for the Ecuador digital nomad visa here.
Uruguay
Digital nomads are now welcome to live in Uruguay for six months to a year with the newly released digital nomad visa (May 2023). This up-and-coming spot for remote workers is still a bit under-explored, creating the perfect opportunity for adventurous digital nomads who want to be the first to discover hidden gems and unique cafes.
With an affordable cost of living, reliable wifi, and some of the most beautiful beaches on this side of the world, Uruguay is the perfect paradise for digital nomads. Plus, if you want more modern amenities and the hustle and bustle of a city, the capital, Montevideo, is perfect for the tech-savvy, on-the-go, digital nomad.
The application process is done entirely online – applicants can even apply from within the country. There is just a $10 application fee, which can be paid via an Uruguay bank card or at a local bill payment office.
Digital nomads can take advantage of the 0% tax on foreign-earned income and could eventually apply for permanent residency through this visa.
Visa Term: 6 months (renewable)
Visa Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Work remotely
- Clean criminal record
- Earn a livable income
Learn more about the requirements and how to apply for the Uruguay digital nomad visa.
South America Digital Nomad Visas Coming Soon
As more countries in South America see just how beneficial welcoming digital nomads is for the economy, more are expected to make this type of visa available.
Below are some South America digital nomad visas we expect to become available soon. Remember, we don’t have all of the information about the requirements and how to apply. This is just what we know so far.
Argentina
The beautiful country of Argentina has decided to invest in smart tourism and welcome digital nomads working remotely. One of the most popular cities amongst digital nomads is Buenos Aires.
With reliable wifi, a large digital nomad community, and delicious steak and wine, it’s no question that Argentina will soon become a digital nomad hotspot once the digital nomad visa becomes available.
Visa Term: 6 months (renewable once)
Visa Requirements
We do not have specific information about the visa requirements. However, the Director of Inprotour has promised to “be as flexible as possible” with them.
Peru
In November 2023, the Peruvian government introduced new legislation to create a digital nomad visa for remote workers. We don’t know much about it except that it will allow remote workers to live in Peru for one year with the option to extend it.
With popular digital nomad cities like Lima and Cusco, Peru is also one of the safest countries in South America. With an affordable cost of living, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like Machu Picchu, and some of the best food on the continent, digital nomads love Peru.
Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)
Visa Requirements
We do not have specific information about the visa requirements yet.
For up-to-date information, check out our Peru digital nomad visa blog post.
Why Digital Nomads Work from South America
South America has been a long-time favorite continent for digital nomads to work remotely. From the affordable cost of living, delicious cuisines, friendly and vibrant cultures, and large remote working communities, it’s really no secret as to why digital nomads love South America.
Now with so many South America digital nomad visas becoming available, more digital nomads are expected to travel to the continent with a temporary stay visa.
In major cities such as Bogota, Quito, and Buenos Aires, coworking spaces are popping up like crazy. Since reliable wifi can be difficult to find throughout the country, coworking spaces are necessary for digital nomads in the area.
You can always count on an unexpected adventure when traveling in South America as a digital nomad, too. So, for those who are open to new experiences and like to problem solve, then this could be the perfect destination for you.
Get Your South America Digital Nomad Visas with Nomads Embassy
Applying for a digital nomad visa can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when you must make an appointment at an embassy or consulate.
Nomads Embassy is here to simplify your digital nomad visa application process!
We have searched and hand-selected immigration lawyers in South America to assist you in your digital nomad visa application and relocation process. Plus, with the Nomads Embassy platform, you can securely upload your documents and communicate with your lawyer easily and safely.
Are you ready to get started on your South America digital nomad visa?
Simply complete the contact form in the individual visa article (found in the menu at the top of the page) to schedule a call with us!
