As remote work is becoming increasingly popular, many South American countries have rolled out digital nomad visas to attract professionals seeking new experiences.
In this blog post, we explore the Digital Nomad visas for South America, countries that offer it, detailing the requirements, necessary documents, and why each country might (or might not) be your ideal temporary home.
As Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting Paradise Catchers.
This is the second part of our 2 part series on Digital Nomad Visas for Latin America.
You can read the first here, where we talk about Digital Nomad Visas in Central America and Mexico.
Common Requirements in Applications of Digital Nomad Visas for South America
These are the common things that Digital Nomad Visa application requires, which may vary from country to country.
💵 While some countries mention a minimum Income eligibility threshold, other countries do not.
🏦 Proof of income using bank statements and/or tax returns.
📜 A Foreign employment proof, client contracts or entrepreneurship documents.
❌ Proof of Clean Criminal Record obtained from the current residence country.
🏥 Health Insurance policy to cover any medical issues in the destination country during the period of stay.
Apart from these documents, there can be additional requirements.
❗️ Some of the countries allow the Digital Nomad program for specific nationals only.
🗓️ You can visit all of these countries for up to 1-3 months as a regular tourist, without applying for a Digital Nomad Visa.
💡 So, you can first visit for short term to check if you wish to go for a longer term Digital Nomad Visa in any of these South American countries.
📃 Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We use:
- Heymondo Travel Insurance (get 5% discount, auto applies), OR
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
* Discount not applicable for US residents
An Overview: Digital Nomad Visas for South America
| Country | Digital Nomad Visa Validity | Income Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia Visa V for Digital Nomads | Up to 2 years | 3X minimal local wage (Revised regularly) |
| Brazil Digital Nomad Visa | 1 year | USD 1500 per month or USD 18000 in bank account |
| Ecuador Temporary Residency Rentista Program for Remote Workers | Up to 2 years | ~USD 1400 per month |
| Argentina Digital Nomad Visa | 180 days | No Specific Income Threshold. Proof of remote income required. |
| Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa | 6 to 12 months | No specific threshold. Proof of remote income required. |
📲 We stay connected during our long term travels using local SIMs or eSIMs. Check our honest review of Airalo eSIM.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Colombia offers Visa V for Digital Nomads for remote workers, whether salaried or self-employed or if you wish to start a tech venture in the country.
✅ Applicable only for Nationals who are exempt from short-stay visa for Colombia.
✅ Visa term is for up to 2 years.
✅ Proof of foreign employment or business.
✅ Currently the income threshold is 3 times minimum monthly wage of a Colombian. Check the current numbers with nearest Colombian embassy.
Documents for Colombia Visa for Digital Nomads
🛂 Passport (Should be from a country exempt from short stay Colombia visa)
📄 3 months Monthly Bank Statements with earnings at least 3 times of Colombia minimum wage at the time of application.
✉️ If you are employed, get a certified letter in Spanish or English from your employer, containing the remuneration and that the work can be done remotely.
✉️ If you are a business owner, provide a letter containing the nature of business and the financial and human resources of the company.
🏥 Health coverage of the period of stay, that covers sickness, hospitalization, accident, disability, repatriation, and death.
Why Choose Colombia as a Digital Nomad? Or not?
Colombia, over the years, has managed to largely alter the narrative about the country’s past and increasing their traveler count year on year.
Cities like Medellin, Bogota, Cali or even Cartagena and Barranquilla have grown in popularity among long term travelers and digital nomads.
✈️ Well connected with direct flights from various countries in North and South America and Europe.
🏖️ Diverse Landscapes and culture – history, architecture, beaches, mountains.
💵 Affordable living in most parts of the country.
👩🏻💻 Excellent Digital Nomad Community
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Need to be careful in certain neighborhoods in major cities.
Our Top Choice Places in Colombia for Digital Nomads
Medellin, the city of eternal spring, is our top choice for digital nomads. The expat community, co-working spaces, existing amenities, things to do in and around the city, the weather, make it a great choice.
Cali is gaining popularity as it has all the necessary elements to be a destination for long term stay.
Bogota, the capital, is also a good choice, with its history, architecture and ease of connectivity, however, the dull weather can be deterring for long term stay.
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
Brazil launched its Digital Nomad Visa in January 2022 to attract remote workers who wish to stay in the country for a longer period and legally work from its borders.
✅ Applicable to all nationals.
✅ Visa term is for up to 1 year.
✅ Proof of foreign employment income of USD 1500 per month or USD 18000 as bank balance.
Documents for Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
🛂 Passport and/or Residency Identity Documents where you are applying from.
💲Visa Fees and filled application form – formulario.
📄 12 months Monthly Bank Statements with earnings clearly highlighted or month-end balances certified by your bank.
✉️ If you are employed, get a certified letter from your employer, that contains your credentials in the company.
📜 Recent (maximum 3 months old) Clean Criminal Record document with apostille from country of residence.
📜 Birth Certificate with apostille from the country of residence.
🏥 Travel Insurance for the period of stay.
Why Choose Brazil as a Digital Nomad? Or not?
There are several cities and regions in Brazil that have all the amenities and activities for a Digital Nomad.
🏖️ Diverse Country, there is so much to do in all parts.
🏙️ Many cities to choose from – Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Florianopolis to name a few.
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Language can be a barrier, even in cities. It is good to learn basic Portuguese.
❌ There are safety concerns in certain neighborhoods in many cities.
Our Top Choice Places in Brazil for Digital Nomads
Our top pick is Rio de Janeiro. It is the most popular among the visitors to Brazil, and there are reasons for that.
The mix of nature and culture, hikes, Atlantic forests, beaches, and the general vibe of the city, draw so many people to the city.
Florianópolis is gaining popularity among digital nomads for its stunning beaches, safer areas to live and general excellent quality of life. With its fast internet, affordable cost of living, and growing community of remote workers, it is the perfect destination to balance work and leisure.
If you are a city person, São Paulo is an excellent choice, boasts of an incredible restaurant scene, world-class art galleries, urban parks, and a bustling nightlife. It has the best connectivity within and outside the country.
Ecuador Rentista Visa
Ecuador does not specifically offer Digital Nomad visa, however, the ‘Rentista visa‘ offers remote workers a chance to live and work legally in this ecologically diverse nation.
✅ Applicable to remote workers along with their dependents.
✅ Visa term is for up to 2 years.
✅ Proof of foreign employment or business.
✅ Proof of income of ~USD 1400 per month, 3 times the minimum wage in Ecuador. So, check the latest threshold from the Embassy of Ecuador.
Documents for Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa
🛂 Passport.
📜 Fill up form and upload documents online here.
📄 Proof of employment or business and regular income, apostilled.
📜 In case of dependents, an additional monthly income of USD 250 is required.
🏥 Health Insurance to cover the period of stay in the country.
Why Choose Ecuador as a Digital Nomad? Or not?
While Quito and Cuenca are renowned for their stunning architecture, Ecuador offers an incredibly diverse range of landscapes from the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountains and the Galápagos Islands.
💲 Comparatively affordable living expenses.
🐢 Diverse ecosystems, from the Amazon rainforests to the Galápagos Islands.
☀️ Pleasant climate in many regions
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Political instability at times.
❌ Developing infrastructure in some parts of the country.
Our Top Choice Places in Ecuador for Digital Nomads
The 2 top choices for remote working in Ecuador are Quito and Cuenco.
While the capital Quito has the historic charm, culture, and a mix of modern amenities, Cuenca is known for its beautiful architecture and moderate climate. Cuenca rightly attracts lots of visitors and is a popular expat destination.
Argentina Digital Nomad Visa
Argentina launched its Digital Nomad e-visa offering longer stays in the country of up to 180 days.
✅ Applicable to nationals who do not need visa to visit Argentina for a short stay.
✅ Visa term is for up to 180 days.
✅ Proof of foreign employment or business.
Documents for Argentina Digital Nomad Visa
🛂 Passport (The country should not require Argentinian visa to enter for short term).
✉️ Application with personal information and the description of work to be carried out remotely.
📜 A Curriculum Vitae with information on Education, Experience, Nature of Work or Business.
📄 Proof of employment or business and regular income.
🙎🏻♂️ A reference related to employment or business.
Why Choose Argentina as a Digital Nomad? Or not?
While Buenos Aires or Cordoba are known for architecture, there are various landscapes across the country from the Iguazu Waterfalls in the north to Patagonia in the south.
🏔️ Diverse country with mountains, waterfalls, cold desert, wine regions.
🏙️ Interesting blend of European architecture in the cities.
🍷 Rich culinary scene, especially for meat and wine lovers.
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Instability in currency and inflation.
❌ Some areas of the cities can have safety concerns.
Our Top Choice Places in Argentina for Digital Nomads
Buenos Aires is our top choice for long stay in Argentina. The art and cultural aspects of the city, the architecture, tango shows, football and food, make it an exciting stay.
The other 2 picks are a mix of nature and modern amenities. Mendoza and Bariloche are popular tourist destinations, the former known for the wine and the latter known as the gateway to the mountains and lakes of Patagonia.
Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
Uruguay offers Digital Nomad visa for remote workers, but you need to be in the country as a visitor or tourist to apply for the visa and/or extend it.
✅ Applicable to visitors who have entered Uruguay as a regular visitor.
✅ Visa term is for 6 months, which can be extended to 12 months.
✅ Proof of foreign employment or business.
Documents for Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
🛂 Enter Uruguay as a regular visitor.
📜 Fill up form and upload documents online. You can find the relevant link here.
📄 Sign affidavit of work to be carried out during the stay for a foreign employer or business.
📜 Criminal Record Certificate duly legalized or apostilled from the country of residence.
🏥 Check if you comply to Uruguay’s vaccine schedule.
🏢 You will be contacted by the National Civil Identification Directorate, to collect the Uruguay identity card accordingly.
Why Choose Uruguay as a Digital Nomad? Or not?
Uruguay is an attractive destination for digital nomads due to its reliable internet infrastructure, high quality of life, and diverse landscapes ranging from historic towns to beaches.
However, the cost of living can be higher compared to other South American countries, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious nomads.
✅ High quality of life and safety.
✅ Regular amenities like internet speed are of better quality.
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Relatively higher living costs compared to other South American countries.
❌ Smaller Digital Nomad community.
Our Top Choice Places in Uruguay for Digital Nomads
Montevideo is the top choice in terms of things to do, connectivity, and also the architecture and history.
Colonial del Sacramento and Punta del Este are 2 popular tourist destinations in Uruguay. Colonia del Sacramento is famed for its well-preserved colonial history. On the other hand, Punta del Este is known for its beautiful beaches and nightlife.
Both cities provide excellent environments for remote work, with plenty of cozy cafes, reliable internet connectivity, and activities to inspire long stays.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to get started with your Digital Nomad journey in South America, the ones listed above are the top countries to go with.
Peru and Chile are 2 other countries in South America, which have the required elements to experience a long stay. However, these countries do not have specific digital nomad visa programs yet. But you can stay for 90 days as a visitor.
These are great places to travel short or long term and have many activities to do and cultural diversities to explore.
Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
If you enjoy reading our free travel guides, tips and stories, you can buy us a coffee and help us create more such travel planning tools for you. Thanks for supporting Paradise Catchers.
Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
