Articles on: Americas

Uruguay — Provisional Identity Card for Digital Nomads (HIP-ND): your complete guide to living and working in Uruguay

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Uruguay (at a glance)

Between the Atlantic, mate culture, and a growing tech scene, Uruguay has become a calm, reliable hub for remote workers. Since 2023, the country offers a specific path for digital nomads via the Hoja de Identidad Provisoria – Nómadas (HIP-ND), which lets you reside legally for up to 6 months, renewable once for another 6 months. (XXI)

What is HIP-ND and who is it for?

HIP-ND is a short-stay residence document for foreigners who work remotely—either self-employed or for companies based outside Uruguay. You can arrive as a tourist, apply online, and once approved, you’re authorized to reside in Uruguay for the granted period. Official “how-to” info and contacts are published on the government’s “Live in Uruguay” site. (Live in Uruguay)

Competent authorities

The process involves Uruguay’s Dirección Nacional de Migración (Ministry of Interior) and the Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil (for the physical Provisional Identity Card). Applications start through the state e-services portal.

The framework comes from Decree 238/022 (July 28, 2022), which updated the rules for the Hoja de Identidad Provisoria and enabled the digital-nomad modality (up to 180 days, renewable once).

Duration & renewals

  • Initial grant: 180 days.
  • One renewal: +180 days (total 12 months).

If you wish to stay longer than a year, consider temporary or permanent residence via the general routes after your HIP-ND year. Official promotion and investor guides note the 6+6 structure and onward options. (XXI)

Key requirements (as published)

  • Sworn statement confirming you have sufficient means to support your stay (no fixed minimum set in the rule).
  • Entry as a tourist (visa-free or with a visa, depending on nationality).
  • Online application for the Provisional Identity Card – Nomads via the government portal.
  • Additional items appear in the official instruction sheet used for the HIP process (identity document, translations/legalizations as applicable, and—at renewal—police certificates for countries of residence in the last five years). (gub.uy)

Fees & payment

  • HIP fee: 55.71 Unidades Indexadas (UI). The UI is an index-linked unit published by Uruguay’s authorities; its peso value varies daily. Payment is in Uruguay through approved channels.
    • HIP cost reference and payment notes have been reported publicly (media) and align with government guidance that the UI value is variable and officially published. Check the current UI on official data pages. (El Observador)

Step-by-step (practical path by QUESTRAVEL)

  1. Enter Uruguay as a tourist. Verify if your nationality requires a visa beforehand.
  2. Start the online HIP-ND process on the state portal; complete the form and sign the sworn statement of means of support. Use the official “Hoja de Identidad Provisoria” procedure page and the digital-nomad help page for guidance and the dedicated email contact (dnm-hip@minterior.gub.uy). (gub.uy)
  3. Approval & issuance: once approved, your Provisional Identity Card (temporary ID) is issued by DNIC. (gub.uy)
  4. Renewal (if needed): request one 180-day extension to complete the year. Plan ahead to file within the proper window. (XXI)
  5. Staying longer? Evaluate temporary/permanent residence via general migration categories. (XXI)

Real advantages

  • Fast, digital process with clear requirements (sworn statement of means; no fixed income floor in the decree).
  • 6+6 months lets you “test the country” before committing to longer-term residence.
  • Stable, predictable environment conducive to remote work, with time zones that work well for the Americas and Europe. (XXI)


QUESTRAVEL’s take

Where applications stumble most often: incomplete forms and attempting to pay from abroad (the HIP fee must be paid in Uruguay), plus timing miscalculations for the renewal window. Our QUESTRAVEL “professor-concierge” method keeps you on track with:

  • A document plan,
  • Step-by-step portal tutorial, and
  • A timeline so you never miss the 180→360-day renewal.

💡 Want us to validate your case before you file? Book a 1:1 with QUESTRAVEL and leave with your checklist, deadlines, and a clear route (HIP-ND, renewal, and—if it fits—transition to longer-term residence): fromquestravel.com.

Updated on: 03/11/2025