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Head to head

Japan vs Uruguay: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; Uruguay — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the Uruguay Nómada Digital permit.
Criteria Japan DN Uruguay Nómada Digital permit
Minimum income / month €4,500 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 6 months 6 months
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months 1 year
Path to permanent residence No Indirect (switch required)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt Territorial taxation (Sistema de fuente territorial (IRPF/IRNR); optional new-resident tax holiday for those who become tax residents)
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Not required
Insurance duration required Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 ≈ €8 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, In country
Processing time 1 weeks 2–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Uruguay Nómada Digital permit →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Sources