South America
Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Inside Uruguay's Updated Tax Residency Rules
Effective January 2026, Uruguay is raising the real estate investment requirement for its 11-year tax holiday from $590,000 to $2 million. The 60-day physical presence residency option will be eliminated, and non-qualifying residents will face a 12% tax on foreign-sourced income.
Explaining Uruguay's Digital Nomad Permit
Uruguay's Digital Nomad Permit remains available for remote workers, offering an initial 6-month stay extendable to one year. The program features no official minimum income requirement, no standard visa fee, and maintains territorial taxation on foreign-sourced income.
Chile Tightens Border Controls and Halts Regularization
The new administration has frozen the legalization process for 182,000 irregular migrants and announced plans for large-scale deportations. New legislative measures aim to criminalize illegal entry, signaling a significantly stricter immigration environment for those without formal residency.
Understanding Colombia's Resident Visa Transfer Rules
The Colombian government has extended the deadline for holders of residence permits issued before October 21, 2022, to obtain new documentation. Foreign residents now have until October 31, 2026, to comply with Regulation 9316 and update their permits.
Paraguay Tightens Residency Audits and Presence Rules
Paraguay is now enforcing a strict requirement for temporary residents to visit the country at least once every 12 months to maintain status. Authorities are also implementing a zero-tolerance policy on criminal records and conducting thorough audits of all passport pages during the application process.
Uruguay Updates Tax Withholding Rules for Foreign Capital Gains
Uruguay's tax agency (DGI) has suspended IRPF withholdings and advance payments on capital gains earned from foreign sources. This change simplifies tax obligations for tax residents, including expats and digital nomads, who hold international investments or assets.
Brazil Expands Visa-Free Entry for Eight Countries
Brazil has introduced visa-free entry for citizens of eight countries for stays up to 30 days, renewable for a total of 90 days annually. However, travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia must continue to use the e-Visa system, maintaining existing entry requirements for those nationalities.
Paraguay Updates Crypto Reporting Rules for Residents
The DNIT now requires crypto platforms to report user transactions exceeding $5,000 per year, including wallet addresses and transaction hashes. While foreign-sourced income remains untaxed under the territorial system, expats using local platforms must prepare for increased financial transparency and oversight.
Paraguay Enforces Physical Presence Rules for Permanent Residency
Starting March 2026, authorities will strictly verify that temporary residents have not spent more than 365 consecutive days abroad. Those failing this check will be ineligible for immediate permanent residency and must instead apply for a temporary residency extension.
Chile Hardens Northern Borders Under Plan Escudo Fronterizo
President Kast has initiated the construction of physical barriers and enhanced military patrols along Chile's borders. While targeting illegal immigration, travelers and expats should expect stricter scrutiny at land crossings and potential delays due to increased drone and military presence.
Chile Toughens Northern Border Controls
The Chilean government has launched the Shield Frontier Plan, introducing physical barriers, drone surveillance, and biometric systems at borders. These measures aim to curb irregular migration and may lead to increased scrutiny and stricter enforcement of documentation for all foreigners entering or residing in the country.
Brazil Updates Entry Rules for Irish Citizens
Effective March 4, 2026, Irish nationals can enter Brazil for tourism or business for up to 30 days without a visa. This stay can be extended to 90 days, simplifying travel for Irish digital nomads and short-term remote workers.
Argentina Tightens Residency and Public Service Rules
President Milei's 2026 agenda includes a new wave of structural reforms that may specifically target immigration and residency regulations.
Brazil Updates Entry Rules for China and Seven Other Nations
Starting February 24, 2026, citizens from China, Denmark, France, Ireland, and several Caribbean nations can enter Brazil visa-free for up to 30 days. The stay is extendable to 90 days within a 12-month period, facilitating easier short-term scouting trips for potential expats and digital nomads.
Inside the Ecuador Rentista Visa for Remote Workers
Ecuador has updated its Digital Nomad Visa guidelines, setting the minimum monthly income requirement at approximately $1,350 from foreign sources. The update also provides a comparative analysis between the nomad-specific permit and traditional professional visa routes for remote workers.
Understanding Uruguay's Updated Tax Residency Rules
Starting January 2026, Uruguay is raising the bar for tax residency, requiring a $2 million real estate investment or a $100,000 innovation fund contribution. While the 11-year tax holiday on foreign income remains, the previous 7% permanent tax option is being phased out.
What to Know About Colombia’s Entry Protocols
Travelers and nomads entering Colombia in 2026 must complete the mandatory Check-MIG form and may face increased scrutiny of mobile devices by immigration officers. These procedures are essential for maintaining legal entry status and avoiding potential deportation or entry denial.
Colombia Updates Income Requirements for Residency Visas
Colombia's projected minimum wage increase for 2026 will directly raise the financial thresholds for various residency and retirement visas. Expats should prepare for higher monthly income requirements and increased costs for services tied to the legal minimum wage.
Argentina Updates Entry Rules for US Green Card Holders
Argentina has expanded its Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE) system to include US Green Card holders for tourism and business. Eligible permanent residents can now enter the country without a traditional consular visa, simplifying travel for those based in the US.
Brazil Updates Entry Rules for US, Canadian, and EU Travelers
Beginning January 1, 2026, citizens from previously exempt nations including the U.S., Canada, and France must obtain an e-Visa to enter Brazil. The visa costs $80.90, is valid for up to 10 years, and represents a significant shift in entry requirements for long-term travelers and remote workers.