Alessandro Palombo

First, let’s set the scene! Uruguay is South America’s 2nd smallest country but has a rich history spanning from: - The indigenous Charrúa peoples - Spanish conquests - Declaration of independence from Brazil in 1825 Since then, it has become a quietly thriving country.

This tiny country is beating the US at its own game: - Higher press freedom ranking - Better income equality - Ranked 'full democracy' by The Economist (US is 'flawed') Super impressive. And yet still very unknown. Here are 11 reasons why you should take notice:

1. Tax Haven in Disguise: - 0% tax on foreign income for 11 years, the 12% on foreign interest and dividends - OR 7% flat tax on global income - No wealth tax for new residents (6 years) @nomadcapitalist explains here as well:

2. Safety First: - Lowest crime rate in South America - Political stability since 1985 - Ranked 'full democracy' by The Economist You can walk Montevideo's streets at 3 AM without worry. Try that in other capitals…

3. Digital Infrastructure: - Faster internet speeds in Latin America - Among the first countries with 5G in Latin America - 100% of primary schools with laptops since 2009 Uruguay is not just beach resorts. It's an upcoming tech powerhouse.

4. Residency & Citizenship: - Permanent residency in 2 years - Citizenship possible in 3-5 years Uruguayan passport is quite powerful, offering visa-free access to 153 countries. N.B. Permanent residency has strict requirements, more than other countries.

5. Progressive Policies: - Same-sex marriage legal since 2013 - Marijuana legalized in 2013 - Strong commitment to freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, guaranteed by the Constitution Their commitment to civil liberties is impressive and underrated.

6. Emerging Startup Ecosystem: - Tax-free zones for tech companies - Growing VC presence - Success stories like dLocal (first Uruguayan unicorn) Montevideo is gaining recognition as a tech hub in South America. The next Medellín?

7. Quality of Life: - Highest quality of life in South America (Mercer) - Universal healthcare system - Rich culture: Tango, football, asados Some call Uruguay boring…no doubt that it has a relaxed lifestyle. But the carnivals at least look incredible!

8. Cost of Living: - Generally cheaper than US cities - More expensive than neighbors but affordable at various price points - Avg. 1-bedroom in Montevideo: $600/month But visiting Punta del Este, “Monaco of South America” in summer? Budget more like you're in Miami.

9. Uruguay's Secret Weapon: Stability In a region known for volatility, Uruguay stands out: - No coup attempts since 1972 - Consistent economic policies - Strong respect for rule of law This stability is magnetic for long-term investors and nomads alike.

10. The "Switzerland of South America": - Strong banking secrecy laws - Robust financial services sector - Growing crypto adoption Uruguay is positioning itself as a financial hub for the Americas.

11. Work-Life Balance: - Beaches short drive from downtown Montevideo - Siesta culture still alive - 20 paid vacation days + 5 paid holidays Who says you can't have it all?

Some of the downsides: - Limited direct flights to Europe/Asia - Winter can be chilly and damp - Lack of major tourist attractions Not for thrill-seekers, but perfect for those seeking a high-quality, low-key life.

Other challenges to consider: - Spanish is a must (English less common) - Smaller expat community than other nomad hubs - Some services can be bureaucratic Patience is key. The laid-back culture is a feature, not a bug.

Uruguay vs. Neighbors: - More expensive than Argentina - Safer than Brazil - Less bureaucratic than Chile The Goldilocks of South America? Definitely for you to consider!

Personally, I’ve heard amazing things about the country from friends with direct experiences. I’m planning to visit Punta del Este next year, so stay tuned for updates! What other countries are there that are super underrated? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. I’m on a mission to design the future of citizenship. For weekly actionable frameworks and ideas on how to lower taxes and unlock financial freedom for you and your family, join my newsletter here: https://www.alenewsletter.com/

And also check out @nomadcapitalist video on a great comparison between Uruguay and Paraguay (another potential hidden gem!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

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