Which countries are part of the Residence Agreement?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Residence Agreement brings together Mercosur member states and associate countries. The list is specific and defines who is eligible to use this simplified procedure. Nationals from outside this group must rely on other legal grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Countries currently covered by the agreement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Argentina<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bolivia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chile<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colombia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ecuador<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Paraguay<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peru<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Uruguay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Does this agreement apply to work under an employment contract?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Yes, and that is one of its major advantages. A Mercosur residence permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Brazil. The foreign national may enter into an employment relationship, provide services, or engage in economic activities, in accordance with the country\u2019s general rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For this reason, many companies consider this option before proceeding with a labor Normative Resolution. For professionals from Argentina or Chile, the Mercosur route is usually faster. Carefully analyzing which basis to use is what determines the efficiency of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How does the Mercosur visa application process work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are two paths to obtaining residency through Mercosur. The choice depends on where the foreign national is located at the time of the application. Each path has a different procedure and a different competent authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first option is a consular visa. The second is applying for residency while already in Brazil. Both lead to the same temporary residence permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two aspects of the agreement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- VITEM XIII: Mercosur temporary residence visa, applied for abroad while the immigrant is still outside Brazil.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visa-free residency: applied for directly with the Federal Police when the foreign national is already residing in Brazil.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security is the immigration authority. The Federal Police is the agency that receives applications filed in Brazil, reviews the documentation, and issues the authorization. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles consular matters through consulates and embassies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What documents are required for the process?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The documentation required for a Mercosur visa is less extensive than that for work visas. Even so, it requires organization. Documents issued abroad usually need to be legalized and translated in order to be accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Documents typically requested:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A valid identity card or passport issued by a signatory country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and the country of residence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of citizenship of the country party to the agreement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Civil documents, such as birth or marriage certificates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of payment of the applicable fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Foreign certificates often require an Apostille under the Hague Convention and a certified translation. This requirement links the application to the apostille and sworn translation solutions<\/a> that are part of the immigration process. Without this step, the Federal Police or the consulate may reject the documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In processes handled by consulting firms such as Target Relocation, the first step is to confirm eligibility based on nationality and conduct a background check. This precaution prevents applicants from initiating the application through a more complex route when Mercosur could already resolve the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How long does a Mercosur residency last?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The residency granted under the agreement is initially temporary. It is for a fixed term, in accordance with the rules of the treaty incorporated into Brazilian law. This term provides the foreign national with legal certainty to live and work in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before the expiration date, it is possible to apply for conversion to indefinite residency. This conversion takes place after the initial period, provided the legal requirements have been met. Details on the deadlines and the conversion process are provided in the next section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why can a Mercosur visa be converted into permanent residency?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest advantages of the agreement is the prospect of permanent residency. Foreign nationals are not tied to endless renewals of temporary residency. After a certain period, they can permanently settle in Brazil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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