Professional mobility within MERCOSUR

MERCOSUR: the residence agreement for nationals of Member States

The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) is an economic and political alliance created with the signing of the Treaty of Asunción in 1991, later amended and updated in 1994 by the Ouro Preto Protocol. This economic integration process aims to ensure the free movement of goods, people and capital between its members, as well as the establishment of a common external tariff and the development of a common policy towards third countries.

MERCOSUR provides mechanisms designed to facilitate:

• mobility of persons (such as the temporary residence agreement and the agreement on travel documents),
• educational integration and recognition of qualifications,
• culture and cultural industries,
• human rights,
• the exchange of experiences related to citizen security issues, organised transnational crime, and training in these areas.

With this objective in mind, the Member States signed an agreement in 2002 providing for the implementation of a MERCOSUR visa.

What is the MERCOSUR visa?

The MERCOSUR visa is a travel and residence authorisation that facilitates the free movement of citizens of MERCOSUR member countries, namely Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, as well as associated countries such as Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.

This single visa allows citizens of these nations to live, work and study in any other member country, without requiring a separate work visa or student visa.

Once in the destination country, MERCOSUR visa holders must register with the local authorities in order to obtain their temporary residence permit.

Why is this visa beneficial?

Facilitation of mobility

The MERCOSUR visa simplifies administrative procedures, making it easier and faster for citizens to move between member countries.

Economic opportunities

By promoting the free movement of labour, this visa stimulates local economies by enabling companies to access a larger pool of talent and by opening new professional opportunities for workers.

Regional integration

The MERCOSUR visa strengthens integration and cooperation between South American countries, contributing to improved political, economic and social collaboration.

What are the eligibility criteria?

• Be a national of a State that is part of the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement.
• Have no criminal record in the host country, in the country of origin, or in any country where the applicant has resided during the five years preceding the application.
• The following conditions may also be required in certain cases:
• A medical certificate confirming the applicant’s medical fitness, where national legislation requires it.
• In the case of professional mobility, a local employment contract may be required in certain countries, for example Peru and Brazil.

It should be noted that the application may be submitted either to the consulate of the relevant country in the country of origin, or to the corresponding immigration authorities when the person is already in the host country.

What about dependants?

Dependants who are also nationals of a State party to the agreement enjoy the same rights as the principal applicant and may therefore obtain a temporary residence permit, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Family members who do not hold the nationality of one of the States party to the agreement may receive a residence permit of the same duration as that of the principal applicant, provided they submit the required documents (identity document, proof of family relationship, and absence of a criminal record).

If, due to their nationality, family members require a visa to enter the country, they must submit their application to the relevant consulate in their country of origin.

What is the validity period?

The maximum validity period of these permits is two years and they are not renewable.

If the applicant wishes to extend their stay beyond the expiry of the temporary residence permit, they may apply for permanent residence.

To do so, the applicant must appear before the immigration authorities of the host country within the 90 days preceding the expiry of the temporary residence permit.

What are the advantages?

The MERCOSUR temporary residence permit offers many advantages common to all the States party to the agreement, which are of great interest to employers:

• No minimum salary requirement, except for the minimum salary established by the legislation of each country
• No labour market test
• Shorter processing times compared to other types of work permits
• No prior employment seniority required
• No diploma requirement
• Leads to permanent residence