Argentinians Working in Brazil under MERCOSUR Agreement

Introduction:

In the spirit of regional cooperation, MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market) fosters unity among its member nations, including Argentina and Brazil.  

    1. – Argentina
    2. – Brazil
    3. – Paraguay
    4. – Uruguay
    5. – Venezuela (Note: Venezuela’s membership was suspended in 2016)

Bolivia is in the process of becoming a full member, having been granted adhesion status. 

One of the significant benefits of this alliance is the simplified process for citizens of MERCOSUR countries to work in each other’s territories without the need for elaborate work authorizations. In this article, we will explore the streamlined process and essential requirements for Argentinians seeking employment opportunities in Brazil.

The MERCOSUR's Agreement:

MERCOSUR’s founding principles aim to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. Argentina, as a MERCOSUR nation, benefits from the agreement’s provisions that facilitate the movement of its citizens across borders for work purposes. This includes the right for Argentinians to work in Brazil without the burdensome process of obtaining a separate work authorization.

The Work Authorization Journey: 

The process for Argentinians to work in Brazil is relatively straightforward under the MERCOSUR agreement. It’s called VITEM XIII – MERCOSUR residents. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

  1. Check Eligibility:
    Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, including being a citizen of Argentina and complying with any specific requirements outlined in the MERCOSUR agreement. (Argentinian Citizenship: To be eligible to work under MERCOSUR, you need to be a citizen of one of the MERCOSUR member countries, which include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Citizens of these countries generally enjoy certain privileges regarding work authorization within the MERCOSUR region.)
  2. Prepare Documentation:
    Gather necessary documents such as a valid passport, proof of citizenship, and any additional documents required by Brazilian immigration authorities.
  3. Travel to Brazil:
    Travel to Brazil for employment purposes. While there may not be a need for a separate work visa, it’s essential to comply with any entry requirements imposed by Brazilian immigration.
  4. Registration in Brazil:
    Upon arrival, register with the local authorities or the appropriate government agency responsible for immigration, such as nearest Federal Police office. This may involve providing information about the purpose and duration of your stay, as well as your intended place of residence in Brazil and employment details.
  5. Comply with Local Regulations:
    Familiarize yourself with and adhere to local labor laws and regulations in Brazil. While MERCOSUR facilitates the movement of workers, it’s crucial to respect the legal framework of the host country.

Key Considerations:

  • Stay informed about any updates or changes in immigration policies and regulations.
  • Maintain open communication with local authorities to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Conclusion:
The MERCOSUR agreement stands as a testament to the commitment of member nations, including Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, to regional cooperation and integration. Argentinians seeking employment in Brazil can benefit from this agreement, experiencing a simplified process that enables them to contribute to the workforce seamlessly. By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the outlined steps, individuals can embark on new professional opportunities across borders within the MERCOSUR community.

Obtaining Residency in Uruguay for Argentinians

This is the procedure that any person born or with more than 5 years of naturalization in the countries of Mercosur and Associates (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana) must undergo to settle temporarily in Uruguay for a maximum period of two (2) years. To renew your residency, please ensure to submit your request within 90 days before the initial two-year period expires. For inquiries and extension requests, you can reach out to the authorities at [email protected].

 

Should you decide to transition from Mercosur Temporary Residency to Permanent Residency, please contact [email protected] for guidance. 

Mercosur Permanent Residency is granted to persons born or nationalized in Mercosur and associated countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Surinam, and Guyana.

Mercosur Temporary Residency in Brazil for Argentinians VITEM XIII - MERCOSUR Residents


TEMPORARY VISA XIII – Residency for citizens of countries participating in the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement.

a) Key Guidelines:
• Nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay can seek a temporary residency permit to reside in Brazil (Decree 6.975/2009).
• Dependents of citizens from the mentioned countries, regardless of their nationalities, can also apply for this visa extension (Normative Resolution No.108/2014).
• Within 30 days of entering Brazil, VITEM XIII visa holders must register with the Federal Police (click here) and provide a copy of the visa application form from the Embassy.
• Both VITEM XIII visa holders and their dependents are authorized to work in Brazil.

b) Duration of Stay:
Up to 2 years. Visa holders are eligible to apply for a permanent visa 90 days before the visa expiration date.

c) Necessary Documentation:
Please ensure that you bring original documents to the appointment:

 

1. Valid passport of the applicant with at least two blank pages. Pages reserved for amendments cannot be used for visa purposes.


2. Recent passport-size photograph against a white background.


3. Online-filled visa application form (click here). Print and bring the Visa Request Form Receipt (RER) to the appointment. Provide parents’ full names as displayed in your birth/marriage certificate. For minor children (under 18 years old), the printed RER must be signed by both parents.


4. Police check (applicants aged 18 years or over) valid for 3 months after issuance. If the applicant has resided in multiple countries in the last 12 months, a police check from each country is required, legalized by the respective Brazilian consular authority and translated if necessary. Alternatively, a sworn declaration can be submitted, affirming the absence of international criminal convictions.

Residency Paths for Non-MERCOSUR Members through Investment, Real Estate, Remote Work, and Retirement

 

Brazil offers various pathways for individuals seeking residency through investment, real estate, remote work, and retirement. Here are four distinct options tailored to different preferences:

Brazilian Commercial Enterprise- Residency by Investment
Investors can smoothly establish a company in Brazil by investing a minimum of 500,000 Brazilian Reals (approximately U$100,000), qualifying for permanent residency. This pathway involves temporary residency for 2 years, renewable to permanent residency, and citizenship eligibility after 4 years of permanent residency. The minimum stay requirement is 180 days in the country.

The Brazilian Golden Visa- Residency by Real Estate Investment
Real estate investors can pursue residency in Brazil with investments of at least 1,000,000 Brazilian Reals (excluding the North East) or 800,000 Brazilian Reals (in the North East). This option mirrors the structure of temporary residency for 2 years, direct renewal to permanent residency, citizenship eligibility after 4 years of permanent residency, and a minimum stay requirement of 180 days.

The Brazilian Digital Nomad- Residency by Proof of Funds & Remote Occupation
As per Resolution CNIg nº45/2021, individuals with a clear criminal record and evidence of remote occupation, supported by a minimum monthly income of U$1,500 or funds totaling U$18,000, can apply for residency. This entails temporary residency for 1 year, renewable for an additional year, without a direct pathway to permanent residency.

The Brazilian Residency for Retirees
According to Resolution Nº40/2019, retirees or pensioners can obtain temporary residency by proving a monthly transfer of equal or greater value to USD 2,000.00. The initial residency period is 2 years, extendable indefinitely. Citizenship eligibility follows after 4 years of permanent residency