Which countries are eligible for the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement?

Citizens of Member States (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) and Associate States (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname) are eligible. Venezuela has been suspended since 2017. Nationals of these countries can apply for residence in Brazil under the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement.

Do I need a visa to enter Brazil as a MERCOSUR citizen?

No. Citizens of MERCOSUR countries can enter Brazil with only their national identity document, without a passport or visa. Tourist stays are limited to 90 days, extendable by 90 more. For residence, the application is made directly in Brazil at the Federal Police.

How long does it take to get permanent residence through MERCOSUR?

Temporary residence is granted within 30 to 60 days of the application. After 2 years of temporary residence, the citizen can apply for conversion to permanent residence. The conversion process takes approximately 30 to 90 additional days. The total timeline is about 2 years and 3 months.

Can I work in Brazil with MERCOSUR residence?

Yes. MERCOSUR temporary residence already authorizes formal work in Brazil. The resident can be hired with a formal employment contract, work as self-employed, or open a business. Labor rights are identical to those of Brazilians under the CLT. No additional work authorization is required.

Does MERCOSUR residence provide access to public healthcare and education?

Yes. MERCOSUR residents are entitled to free SUS (Unified Health System) healthcare and enrollment in public educational institutions at all levels, including federal universities. They also have access to federal government social programs such as Bolsa Família and housing programs, provided they meet specific requirements.

MERCOSUR Residence in Brazil: Guide for South Americans

Quick Answer

The MERCOSUR Residence Agreement allows citizens of 11 South American countries to obtain residence in Brazil through a simplified process, without requiring a prior visa. The process is completed directly at the Federal Police after entering the country, initially granting 2-year temporary residence and then permanent residence. Residents have the right to work, education, healthcare, and all benefits of any legal resident.

If you are a citizen of a MERCOSUR country and wish to reside in Brazil, our immigration team can guide you through the entire process.

What Is the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement?

The Agreement on Residence for Nationals of MERCOSUR Member States was signed in 2002 and implemented in Brazil through Decree No. 6.975/2009. This agreement created a simplified mechanism for obtaining residence for citizens of bloc countries, eliminating the need for consular visas and significantly reducing bureaucracy.

The agreement is complemented by Migration Law No. 13.445/2017, which establishes the general principles of reception and regional integration as foundations of Brazilian immigration policy.

Fundamental principles

Free movement of people in the region
Equal treatment between nationals and foreigners from the bloc
Reciprocity — the same rights are guaranteed to Brazilians in other member countries
Simplification of immigration procedures
Regional integration as a strategic objective

Eligible Countries

Full Member States

Country	Status	Notes
Argentina	Full member	No restrictions
Brazil	Full member	Receiving country
Paraguay	Full member	No restrictions
Uruguay	Full member	No restrictions
Venezuela	Suspended since 2017	Residence rights maintained for nationals already in Brazil

Associate States

Country	Status	Residence Agreement
Bolivia	Associate (full accession in progress)	Yes
Chile	Associate	Yes
Colombia	Associate	Yes
Ecuador	Associate	Yes
Guyana	Associate	Yes
Peru	Associate	Yes
Suriname	Associate	Yes

All citizens of the countries listed above can apply for residence in Brazil under the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement.

Temporary vs. Permanent Residence

The MERCOSUR Residence Agreement establishes a two-stage system:

Stage 1: Temporary residence (2 years)

Temporary residence is initially granted with the following characteristics:

Duration: 2 years
Right to work: Yes, without restrictions
Right to education: Yes, all levels
Right to healthcare: Yes, full SUS coverage
Document: Temporary CRNM

Stage 2: Permanent residence (indefinite)

After 2 years of temporary residence, the citizen can request conversion to permanent:

Duration: Indefinite
All rights from temporary residence, plus:
Basis for Brazilian naturalization application
Greater legal stability
Document: Permanent CRNM

Comparison with regular visas

Aspect	MERCOSUR Residence	Regular Visa
Consular visa required	No	Yes
Process in Brazil	Yes (Federal Police)	Generally abroad
Processing time	30-60 days	3-8 months
Cost	R$200-400	R$1,000-5,000+
Work authorization	Automatic	Requires sponsorship
Documentation	Simplified	Extensive

Required Documents

For temporary residence

National identity document from country of origin (or passport)
Birth certificate or marriage certificate (apostilled)
Criminal background certificate from country of origin (apostilled)
Criminal background certificate from the Brazilian Federal Police
Declaration of absence of international criminal records (Interpol)
Proof of legal entry into Brazil (entry stamp or Receita Federal declaration)
Completed application form
Payment receipt for the fee (GRU)
Recent 3x4 photographs Learn more about our family law services.

For conversion to permanent residence

In addition to updated versions of the above documents:

Valid temporary CRNM
Proof of residence in Brazil
Proof of means of subsistence (employment, income, economic activity)
Income tax returns for the last 2 years (when applicable)

About apostille

The Hague Convention has been adopted by all MERCOSUR countries. Documents issued in any member country must be apostilled in the country of origin before being submitted in Brazil. The apostille replaces traditional consular legalization.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Enter Brazil

The MERCOSUR citizen enters Brazil with their national identity document or passport. No visa is required. Upon entry, they receive the temporary admission stamp (90 days as a tourist).

Step 2: Gather documents (2-4 weeks)

Collect all documents listed above. Ensure that:

Foreign documents are apostilled
Documents in Spanish or other languages have sworn translation (Portuguese and Spanish may not require translation between MERCOSUR countries in many cases, but verify)
Certificates were issued within the last 90 days

Step 3: Schedule at the Federal Police

Access the Federal Police SisAuto system to schedule an in-person appointment. Scheduling is done online and availability varies by city.

Step 4: Federal Police appointment

On the scheduled date, present all original documents and copies. The Federal Police:

Verifies documentation
Collects biometric data (photo and fingerprints)
Issues application receipt
Informs the timeline for CRNM pickup

Step 5: Temporary CRNM issuance (30-60 days)

The temporary CRNM (National Migratory Registration Card) is issued and must be collected in person at the Federal Police. With this document, the citizen can:

Work formally
Open a bank account
Obtain a CPF
Access public services

Step 6: Conversion to permanent (after 2 years)

Up to 90 days before the temporary residence expires, request the conversion:

Gather updated documentation
Schedule a Federal Police appointment
Present proof of means of subsistence
Await permanent CRNM issuance

Rights of MERCOSUR Residents

Employment

Formal employment with a signed work card (CLT)
Self-employment without restrictions
Business opening (MEI, ME, LTDA, etc.)
Labor rights identical to those of Brazilians
Access to FGTS, 13th salary, paid vacation
INSS contributions and social security benefits

Education

Enrollment in public schools (primary and secondary)
Access to public universities (vestibular, ENEM, SISU)
Foreign diploma validation
Scholarship programs specific to South Americans
Portuguese language courses for foreigners

Healthcare

Comprehensive care through SUS
Consultations, exams, hospitalizations, and surgeries
Complete vaccination program
Access to medications through the Popular Pharmacy program
Psychological and psychiatric care

Other rights

Social security — INSS contributions and benefits
Social programs — Bolsa Família, Minha Casa Minha Vida
Bank account — opening with CRNM and CPF
Driver’s license — Brazilian CNH
Voting — after naturalization

Reciprocity: Brazilians in MERCOSUR

The agreement is reciprocal. Brazilians can obtain residence in other MERCOSUR countries with the same benefits:

Country	Process	Estimated Timeline
Argentina	Direct at DNM	30-60 days
Uruguay	Direct at DNM	30-60 days
Paraguay	Direct at DGM	30-90 days
Chile	Direct at DEM	30-60 days
Colombia	Direct at Migración Colombia	30-90 days
Bolivia	Direct at SEGIP	30-90 days

Special Situations

Venezuelans in Brazil

Despite Venezuela’s suspension from MERCOSUR in 2017, Venezuelan citizens already in Brazil maintain their residence rights. New Venezuelan applicants can seek:

Temporary residence based on other provisions of the Migration Law
Refugee status through CONARE
Humanitarian reception under specific regulations

Unaccompanied minors

Minors under 18 from MERCOSUR countries can apply for residence but require:

Formal authorization from parents or legal guardians
Judicial guardianship when unaccompanied
Monitoring by the Conselho Tutelar (Child Protection Council)

Spouse of MERCOSUR citizen

The spouse of a MERCOSUR national (even if of another nationality) can apply for residence as a dependent, provided they prove the marriage or civil union.

Process Costs

Item	Estimated Cost
Federal Police fee (GRU)	R$200-300
CRNM	R$100-200
Document apostille	R$50-200 per document
Sworn translation (if needed)	R$200-500 per document
3x4 photographs	R$20-40
Estimated total	R$500-1,500

These amounts are significantly lower than regular visa costs, which can exceed R$5,000 with fees and government charges.

Naturalization After MERCOSUR Residence

MERCOSUR citizens with permanent residence can apply for Brazilian naturalization after meeting the requirements:

4 years of continuous residence in Brazil (general period)
1 year for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries
1 year for those with a Brazilian child
Ability to communicate in Portuguese
No criminal convictions in Brazil or abroad
Proven means of subsistence

Naturalization grants full Brazilian citizenship, including voting rights and a Brazilian passport.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Arriving with non-apostilled documents — Without apostille, the process cannot proceed
Missing the conversion deadline — Apply for permanent residence up to 90 days before expiration
Not obtaining a CPF — Required for virtually all civil acts in Brazil
Ignoring tax obligations — Brazilian residents must file income tax returns
Not knowing labor rights — Learn about CLT rights including FGTS and 13th salary

How ZS Advogados Can Help

Our visas and immigration team offers guidance for MERCOSUR citizens:

Documentation requirements guidance
Federal Police process follow-up
Temporary to permanent residence conversion
Brazilian naturalization advisory
Tax and fiscal planning
Employment and business guidance

This article is for informational purposes and does not replace individualized legal advice. The MERCOSUR Residence Agreement is subject to change. Last updated: May 2026.