Brazil, Uruguay agree mutual permanent residency deal

An agreement signed between Brazil and Uruguay was officially published today (July 7) allowing more people to move between the two countries, effective after 30 days of the ratification by each country's congress.

Under this new agreement, Brazilians and Uruguayans may be granted permanent visas without length of temporary residency requirements. Applicants to permanent residency must present an identity document (e.g. valid port, ID card, and nationality certificate issued by the consular authority of the home country).

Also required is a certificate or personal statement of absence of criminal or court liabilities in the home country or the residence countries in the five years prior to relocation to the target country, and an international personal statement with a similar clearance.

In Brazil, visa applications must be filed with a Brazilian consular office. Applications for permanent residency must be submitted to Federal Police or the National Justice Secretariat. In Uruguay, applications will be handled at the Uruguayan diplomatic office or at the National Migration Directorate.

The applications are fee-exempt and entitle successful candidates to work in the target country under the same conditions as those applicable to nationals, “subject to the domestic limitations of each party.”

Translated by Mayra Borges