Brazil, Uruguay pen agreement on permanent residency

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Brazil and Uruguay have signed an agreement making it easier to obtain permanent residency in each other’s countries.

What does the change mean? Once implemented, the change will make it possible for Brazilian and Uruguayan nationals to obtain permanent residency in each other’s countries without first having to spend time as a temporary resident. Permanent residency will include work authorization rights in each country.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Permanent residency, work authorization.
• Who is affected: Brazilian and Uruguayan nationals looking to reside and work in each other’s countries.
• Business impact: Businesses in Brazil and Uruguay will likely have an easier time recruiting nationals from each other’s countries because it will be easier for Brazilian and Uruguayan nationals to obtain permanent residency and, with it, work authorization.
• Next steps: The agreement will take effect 30 days after each country’s congress ratifies the agreement.   

Background: Under the terms of the agreement, which was announced Friday, applicants for permanent residency will be required to provide personal identification (e.g., a valid passport) and domestic and international police clearance showing an absence of a criminal record. In Brazil, applications will be submitted to the appropriate Brazilian consular office. In Uruguay, applications will be submitted to the Federal Police or the National Justice Secretariat. Application fees will be waived.

BAL Analysis: The agreement will significantly speed up the process of obtaining permanent residency for those covered by the deal because it eliminates the prerequisite of temporary residency. Those who obtain permanent residency under the agreement should be afforded the same work rights as domestic workers, though this provision is subject to domestic limitations of each country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Brazil. For additional information, please contact brazil@bal.com.

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