Venezuelans may now apply for Mercosur visa

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Venezuelan nationals may now apply for Mercosur visas in Colombia.

What does the change mean? Venezuelans may use the visa for stays in Colombia lasting up to two years of work or study.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Mercosur visas.
• Who is affected: Venezuelan nationals.
• Impact on processing times: Processing takes approximately five days.

Background: On March 26, Colombia extended the Mercosur visa privilege to Venezuela. Last November, Colombia added Paraguay and Uruguay to the list of countries eligible for the visa. Six other Mercosur countries are eligible for the visa on the basis of reciprocity agreements with Colombia: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

Applicants may apply in-country or abroad from a Colombian Consulate as long as he or she is a national of one of the above countries. The visa allows the holder to work for an employer or be self-employed for a period of up to two years. After two years, the Mercosur visa can be renewed and the foreigner may apply for a resident visa.

BAL Analysis: Businesses and self-employed individuals will benefit from expansion of the visa which allows foreign nationals to work for two-year renewable stays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Colombia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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