New Residence Permit Introduced for Select MERCOSUR Nationalities

Nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay will soon be eligible for a new two-year work-authorized residence permit in Ecuador, though an implementation date is not yet known. The permit will be created under the MERCOSUR agreement and will not require employer sponsorship. 

A streamlined application process will require fewer supporting documents than are required for standard work authorization (the 12-VI visa). Processing times for the new permit are expected to be five business days. Applications will be made with an Ecuadorian consulate or with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after arrival in Ecuador. Holders of the new permit will be eligible to apply for permanent residence after residing in Ecuador for two years, provided that they have maintained continuous residence in the country. 

An implementation date for the MERCOSUR residence permit is expected to be announced at the end of April. 

MERCOSUR is a regional economic and political bloc that includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela as full members, and Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname as associate members. Permit concessions to member states vary among countries. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals 

Employers who do not have an Ecuadorian entity to sponsor foreign nationals under other work permit categories will benefit from the nationality-based residence permit, as it does not require company sponsorship. Foreign nationals from the eight eligible MERCOSUR countries will have the option of relocating to Ecuador to seek employment without needing a local sponsor. 

How Fragomen Can Assist 

Fragomen can assist with developing strategies for rapid personnel deployment based on regional trade agreements and nationality considerations. Fragomen can also assist with preparing and submitting MERCOSUR and other permit applications in Ecuador. 

Fragomen worked closely with Vivanco & Vivanco (Ecuador) to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email [email protected].   

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