Federative Republic of Brazil · residence general · Leads to settlement
MERCOSUR residence agreement (VITEM XIII)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Treaty-based residence for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states, with a path from temporary to indefinite residence.
- Processing time
- The authority publishes current processing expectations for MERCOSUR residence on the official route page.
- Government fees
- The authority publishes current government and consular fees on the official route page.
- Typical duration
- Temporary residence is typically granted for up to two years and can be converted to indefinite residence on meeting the decree requirements; confirm current terms on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Under the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement (internalised in Brazil by Decree 6.975/2009), nationals of the agreement signatory states can establish temporary residence in Brazil on the basis of nationality rather than a specific economic activity. Applicants abroad obtain a VITEM XIII MERCOSUR temporary residence visa through a consulate; those already in Brazil can request residence directly from the Federal Police without a visa. After two years of temporary residence, holders may convert to indefinite residence if the decree requirements are met.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant is a national of a state party to the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement (or an associated state covered by the agreement).Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
- ✓A valid travel document evidencing the qualifying nationality is held.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
- ✓A clean criminal-record certificate is presented as required by the agreement.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
- ✓The request is made at a consulate (VITEM XIII) abroad or at the Federal Police in Brazil.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
Common blockers
- !Nationality is not covered by the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
- !Criminal-record or document requirements under the decree are not met.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
- !Conditions for converting temporary to indefinite residence are not satisfied at the two-year point.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport or national document evidencing qualifying MERCOSUR nationality.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
- ·Criminal-record certificates from countries of prior residence.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
- ·Birth or civil-status documents where required.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
- ·Proof of entry / current status if applying from within Brazil.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your nationality is covered by the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement under Decree 6.975/2009 on the official portal.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your passport, criminal-record certificates, and civil-status documents required by the agreement.
Submit through the official channel
Apply for the VITEM XIII visa at a Brazilian consulate if abroad, or request residence directly at the Federal Police if already in Brazil.
After approval
Register with the Federal Police for the CRNM card, then apply to convert to indefinite residence after two years if you meet the decree requirements.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official MERCOSUR residence agreement (VITEM XIII) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for MERCOSUR residence agreement (VITEM XIII).
Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) / Policia Federal · verified
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Family reunion residence (VITEM XI)
Residence authorization for family members of Brazilian nationals or of immigrants who hold residence in Brazil, under Interministerial Ordinance 12/2018.
Residence authorization for work (VITEM V)
Residence authorization for foreign nationals coming to Brazil to work, generally initiated by a Brazilian employer.
Residence for retirees and pensioners
Residence authorization for retired immigrants and recipients of a pension who can transfer a qualifying monthly income to Brazil, under CNIg Resolution 40/2019.
Frequently asked questions
Which nationalities qualify for MERCOSUR residence in Brazil?+
Nationals of the states party to the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement and its associated states qualify. Because the list of covered states can change, confirm the current coverage on the official Ministry of Justice portal page.
Does MERCOSUR temporary residence become permanent?+
It can. After two years of temporary residence, holders may convert to indefinite residence through the Federal Police if they meet the requirements set out in Decree 6.975/2009.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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