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Guide

South America Residence Options

What can support a move to South America?

Residence in South America can be based on nationality, family, work, or an intention to settle with a means of support. Regional agreements give some citizens additional options, depending on the destination.

About this guide

A lasting move to South America can grow from an existing connection or a plan to establish a new home. Understanding which basis fits you helps make sense of the region’s different residence options.

This guide compares selected routes for settling, joining family, and working, alongside nationality-based options and later permanent residence. Begin with the circumstances you have today, then consider how the route could support a longer stay. The regional mobility report explains the agreements that may make citizenship especially relevant to your choice.

Pathways compared 43
Countries covered 12

Settlement without a specific employer sponsor
Uruguay General Permanent Residence General Residency A foreign national outside Uruguay's special Mercosur-nationality route can apply for permanent residence by showing a genuine intention to settle and a documented means of living. The in-country process also requires identity, criminal-record, vaccination, and civil-status records. Permanent residence, subject to approval and retention rules No Direct permanent-residence application
Paraguay General Temporary Residence General Residency Temporary residence for foreign nationals settling in Paraguay for a lawful activity. Up to 2 years, renewable for an equal period No After completing temporary residence, subject to a separate application

No pathways match that filter.

Residence through nationality
Argentina Residence for South Americans Nationality Based Residency Argentina's MERCOSUR route gives two-year temporary residence to qualifying nationals of listed South American countries, subject to identity, lawful-entry, address, and criminal-record evidence. 2 years of temporary residence Temporary residence first
Brazil Residence for South Americans Nationality Based Residency Brazil's MERCOSUR Residence Agreement route is for citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. It grants temporary residence for up to two years and can be changed to residence for an indeterminate period if the conversion requirements are met on time. Up to 2 years of temporary residence After 2 years temporary residence
Brazil Residence Through Nationality Regional Mobility Residency A two-year residence process for eligible citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries who are already in Brazil. 2 years initially; indefinite residence requires another application After the 2-year temporary period, subject to a new application
Brazil Residence for Neighboring Nationals Nationality Based Residency Two-year residence for citizens of Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname who apply inside Brazil. 2 years initially; later indefinite residence requires another application Separate conversion application in the final 90 days
Chile Residence for South Americans Regional Mobility Residency Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay may use Chile's MERCOSUR reciprocity temporary-residence category. It is based on citizenship, not merely birth, residence, or ancestry in one of those countries. Up to 2 years of temporary residence Temporary residence first; permanent residence has a separate residence-period review
Colombia Residence for South Americans Nationality Based Residency This nationality-based Migrant visa is available to citizens of the Mercosur residence-agreement states for which Colombia currently applies reciprocity. It is issued once for two years, grants open work authorization, and can support a Resident visa application after two qualifying years. 2 years, one time 2 qualifying years
Colombia Residence for Andean Citizens Regional Mobility Residency A two-year Migrant visa for citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru under the Andean migration agreement. 2 years initially 2 years under the Andean Migrant category
Ecuador South American Agreement Residence Regional Mobility Residency Citizens of covered South American countries can apply for two years of temporary residence in Ecuador under the MERCOSUR agreement, then seek permanent residence during the 90 days before that visa expires. 2 years of temporary residence Apply during the final 90 days of the 2-year temporary visa
Ecuador Residence for Andean Citizens Regional Mobility Residency Temporary residence for Bolivian, Colombian, and Peruvian citizens under the Andean migration agreement. Up to 2 years initially Separate Andean permanent-residence application after qualifying temporary residence
Peru Residence for South Americans Nationality Based Residency Peru's MERCOSUR route gives eligible South American nationals two years of temporary residence. The temporary status cannot be renewed, but a holder may apply for MERCOSUR indefinite residence during the final 90 days. 2 years; not renewable Apply during the final 90 days of the 2-year temporary status
Paraguay Residence for South Americans Nationality Based Residency Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Uruguay can apply in person for Paraguay's two-year, nonrenewable MERCOSUR temporary residence without a job offer, investment, or family sponsor. 2 years; not renewable Apply for MERCOSUR permanent residence during the final 90 days of temporary status
Uruguay South American Permanent Residence Nationality Based Residency Nationals of eleven listed Mercosur member and associated countries can apply directly for permanent residence in Uruguay based on nationality. Permanent residence Direct permanent residence
Uruguay South American Temporary Residence Nationality Based Residency Nationals of eleven listed Mercosur member and associated countries who specifically want a limited stay can apply for two-year temporary residence in Uruguay. 2 years, with one further 2-year renewal Direct permanent residence is a separate nationality-based option

No pathways match that filter.

Family connections and Surinamese origin
Argentina Family-Tie Residency Family Residency Argentina's current family-reunification route gives temporary residence to specified close relatives of Argentine citizens and of temporary or permanent residents. The exact qualifying relatives differ according to the family member's status. Temporary residence for the period approved An approved applicant receives temporary residence for the period stated by Argentina's immigration authority.
Bolivia Residence Through Family Family Residency Temporary residence based on an accepted family relationship, marriage, adoption, or financial dependency in Bolivia. Temporary residence for a period justified by the family circumstances Living in Bolivia on an approved family basis.
Brazil Family-Reunion Residence Family Residency Brazilian family-reunion residence covers listed relatives of a Brazilian citizen or qualifying immigrant resident, including spouses or partners, children and stepchildren, parents and grandparents, grandchildren, some siblings, and a person with a Brazilian under their guardianship. Indefinite or linked to the temporary sponsor’s expiry Once granted and registered, family residence allows the holder to live in Brazil for the authorized period.
Chile Family Residence Family Residency Chile's family-reunification permit is for specific close relatives of a Chilean citizen or a person who holds current Residencia Definitiva. Both the sponsor's exact status and the relationship category must be proved. Temporary residence for the period approved An approved family-reunification permit lets the holder reside in Chile for the period granted.
Chile Residence for a Resident’s Family Family Residency Temporary residence for a qualifying spouse, partner, child, or stepchild of a Chilean temporary-residence holder or applicant. Validity follows the sponsoring temporary residence Living in Chile and undertaking lawful paid work; rules on employment of minors still apply.
Colombia Partner Migrant Visa Family Residency Colombia has separate migrant visas for the foreign spouse and the formally recognized permanent partner of a Colombian citizen. The marriage route can be valid for up to three years; the permanent-partner route can be valid for up to one year and requires a union document formalized more than one year before filing. Spouse: up to 3 years; permanent partner: up to 1 year Open work authorization for lawful work in Colombia, subject to professional licensing rules.
Colombia Visa for Parent of a Citizen Family Residency This is a Migrant visa for a foreign parent of a person who is Colombian by birth. It can be issued for up to three years, grants open work authorization, and may support a Resident visa application after two qualifying years. Up to 3 years The principal visa can authorize residence for up to three years and provides open work permission for lawful activity.
Ecuador Permanent Residence for Partners Family Residency A foreign spouse or legally recognized partner of an Ecuadorian citizen may apply directly for permanent residence. The relationship must be legally recorded and genuine, and the couple must complete the required identity, background, and relationship checks. Permanent residence Approval gives the foreign spouse or partner Ecuadorian permanent residence on the family basis.
Ecuador Residence Through Close Relatives Family Residency Permanent residence through a covered close relationship to an Ecuadorian citizen or a foreign permanent resident. Permanent residence, subject to the rules for retaining status Permanent residence on the accepted family basis.
Ecuador Temporary Resident Family Visa Family Residency Temporary residence for the spouse, recognized partner, or qualifying children of a foreign temporary resident in Ecuador. Validity linked to the sponsoring temporary resident’s visa Living in Ecuador as the sponsored family member for the approved period.
Peru Family Resident Status Family Residency Peru family resident status is for foreign nationals with a qualifying family tie to a Peruvian citizen or a foreign resident in Peru. It generally requires proof of the relationship, the sponsor's status, and standard residence-document checks. Validity depends on the sponsor and family category An approved family resident may reside in Peru, make multiple entries while the status and documents remain valid.
Paraguay Permanent Residence Through Family Family Residency A foreign spouse of a Paraguayan citizen, or a foreign child of a Paraguayan parent, can use the special Law No. 2193 process for direct permanent residence without first holding temporary residence. Permanent status; residence card renewed every 10 years An approved applicant receives permanent residence directly, with no two-year temporary-residence stage.
Suriname Residence Through Origin Ancestry Residency A residence process for foreign citizens with a qualifying Surinamese origin, including certain people born in Suriname and their children. Temporary residence up to 2 years, or indefinite residence if approved Applying for temporary or indefinite residence through the procedure for qualifying people of Surinamese origin.
Uruguay Permanent Residence Through Family Family Residency A foreign spouse, judicially recognized partner, parent or sibling of a Uruguayan can apply directly for permanent residence by proving the relationship. Permanent residence Approval grants permanent residence.
Venezuela Citizen Family Visa Family Residency A family visa for qualifying close relatives of a Venezuelan citizen. 1-year multiple-entry visa; extension assessed separately Entry and stay on the approved family basis.
Venezuela Resident Family Visa Family Residency A family visa for qualifying close relatives of a foreign permanent resident in Venezuela. 1-year multiple-entry visa; extension assessed separately Entry and stay on the approved family basis.

No pathways match that filter.

Employment and business in Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela
Bolivia Work Residence Employment Residency Temporary residence for documented employment or independent work in Bolivia. Temporary residence for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the activity Living and carrying out approved lawful work in Bolivia, subject to labor and professional rules.
Guyana Employment Visa Employment Residency Permission for people with documented employment in Guyana. Duration stated in the approval; continuing employment may need an extension Entry and stay for approved employment, with the permission and any later work permit setting the work conditions.
Guyana Business Visa Business Residency Permission for a documented business stay in Guyana, supported by the relevant business and sponsor records. Duration stated in the approval; extensions assessed separately Entry and stay for the approved business purpose.
Suriname Residence for Employment Employment Residency Residence and work authorization for people with an employer in Suriname. Residence and work-permit duration determined in the approvals Living and working in Suriname under the residence and employment permissions issued.
Venezuela Employment Visa Employment Residency A visa for employment approved by Venezuela’s labor and immigration authorities. 1 year with multiple entries and a stay of the same length Entry and a stay for the authorized employment.

No pathways match that filter.

Permanent residence after qualifying residence
Argentina Permanent Residence Residency Permanent residence is available through qualifying temporary-residence history, Brazilian nationality, or being born abroad to an Argentine parent. The correct route determines which residence and family records you need. Permanent residence 2 or 3 qualifying years; separate direct grounds also exist
Bolivia Permanent Residence Permanent Residence Residency Permanent residence for people with the required qualifying residence history in Bolivia. Indefinite residence; foreign-resident identity card renewed every 5 years 3 qualifying years
Chile Permanent Residence Permanent Residence Residency Permanent residence for holders of a qualifying Chilean temporary permission who meet the residence and other requirements. Indefinite residence, subject to retention rules Usually 24 months; 12–48 months or dependent rules may apply
Colombia Resident Visa After Residence Permanent Residence Residency A Resident visa for people who have completed the required continuous period in qualifying Colombian visa categories. Permanent status; visa transfer required every 5 years 2, 3, or 5 qualifying years, depending on category
Ecuador 21-Month Permanent Residence Registration Residency You can apply for permanent residence after at least 21 continuous months of qualifying temporary residence in Ecuador, with no more than 90 days abroad during the temporary visa’s validity. Apply before that visa expires. Permanent residence At least 21 continuous qualifying months
Peru Permanent Residence Permanent Residence Residency Permanent residence after three consecutive years in eligible worker, investor, researcher, or religious residence categories. Indefinite residence, subject to retention rules 3 consecutive qualifying years
Paraguay Permanent Residence Permanent Residence Residency Permanent residence for holders completing Paraguay’s ordinary temporary-residence period and meeting the continuing requirements. Indefinite residence; residence card renewed every 10 years After the ordinary temporary-residence period

No pathways match that filter.