Thanks to a vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and stunning environmental draws, many of your employees may want to move to South America to work at your new location. However, you need to know how to get a work visa in South America for all of your foreign employees before they can begin working for you.

Many companies don’t know all the steps involved in obtaining a work visa in South America, which is how Globalization Partners can help. As a travel Agency, Jaan Traveliz help companies expand around the globe without worrying about work permits and visas. We’ll make sure all your employees have the necessary visas to help you stay compliant and productive from the start.

What Types of Work Visas Are Available in South America?

All employees working in South American Countries needs a residence permit and a work visa. South America has different types of work visas, including:

-Permanent work visa: Foreigner workers entitled to permanent residence in Brazil usually seek this visa. It applies to professional researchers, scientists, investors with more than CAD50,000 invested per person or CAD200,000 invested per company, managers, and directors. After two years, some holders of a VITEM V visa in this category can apply for a permanent work visa.

-VITEM V Visa: This temporary visa is the most common working visa and is usually issued to foreign nationals entering South America for technical assistance, research skills, or professional services for a work contract or other agreement. Employees in this category must get approval by the Ministry of Labor and Employment.

VITEM II Visa (Business Trip): Foreign nationals traveling to South American countries for business typically apply for a VITEM II Visa. However, they cannot accept any money from companies in South America. This visa is valid for up to 10 years and allows stays for up to 90 days per year.

Requirements to Obtain a South America Work Visa

Each South American Country work permit has its own requirements, including the VITEM V Visa. Since this visa is the most common, the majority of your employees will need to meet its requirements. They must have two years of relevant professional experience in the field in which you’re hiring them and at least nine years of education or:

1. A relevant university degree and one year of professional experience
2. No professional experience with a relevant post-graduate degree
3. Employees cannot apply for a work visa until they have a temporary or permanent residence visa. They will also need to have a job lined up since a prospective employer must start the application process. If the individual changes jobs throughout their time in the country, they will have to apply for a new permit.

Typically, South America gives out temporary work visas and residence permits first. Temporary permits usually last up to two years and can be reissued once. After those four years, an employer can apply to switch the temporary permits to permanent options that allow employees to live and work in South America.