MERCOSUR, Bolivia, Chile
Multilateral in force
INTRODUCTION
MERCOSUR was established in 1991 to create a common market by the end of 1994, where the free circulation of goods, services, and factors of production would be ensured. MERCOSUR comprises several Member States, but other Latin American countries can join as Associated States (Estados Asociados), following a particular procedure and conditions. When it is of mutual interest, the Associated States may adhere to Agreements signed by the Member States within the framework of MERCOSUR's political, social and citizen dimensions. In 2002, MERCOSUR adopted two Residence Agreements. The second aimed to include nationals of the Member States, Bolivia and Chile, and nationals of any other Associated State that would later ratify it. As of 1 January 2024, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru have ratified the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement. Chile does not apply the Agreement to nationals from Colombia, Ecuador or Peru. By contrast, Peru and Ecuador do apply it to Chilean nationals. Colombia granted Chilean nationals residence permits under the Agreement until 2019. It also used it for Venezuelan nationals until 2014.
MEMBER STATES
- ARGENTINA
- BRAZIL
- PARAGUAY
- URUGUAY
OTHER MEMBERS
- VENEZUELA (2012)
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was suspended in all the rights and obligations inherent to its status as a State Party of MERCOSUR on 5 August 2017.
The Plurinational State of Bolivia is in the process of accession.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
- CHILE (1996)
- BOLIVIA (1996)
- PERU (2003)
- COLOMBIA (2004)
- ECUADOR (2004)
- GUYANA (2013)
- SURINAME (2013)
HEADQUARTERS
Montevideo, Uruguay
DATE OF CREATION
26 March 1991
TIMELINE
| 1991 | Creation of MERCOSUR with the adoption of the Treaty of Asuncion on 26 March |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Adoption of the Agreement on Residence for MERCOSUR Member States’ Nationals, Bolivia and Chile, better known as MERCOSUR Residence Agreement Bolivia and Chile, on 6 December |
| 2009 | Entry into force of the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement Bolivia and Chile on 28 July |
| 2011 | Peru adheres to the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement Bolivia and Chile on 28 June |
| 2012 | Colombia adheres to the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement Bolivia and Chile on 19 June |
| 2014 | Ecuador’s 2011 adhesion to the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement Bolivia and Chile enters into force on 3 March |
KEY LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Agreement on Residence for MERCOSUR Member States’ Nationals, Bolivia and Chile, Brasilia, 6 December 2002. It entered into force on 28 July 2009 for Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay [Acuerdo sobre Residencia para Nacionales de los Estados Parte del MERCOSUR, Bolivia y Chile].
Act of Accession from the Republic of Peru to the Agreement on Residence for MERCOSUR Member States’ Nationals, Bolivia and Chile, Asunción, 28 June 2011. It entered into force on 28 June 2011. [Acta de Adhesión de la República del Perú al Acuerdo sobre Residencia para Nacionales de los Estados Parte del MERCOSUR, Bolivia y Chile].
Act of Accession from the Republic of Colombia to the Agreement on Residence for MERCOSUR Member States’ Nationals, Bolivia and Chile, Mendoza, 29 June 2012. It entered into force on 29 June 2012. Colombia granted MERCOSUR residence permits to Venezuelans until November 2014 [Acta de Adhesión de la República de Colombia al Acuerdo sobre Residencia para Nacionales de los Estados Parte del MERCOSUR, Bolivia y Chile].
Act of Accession from the Republic of Ecuador to the Agreement on Residence for MERCOSUR Member States’ Nationals, Bolivia and Chile, Asunción, 29 June 2011. It entered into force on 3 March 2014 [Acta de Adhesión de la República del Ecuador al Acuerdo sobre Residencia para Nacionales de los Estados Parte del MERCOSUR, Bolivia y Chile].