LATAM
Key trends shaping LATAM's labor and immigration landscape
Targeted expansion of visitor-status mobility for business and technical assignments
Several countries in the region are tuning entry frameworks to facilitate short-term business mobility without imposing full work-permit requirements. Brazil’s regulatory amendment allows short-term technical services and technology-transfer activities under visitor status, broadening what qualifies as permissible “business activities.” While this offers employers greater agility for deploying specialists, national-specific eligibility rules and the continued requirement for traditional work visas for longer assignments underscore the need for careful classification and planning when leveraging these new flexibilities.
Recalibration of entry requirements with nuanced risk-based visa controls
Immigration regimes are increasingly adjusting entry protocols based on reciprocal arrangements, national interest, and security considerations. Chile’s updated visa policy now imposes prior authorization or consular visa requirements for a broad set of nationalities while carving out exemptions for others like Australians—a move that prioritizes reciprocity and risk calibration. These differentiated entry regimes reflect a broader trend toward more tailored border controls rather than unilateral liberalization.
Regulatory modernization and compliance tightening
Governments across the region are modernizing immigration systems and strengthening compliance requirements. Mexico’s immigration fee increases, although effective in early 2026, were notified in late 2025 and reflect the fiscal and administrative recalibration of immigration operations. Meanwhile, broader regulatory overhauls (such as Guatemala’s updated residency regulations expanding worker categories) underscore a regional shift toward more comprehensive legal frameworks that accommodate new employment modalities such as remote work and third-country employment. Ensuring compliance with these evolving rules and fee structures is increasingly critical for employers managing mobility programs.
Brazil
Expansion of visitor status to include technical and technology-transfer activities
Brazil expanded the range of activities permitted under visitor status to explicitly include short-term technical services and technology-transfer engagements. These activities previously required a temporary work visa. Under the new framework, eligible visitors may perform these activities for up to 90 days, with a potential extension for an additional 90 days within a 12-month period, subject to nationality and specific duration rules. While the reform streamlines short-term mobility and can significantly reduce processing lead times for assignments involving technology implementation or expert support, it retains important compliance boundaries, such as prohibitions on establishing employment relationships in Brazil and on receiving remuneration within the country. The initial rollout may also see inconsistent interpretations by consular or border officials, which underscores the need for detailed documentation and careful eligibility assessment on a case-by-case basis.
Mexico
Immigration government fee increases and diplomatic tensions with Peru
Mexico notified increases in immigration government fees in November 2025, which took effect in January 2026. These revised fee structures apply across multiple immigration categories and are part of broader efforts to align administrative costs with service delivery priorities. Employers should plan for higher processing costs when managing visa and permit filings in 2026.
Separately, Mexico’s suspension of diplomatic ties with Peru introduced new operational considerations for consular services and cross-border processes involving Peruvian nationals. While immediate immigration policy impacts may evolve, employers should closely monitor bilateral consular operations and service availability for impacted nationalities.
Chile
Constitutional reform on voting rights for foreign nationals
Chile passed constitutional amendments modifying eligibility for voting by foreign residents: from 2026, foreign nationals must have at least 10 years of continuous domicile and permanent residence (with limited absence allowances) to qualify for voting rights. This change signals a policy context of tightening long-term integration requirements for foreign residents, which comes in addition to changes to the entry visa regime earlier in the year.
Colombia
Minimum salary increase for 2026 impacting payroll and compensation planning
Colombia announced an increase in the national minimum salary for 2026, which has consequential impacts on payroll and compensation structures for foreign workers and employer obligations. This development influences total labor cost calculations and compliance risk for employers relocating or maintaining international assignees in Colombia. Ensuring updated compensation structures align with statutory minimums will be essential in 2026 mobility planning.
Guatemala
Reform of immigration regulations and expanded residency modalities
Guatemala implemented new immigration regulations on October 8, 2025, introducing substantive changes to residency and worker classifications. The overhauled framework now expands migrant worker categories to include workers employed by foreign employers and self-employed individuals, with specific documentation and remuneration evidence requirements. Additionally, policies aim to simplify family processing options by allowing dependents to apply concurrently with principal applicants. These reforms reflect a modernized approach to accommodating non-traditional employment structures (e.g., remote work or cross-border employment) but also place greater emphasis on financial documentation and compliance. Employers should update their internal procedures accordingly to align with these expanded residency pathways and reporting obligations.
Venezuela
Political transition with uncertain immigration consequences
The removal of Nicolás Maduro from power in early January 2026 represents a major political shift. As of this writing, specific immigration consequences remain uncertain, and no formal government updates have outlined immediate policy changes. Caution is advised for travel and relocation to Venezuela given the evolving context, but without confirmed immigration policy updates, employers are urged to maintain contingency planning while monitoring official announcements.
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Manish Daftari
Partner