LATAM
Key trends shaping LATAM's labor and immigration landscape
Digital administration expands, but operational resilience varies
Digital immigration administration continued to reshape mobility across LATAM during Q3, although developments also exposed varying operational resilience. Brazil moved temporary visa issuance online for nationals of countries exempt from visitor visa requirements, and Chile introduced QR-code-based certificates supporting employer verification of work authorization, providing greater process visibility and more consistent immigration compliance. In Peru, disruption to the electronic notification system, alongside staffing constraints, contributed to visa and renewal delays and greater uncertainty around case communications.
Together, these developments show a more digitally managed immigration environment that may reduce document handling and improve visibility over immigration status while increasing the importance of system continuity and accurate records. For employers, the operational reliability of immigration platforms is becoming an important factor in onboarding, assignment timing, renewals, and workforce planning.
Argentina
Argentina enacted an exclusion for restricted stock units, stock options, and other equity-based compensation from the employer social security contribution base. The change limits the amount excluded to 5% of an employee’s annual gross remuneration, although no decision has been made regarding how the cap should be calculated and applied.
The measure may reduce employer social security costs where equity awards form part of an assignee’s compensation. However, the outstanding cap calculation and application decision has yet to be determined and will affect payroll treatment, assignment cost projections, and consistent application across affected employees.
Brazil
Brazil implemented electronic issuance of temporary visas for nationals of countries exempt from visitor visa requirements, effective September 1, 2026. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted through the Integrated Consular System, with approved visas issued by email—without physical passport submission or an in-person document appointment.
The measure streamlines the consular process and may reduce administrative and logistical requirements for medium- and long-term assignments. It does not change the applicable eligibility, prior residence authorization, documentation, or postarrival Federal Police registration requirements.
Chile
Chile launched a digital work authorization verification procedure through the Chilean National Migration Service, known as SERMIG. The process allows foreign nationals to obtain a free QR-code-based certificate confirming whether they are authorized to perform remunerated activities.
The certificate provides employers with an additional means of verifying work authorization during onboarding and continued employment. However, it does not replace individual review where applications are pending or where special or short-term permissions apply. Because the procedure is new, assignees and their employers are encouraged to check these new certificates for inaccuracies.
Panama
Panama expanded access to its Friendly Nations Program by adding Ecuador under Executive Decree No. 16 of August 31, 2026, effective September 1, 2026. Eligible Ecuadorian nationals who demonstrate an economic, professional, or investment connection to Panama may now apply for an initial two-year provisional residence permit, followed by an application for permanent residence.
The change creates an additional residence option for Ecuadorian employees, assignees, and investors with qualifying links to Panama. Residence under the program does not itself authorize employment, and any required work permit remains a separate process.
Peru
Peru experienced significant immigration processing delays across August 2026 amid disruption to its electronic notification system and wider staffing constraints. The disruption affected visa and renewal processing, creating uncertainty around case communications and adjudication timelines.
Extended processing times may delay work authorization approvals, employee onboarding, assignment start dates, and permit renewals. Although the system interruption was temporary, the resulting backlog may continue to affect mobility timelines and project planning beyond the immediate disruption.
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Daniela Rojas
Senior Manager