Acting president Geraldo Alckmin met a delegation from the European Parliament in Brasília on 6 May to map out the “next steps” of the long-negotiated Mercosur–EU trade agreement, which came into **provisional application on 1 May 2026**. While most headlines have focused on tariff cuts, both sides confirmed that work is under way on **supplementary protocols covering the movement of businesspersons, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and digital customs transit permits** that could significantly ease corporate mobility between Brazil and the 27-member bloc. Why it matters for mobility managers. The draft mobility annex—circulated informally to industry groups—would entitle intra-company transferees, investors and service providers to up to 90 days per entry without the need for local labour-market testing in the host state, mirroring existing EU “Mode 4” commitments. Although national visas would still be required, consulates would be bound to fast-track applications within 10 working days. Brazil’s Ministry of Labour has already begun internal consultations on aligning its temporary-work visa categories (VITEM V and VI) with the accord. Timeline and hurdles. For the mobility provisions to become legally binding, the European Parliament must ratify the core trade deal and pass an implementing regulation. Several EU member states have raised environmental safeguards and labour-standard concerns unrelated to mobility, so final approval could still take months. Nevertheless, Brussels has signalled willingness to apply the mobility chapter provisionally once the regulation is adopted—potentially as early as Q1 2027. Business travel synergies. Airlines and logistics firms are preparing for a forecast 12 % jump in Brazil–EU passenger flows over the next two years, driven by lower cargo rates and expanded code-share agreements. LATAM and Lufthansa plan to add frequencies on the São Paulo–Frankfurt route, while TAP Air Portugal is evaluating a Recife–Lisbon service with premium-economy cabins tailored to project-based assignees. Action points. Multinationals should audit their South America–Europe assignment pipelines, especially short-term projects that currently rely on tourist statuses. Aligning assignee tracking systems with the forthcoming 90/180-day Schengen-style limits embedded in Brazil’s March 2026 decree will reduce overstay risks once electronic exit/entry records start being shared between the Federal Police and EU border authorities.
Source: ANSA Brasil
