Ágora
Environmental Law · Venezuela · ESIA Series
The AOT in Venezuela
The permit that converts technical analysis into an official authorization — and that financing also requires
María Eugenia Reyes · Ágora Abogados SC · 2026
Authorization process — 3 consecutive stages
Stage 01
30 days
Notice to the environmental authority
The applicant submits a statement of intent. The authority responds indicating what type of study is required: full ESIA, simplified, or specific documents.
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Stage 02
45 days + months
Preparing the study
The scope of the ESIA is proposed and approved (45 days). A registered multidisciplinary team then prepares the study. This stage takes several months.
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Stage 03
60 days
Applying for the AOT
The study is submitted with the formal AOT application. The authority has 60 days to approve or reject it, with a written and reasoned decision.
Three concrete risks in Venezuela's current context
Permits that expired or were never obtained
Reactivating a facility without an updated AOT does not regularize the situation — it makes it worse.
Legal deadlines are not always met
Processing times in Venezuela have historically exceeded the statutory terms. Build in contingency.
The surrounding communities matter
Consultation happens during the process, not after. Skipping it can invalidate an authorization already granted.
AOT & financing
Decree 1.257 urges Venezuelan banks to require it. International financiers apply the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards. No valid AOT: no international credit.
María Eugenia Reyes
Ágora Abogados SC