Citizenship of Chile

To qualify for the citizenship of Chile in 2024, a foreigner must obtain permanent residence through the appropriate type of visa and reside continuously in the country for at least 5 years. Additionally, the applicant must prove the absence of criminal records, demonstrate a sufficient level of Spanish language proficiency, and provide a detailed dossier (including a background check).

The main difference between the status of a permanent resident and that of a citizen is that in the former case, if one leaves the Republic for a year, the visa status is annulled. As a citizen, such problems do not exist. A Chilean passport allows one to enjoy all the country's privileges, including the right to vote and work in government institutions.

A foreigner may submit an application if he/she meets the following criteria:

• Proof of permanent residence in the country for at least a specified period.
• Age of majority.
• Eligibility for permanent residence.
• No criminal record.
• Sources of income.

Important

Even if all requirements are met, the decision to grant status remains an exceptional decision of the Republic's government. The request may be denied in case of violation of local laws or a threat to national security.

Ways to Obtain Citizenship

According to Article 10 of Chapter II of the Constitution of Chile, a foreign citizen has the opportunity to obtain the corresponding status in one of three ways. After fulfilling the mandatory requirements, preparing the dossier, and paying the state fees, the applicant must submit an application for citizenship to the National Migration Service of the Chilean government.

All provided programs are suitable, provided the established requirements are met.

By the right of the soil (Jus soli)

Every person born on the territory of a country acquires the right to become a citizen at birth. To utilize the birthright citizenship program, it is necessary to provide documents that confirm the fact of birth in Chile (birth certificate, including for parents).

Children of foreigners with temporary residence permits are an exception. Therefore, when planning to give birth in Chile to obtain citizenship, it is necessary to arrange for permanent residency in advance. Only in this case, two years after the child's birth, the foreign parents have the right to submit the appropriate petition.

By right of blood (Jus sanguinis)

The program allows for the acquisition of citizenship based on family ties to Chile. The basis is the right to family reunification through official recognition as a citizen, even if born abroad.

A foreign citizen who is a relative of a Chilean citizen up to the second degree of kinship (parents, grandparents) can take advantage of this right. Adopted children of Chileans and children who have lost their citizenship status are also eligible to participate in the program.

The procedure involves providing irrefutable evidence of Chilean ancestry. Depending on the situation, the process can be quite complex and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Naturalization

This method allows foreigners to acquire citizenship by meeting the requirements for a minimum period of residence and proving integration into the country's life. The detailed conditions for naturalization are outlined in the Constitution, Civil Code, and Immigration Law.

The legal requirements for the naturalization process include:

• The applicant must be of legal age.
• A valid residence permit.
• A minimum period of permanent residence – at least 5 years (2 years in exceptional cases).
• A formal marriage to a Chilean citizen.
• Age under 18 and having at least one parent with recognized refugee status.

In addition to the basic requirements for applicants, the Chilean government imposes additional conditions. For example, proof of financial stability will be required. Practice shows that having a stable income in the country can become one of the key factors in the Chilean authorities' decision to approve the application.

The processing time for a citizenship application through naturalization can take up to 3 years. The speed of the application process will be influenced by the completeness of the submitted dossier and the workload of government agencies.

Advantages of Chilean Citizenship

A citizen gains access to a range of benefits in the legal, social, economic, and political spheres. In addition to high-quality public services and a high standard of living, citizenship allows individuals to take advantage of special international business conditions established by the Republic under the MERCOSUR agreement. The main advantages include:

• Visa-free entry to 106 countries (48 require a visa upon arrival).
• The right to participate in national and local elections.
• The right to hold public office.
• Employment prospects for specialized positions.
• Consular protection and assistance abroad.
• Developed social services and benefits.
• Access to quality education.
• The right to purchase property under special conditions.
• Favorable business conditions.
• Tax benefits.
• Inclusion of the entire family in the program.
• The right to retain your first citizenship.

Dual Citizenship

Chilean law allows for multiple citizenships. All new citizens of the Republic have the right to retain the passport of their home country.

Dual citizenship with Chile is not officially recognized for citizens of some countries, but there is the possibility of obtaining a second passport.

Attention

Citizens maintain access to social and economic services in both countries. However, it is important to consider the responsibilities of a citizen, including tax obligations and compliance with the laws of each country.

Citizenship by Investment Program

Chile offers several options for integration into the country for wealthy foreigners seeking to relocate to the Republic. However, there is currently no direct program for obtaining citizenship through investment. By using one of the residency options, after 1 year of permanent residence, it is possible to obtain permanent residency, and after 5 years – a passport.

The applicant's children are also eligible to participate in the program.

The Chilean "Investor Visa" program is more akin to an entrepreneur program. The main requirement for obtaining permission is making business investments in the country's economy. Additionally, there are specific conditions depending on whether the activity is planned in the capital or in the regions.

Important

For Santiago, a minimum investment threshold of $500,000 is set for business ventures. Lower amounts are established in the regions, but each business project must meet internal needs. Each application is evaluated based on the type of project and the number of jobs created.

Among other things, Chile has a support program for startup projects. Foreign citizens planning to launch a startup with investments starting from $75,000 can benefit from special conditions for obtaining permanent residency, doing business, and preferential financing. More details about the conditions can be found on the official website of the program.

Recent Reforms of the Citizenship Program

In April 2021, a new Immigration Law No. 21325 was published, which introduced new administrative regulations. It replaced the previous legal framework for immigration in Chile. The main elements of the new legislation include:

• Regulation of the right to acquire citizenship based on Jus soli.
• Introduction of provisions facilitating the naturalization of foreigners.
• Legal definition of criteria regarding voting rights for foreigners residing in the Republic.

These innovations are largely the result of work carried out by civil communities, as well as court rulings that have been incorporated into the legislation. The new provisions are expected to strengthen the influence of international standards and simplify the integration of those already part of Chilean society into the country’s political life.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The standard application process is regulated by Article 10 of the Constitution of the Republic and Law No. 21325 "On Immigration." The detailed procedure is outlined on the National Migration Service portal. In general, a foreign national needs to complete the following steps.

Gathering of Document and Submitting the application

The Chilean government has digitized the process of applying for citizenship. The online portal of the migration service provides detailed information on candidate eligibility criteria, the list of required documentation, processing fees, obligations, and the overall processing time. However, in some cases, the application and document submission must be done in person. Generally, with the collected set of documents, the following steps are required:

• Submit the application on the immigration service website.
• Wait for a response and an invitation for a personal interview.
• Receive a final decision or a request for additional information.
• If the petition is approved, receive notification of citizenship status.
• Obtain an identity card at the nearest civil registry office.

List of documents

Detailed and current requirements for applicants, as well as methods and possibilities, are posted on the official website of the Department of Immigration of Chile. Generally, the following supporting documents will be required:

• Application
• Valid identification
• Permanent residency permit
• Confirmation of minimum period of residence
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Confirmation of income or employment
• Medical certificate

Review and Decision

The application review period can take up to 3 years. The processing speed is influenced by the completeness of the file, the accuracy of the application forms, and the legalization of documents, as well as the workload of the departments reviewing the applications.

Any additional requests and checks may extend the processing time by another 3-4 months.

Disadvantages of Chilean Citizenship by Investment

In recent years, the Republic has become a popular destination for expats and investors. The high standard of living, freedom of movement, and accessible programs contribute to active immigration, including individuals looking to invest their available capital.

Although the country does not have an "Investor Visa" program or guidelines for citizenship by investment, applicants are provided with considerable flexibility. However, this flexibility primarily focuses on business development within the country rather than investment activities in the classical sense. The program is centered on business investments, which are closely scrutinized by Chilean authorities. Additionally, applicants must meet the obligations regarding the minimum residency period in the country.

Even considering the relatively accessible entry threshold for most major investors, obtaining citizenship by investment in Chile is not the most attractive option. Without experience in entrepreneurial activities, there is a significant risk of being denied a passport.