Passport of Chile

The Chilean passport (Pasaporte chileno) offers many advantages, including visa-free entry to numerous countries (172 nations), the right to work, tax and social benefits, participation in the country's political life, consular protection abroad, and more. The main difference between obtaining permanent residence (PR) in Chile and having a passport is the ability to leave the country for more than 2 years. PR (without applying for an extension) will be revoked if you leave the country for more than 24 months. However, a passport allows you to remain a citizen for life.

To obtain a Chilean passport, you will need to make an effort. The process is strict. Only after 5 years of continuous residence with permanent residency can you apply for a passport.

In the early 1990s, immigrants in Chile made up only 1% of the population. By the end of 2023, their number had grown to almost 1.5 million people (around 9% of the population). This clearly indicates the attractiveness of the Republic as a stable country for relocation.

How to Obtain a Passport of Chile?

The Chilean "Citizenship Law" requires a permanent resident (citizen) to have lived in the country for at least 5 years. In addition, it is necessary to have a good understanding of Chilean culture and to demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish language. In 2024, a foreigner can apply for a Chilean passport if they meet the following conditions:

• Age of majority.
• Holding a permanent resident visa.
• Having been a resident of Chile for over 5 years, or 2 years if there are family ties with citizens of the Republic.
• No criminal record.
• Proof of regular monthly income to live in Chile through employment or pension.
• Proof of Spanish language proficiency.
• Demonstration of knowledge of Chilean history and constitution.

If you have Chilean relatives or ancestors, the application for citizenship is processed under special conditions based on the right of birth or descent.

Foreign citizens who apply for a temporary visa to give birth in local clinics can take advantage of the simplified naturalization procedure. According to Article 10 of the Republic's Constitution, when a child is born in Chile, parents are eligible to obtain a residence permit, and after three years of living in the country, they can apply for a passport. An identity card can be requested by the mother, father, or guardian from the first days of the child's life.

Chilean legislation provides a standard procedure for obtaining a passport. The government of Chile has the exclusive right to conduct background checks, review applications, and give final approval.

According to local legislation, a foreigner can obtain a Chilean Identity Card (Cédula de Identidad) on one of the following grounds:

• Right of birth or origin.
• By naturalization.
• For special merits.

Children of foreign parents who are in Chile on government service can apply for a Chilean passport.

A regular passport is prepared and issued in Chile. It is provided to the applicant directly after it is made. A biometric passport, on the other hand, is typically prepared at the diplomatic department of the applicant's country (when applying from abroad) and sent via diplomatic mail. Therefore, it will take more time to obtain a biometric passport.

The requirements for obtaining and renewing an identity card for foreigners can be found on the website of the Civil Registry and Identification Service (Registro Civil e Identificacion).  

Citizenship Law of the Republic of Chile

The right to obtain a passport is regulated by the Constitution of Chile, the Civil Code, and relevant immigration laws. The Ley de Migraciones (Immigration Law) establishes rules for the entry, exit, and stay of foreigners, and also includes conditions for the issuance of the national identity card.

Foreigners seeking to obtain citizenship must meet strict criteria, the primary one being a minimum period of legal residence in the country. Additionally, clear requirements for integration into society are established.

Exceptions to the rules apply to specific categories of applicants — refugees and spouses of Chilean citizens.

The application process is also strictly regulated. The application must be submitted to the Department of Migration (Servicio Nacional de Migraciones) if you are in Chile, or to the Chilean embassy abroad. To have your request considered, you need to prepare a set of documents, pay the applicable fees, pass a language proficiency exam, and participate in an interview.

Each application is reviewed individually, and the final decision on granting a passport is made after a multi-step verification process by Chilean authorities.

Documents for Passport

To support the submitted application, a package of documents needs to be gathered. It is important to update and legalize the dossier so that it complies with Chilean immigration rules. In a standard situation, the following supporting documents will be required:

• Application form.
• Valid passport.
• Permanent residence permit.
• Documents confirming legal residence in Chile for the required period (bank statements, utility bills, rental agreements, etc.).
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Proof of stable income or employment (pay slips, employment contract, tax reports, etc.).
• Medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous diseases.

The list of documents may be subject to change depending on the applicant's personal situation and the policies in effect at the time of application. Detailed information about the current document requirements is always available on the Immigration Department's portal.

How much does a passport of Chile cost?

The cost of obtaining a Chilean passport can vary depending on the method of application and the applicant's personal circumstances.

When applying, you need to pay the state fees. The following rates apply to citizenship processing:

You can find the current fees for each type of procedure on the Department of Immigration’s website.

You should also consider other associated costs related to professional services, document preparation, certification, and legalization.

The application process for a Chilean ID card takes up to 2 years.