Residence Permit of Chile

In 2024, Chile offers several residency programs that are flexibly adapted to various circumstances of applicants. Chilean legislation provides foreigners with two types of permits – temporary and permanent.

Temporary residence(Residencia Temporal) – a legal status allowing individuals to live in the country for a set period with a specific purpose (work, study, family reunification, and other activities).

Permanent residence – a permit issued for unlimited stay with the right to work or conduct business. It is valid for a lifetime.

The right to temporary residence is granted to foreign citizens planning to stay for up to 2 years. For seasonal workers, it applies for up to 5 years.

Types of Residence Permits

All applications are reviewed by the National Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (SERMIG). Decree No. 177 of 2022 from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Security defines the following subcategories and establishes various options for residency.

Important

For each category there is a possibility to extend the visa for 2 years. The category “Humanitarian reasons” cannot be extended.

When buying real estate

The Republic does not offer a direct residency program for purchasing property. However, foreign citizens who own real estate (and receive income from its use) may be eligible to apply for this permit.

Attention

Interested individuals can choose one of the available options – the Investor Visa. It is designed specifically for those planning to invest, including in real estate.

Necessary Justifications

There are no official specific requirements for real estate investments. However, the Investor Visa program implies that a foreign individual must invest or intend to invest at least $500,000 in a Chilean project. A mandatory condition is the proof of available funds.

Important

The start of commercial activity must be accompanied by registration with the Tax Service with mandatory payment of municipal taxes.

List of documents

The specific list may vary depending on the applicant's personal situation, the intended activity, and the region. In a standard situation, the file should include:

• A valid passport with a certified copy.
• A passport-sized photograph.
• Bank statements confirming the availability of financial resources.
• A certificate of no criminal record for the past 5 years.
• A purchase and sale agreement for real estate (if the transaction has been completed).
• Proof of tax payment (if applicable).
• A tourist card.

Important

Any documents not in Spanish and English must be accompanied by a certified translation and apostille from a certified organization.

Student Residence Permit

A residence permit based on a student visa, allowing the holder to study at any accredited educational institution. The validity period depends on the duration of the academic program. The maximum term is 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

Attention

Does not allow you to engage in any remunerated (paid) activity.

Necessary Justifications

The application process generally takes place at the Chilean embassy in the applicant's place of residence. Foreign nationals who meet the following criteria are eligible:

• Adulthood.
• Medical examination.
• No criminal record.
• Availability of financial resources to cover living and study expenses.
• Confirmed enrollment in an educational institution.
• Verified prior education.

List of Documents

• Original passport with certified copies.
• Application form.
• Color passport-sized photographs.
• Cover letter with detailed information about the purpose of arrival.
• Proof of accommodation in the country.
• Bank statements confirming the availability of funds.
• Certificate of no criminal record for the past 5 years.
• Admission letter from the university.
• Invitation letter (if applicable).

Residence Permit for Financially Independent Individuals (Freelancers, Digital Nomads)

Chile does not have a specific program for granting residence permits to digital nomads. For individuals who wish to travel and work, the government offers the option to obtain a temporary resident visa (Residencia Temporal). This permit allows the holder to stay and work in the country for up to 1 year, with the possibility of a one-time extension for the same period.

Additional opportunities

You can submit an application online through the website of the Chilean government.

Required Justifications

To participate in the program, applicants must have a valid passport, a criminal record certificate, and a medical certificate. They will also need to provide proof of accommodation and evidence of financial self-sufficiency.

Attention

As proof, you need to provide bank statements showing a steady income of at least $1000 per month.

List of documents

• Original passport with certified copies.
• Application form.
• Color passport-size photos.
• Valid medical insurance.
• Certificate of no criminal record for the past 5 years.
• Bank statements.
• Receipts for payment of the state fee for the application processing.

By Marriage

Chile does not directly grant residency upon marriage to a citizen of the country. An application for residency can be submitted by individuals who can confirm family ties to a Chilean citizen or a foreigner who already holds Residencia Definitiva.

Important

After being in a legal union for at least 2 years and having the right to temporary residence, one may petition for qualified citizenship (Qualified Nationality).

Necessary Justifications

This method is relevant if the marriage is registered within the country. If the marriage was performed abroad, corresponding proof must be provided, and the marriage certificate must be legalized through the Ministry of Justice of Chile.

Minor children and parents of a Chilean citizen can also obtain residency.

List of documents

• Original passport with certified copies.
• Application form.
• Color passport-size photos.
• Valid medical insurance.
• Certificate of no criminal record for the past 5 years.
• Bank statements confirming sources of income.
• Legalized marriage certificate.
• Receipts for the payment of state fees.

Family Reunification

The program can be used both for applying for a residence permit and as the first step towards obtaining citizenship. Upon confirming the family relationship with a citizen, the relocant receives a long-term national visa with the right to subsequent employment.

Attention

The program allows family reunification for spouses, parents, or children. Each type/degree of relationship must be documented.

Required Justifications

A person with a relative who holds citizenship or has already obtained residency can apply for participation in the program. The applicant may have the following family relationships:

• Spouse in an official marriage.
• Partner in a civil union registered under terms equivalent to marriage.
• Parents.
• Minor children, including those under guardianship.
• Disabled children regardless of age.
• Children enrolled in universities, with an important condition: they must be under 24 years old.

List of documents

• Original passport with certified copies.
• Application form.
• Color passport-sized photos.
• Legalized marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Legalized birth certificate (if applicable).
• Certificate of no criminal record for the last 5 years.
• Receipts for payment of the state fee for the application processing.

Residence Permit for Work

Depending on the type of employment and the duration of work, the permit obtained based on a work visa varies. A temporary residence visa in Chile allows you to live and work in the country for up to 1 year. It is also valid for 1 year, but only certain categories of applicants can use it (for example, seasonal workers).

Important

For employment lasting more than 1 year, a work residence permit called a "Visa Subject to a Contract" (Visa Sujeta a Contrato) must be obtained. It can be extended for another 12 months.

Required justifications

All foreigners planning to stay in Chile for more than 1 year for work must apply for a residence permit based on a Visa Sujeta a Contrato. To obtain the right to stay, you must have a valid contract with a local employer. The terms of issuance will depend on the contract, but the possibility of extension remains as long as the employment contract is valid (within the permissible 2-year duration). An important condition is the registration of the company in the Republic of Chile.

Attention

If the contract is terminated, the Visa Sujeta a Contrato will become invalid within 30 days. During this period, you must either leave the country or apply for another type of visa.

List of documents

• Original passport with certified copies.
• Application form.
• Passport-size color photos.
• A letter from the hiring company.
• A copy of the employment contract.
• Copies of educational documents, duly legalized.
• A certificate of no criminal record for the past 5 years.
• Receipts for payment of the state fee for application processing.

Residence Permit for Business + Individual Entrepreneur (IE)

This type of permit is issued to entrepreneurs or investors who have an investment project. It allows applicants to obtain temporary residence for 1 year, with the option to extend for another year.

Attention

The Opportunity Visa is issued based on a points system that considers various criteria. These include the applicant’s education, age, language proficiency, occupation, and the territory of the proposed activity.

Required Justifications

The main requirement for obtaining a temporary residence visa for entrepreneurial activity is a business plan and the amount of investment. The candidate must provide a solid business plan detailing the entrepreneurial ventures and their potential impact on the country’s economy. The investment amount is clearly defined – starting from $30,000.

Important

The candidate must have business experience, confirmed by previous projects or relevant education.

List of Documents

• Original passport with certified copies.
• Application form.
• Color passport-sized photos.
• Business plan.Proof of investment.
• Copies of education documents, duly legalized.
• SIELE or DELE exam certificate confirming intermediate-level Spanish proficiency.
• A police clearance certificate for the past 5 years.

Residence Permit Extention

The Chilean residence permit (depending on the applicant's category) can be extended. However, it is important to note that each application is evaluated individually, and the status is granted based on the current situation.

To apply for a renewal, a request must be submitted to the Department of Immigration of the Ministry of the Interior of Chile (Departamento de Extranjería del Ministerio del Interior) before the current visa expires.

The application must include valid reasons for the request. It is important to consider that not all permits are eligible for renewal, and special requirements may be imposed. In a standard situation, the request must be supported by the following:

• A completed application form.
• A valid passport.
• A letter stating the reasons for the request.
• Proof of no criminal record.
• Bank statements confirming financial stability.
• Certificates from educational institutions (if applicable).
• Employment contract (if applicable).
• Receipts for payment of government fees.

The processing time will depend on the workload of government institutions. Typically, the application processing time is 30 days.

You can always check the updated list and requirements for complying with Chilean immigration laws on the website of the National Migration Service of the Government of Chile.