No visa is required to enter Chile as a tourist. Without obtaining prior permits, one can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. If a longer stay is needed, a one-time extension is allowed. A visa is required if planning any activities other than tourism.
Outside Chile, an entry application can be submitted at a Chilean embassy or on the Ministry of the Interior's website. Upon arrival in the country for visa-free entry, applications can be processed at the immigration offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for analyzing applicant data and making visa issuance decisions.
Obtaining a Chilean visa provides several advantages:
- The right to legally reside for an extended period.
- Access to social services.
- Legal work authorization.
- Opportunities for entrepreneurial activities.
- Living in a country with a high standard of living.
The validity of a visa depends on the chosen type and purpose of the trip. For instance, a visitor/transit visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. Foreigners who wish to stay in the country for more than 90 consecutive days must obtain a residence permit or permanent residence visa.
Freelancer Visa
Chile has much to offer digital nomads and remote workers, but there is no specific freelancer visa program in the country. However, there are other types of work visas that allow you to live and work legally in Chile.
The best type of visa for digital nomads who want to live and work remotely in Chile would be a tourist or transit visa. However, this visa does not permit you to engage in professional activities with Chilean companies. Working on a tourist visa can result in significant fines and deportation.
In 2024, you do not need a visa for entering the country and staying for up to 3 months. It is important to note that for visa-free stays in Chile, you will need to present a valid passport, a migration card, and prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. After 90 days, you can extend your stay for an additional 3 months, but you will need to provide a valid reason for the extension.
The process of obtaining a freelancer visa in Chile involves several steps. Specific requirements may vary depending on the applicant's personal circumstances, so it's crucial to check the current information on the official website of the Chilean embassy. The mandatory requirements include:
- Meeting the requirements: a valid passport, financial stability, relevant professional experience, and skills.
- Preparing the applicant’s dossier.
- Translating and legalizing documents.
- Applying for the visa.
- Attending an interview.
- Receiving the visa.
- Registering with local authorities.
The application procedure is quite straightforward. Generally, obtaining confirmation takes no more than 30 days.
How much does a visa cost?
The cost of a Chilean visa depends on the nationality and type of permit being applied for. For Russian citizens, the visa application fee is $165, while for students, it is $65. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive an email with detailed payment instructions. The fees must be paid within 30 days.
In addition to paying the government fees, the applicant should be prepared to cover expenses for document preparation, legalization in the home country, and any additional legal services.
Types of visas
Foreigners in Chile can have different immigration statuses. Depending on the circumstances of the applicant, the purpose of arrival and the type of visa to be obtained, the following main types of visas can be distinguished:
A standard tourist permit issued at the airport upon arrival.
The first visa that most foreigners receive. Even if a relocant plans to apply for a residence permit, the local legislative procedures oblige to start with a tourist visa.
Permanent visa allowing temporary residence in Chile for employment, investors or retirees.
Temporary residency for 1-2 years. A type of visa that allows you to work, study and/or do business. The application is processed through the online Sermig Portal de Tramites Digitales. The processing time is about 15-30 working days.
Permission to obtain a residence permit. Issued for 5 years with the possibility of extension an unlimited number of times.
After 5 years of permanent residence, you become eligible for Chilean citizenship. Applications for Residencia Definitiva are submitted through the Portal de Tramites Digitales. The application must be submitted no later than 90 days before the end of the current residence permit. The status of the case can also be tracked on an online platform.
Regarding visas that allow you to stay in Chile for a long period of time and engage in various activities, the following options can be distinguished:
- Student Visa. A temporary residence visa issued to students admitted to a Chilean university or other educational institution in Chile.
- Work Visa. Permit for foreigners employed in Chile. Requires a valid contract with a local company or foreign employer doing business in Chile.
- Retiree Visa. A type of visa that requires proof of periodic income in the form of a pension.
- Vacation work. Available to young citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand to participate in the Vacation Work Program.
Student Visa
To study at a Chilean university for more than 90 days, obtaining a student visa is required regardless of your current citizenship. If the study period is up to 3 months, you can study with a tourist visa.
Foreign students who need a student visa to study in Chile must apply for it at the Chilean embassy in their place of residence. The student visa "Visa de Estudiante" is valid for 1 year and can be extended if the studies continue. You can apply for a visa extension at the immigration office before the first visa expires.
Tourist Visa
It is necessary for legal short-term stay in Chile for up to 90 days. It must be obtained if the foreigner's current citizenship does not allow travel to Chile without a visa. If the entrant is a citizen of a visa-free country, a tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) indicating the permitted length of stay is issued upon arrival. The tourist card will be required when leaving the country.
To obtain a tourist visa, a passport valid for at least 6 more months is required. In rare cases, additional confirmations may be requested, such as proof of financial means or a return ticket.
Business (for business trips)
Issued to foreign citizens entering Chile for business purposes, such as attending conferences or meetings. However, a "business visa" does not grant permission to start a business, engage in commercial activities, or seek employment. Essentially, it is analogous to a tourist visa with the declared purpose of the visit being business-related activities. The validity period is up to 90 days.
A business visa can be issued for single or multiple entries into the country. To obtain a business visa, a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip and with at least 2 blank pages is required. In addition, a cover letter indicating the purpose and duration of the stay from the company sending the traveler must be provided.
Work Visa (to work legally in the country)
A foreign citizen, regardless of nationality, does not have the right to work in Chile without the appropriate work permit. The type of work visa applied for may vary depending on the duration of stay and type of employment. Under normal conditions, a temporary residence permit for work purposes is issued for living and working in Chile. The validity period of a standard work visa is 1 year.
If employment is planned for a period exceeding 1 year, a work permit called a Visa Subject to Contract (Visa Sujeta a Contrato) must be obtained. In this case, the hiring company must be registered in Chile, and provide evidence of tax payments and employee insurance for the last 3 months.
Required Documents
If a foreigner is not a citizen of a country exempt from visa requirements, it will be necessary to obtain the appropriate authorization documents. If a visa is needed, the application can be submitted on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile. The latest list of required documents can also be found there. Generally, the following documents must be attached to the application:
- Copies of a valid passport, which must be valid for at least another 6 months.
- A color passport-sized photograph.
- A letter with information about the purpose of arrival, plans in the country.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Bank statements confirming the availability of funds for living in Chile.
- An invitation letter (if applicable).
- A certificate of no criminal record.
- Health insurance.
If the application is submitted to the nearest Chilean embassy, it is necessary to have the originals of all documents with you to obtain the visa.
Recent Changes in the Visa Issue of Chile
In 2024, Chile's visa policy underwent some changes. According to Decree No. 181 (December 27, 2023), which establishes the National Migration Policy, migration laws and practices are aligned with the constitution, international norms, and agreements to which Chile is a party.
The overall goal of the new National Immigration Policy is to introduce a new approach to immigration issues and to develop processes for more controlled and secure immigration. This new approach includes prioritizing residence permit applications for family reunification, especially for minors, accelerating the processing of residence permit applications, and implementing an integrated management and information system with the National Migration Service and other government agencies.
It is expected that the new Policy will lead to a significant reduction in visa application processing times, easier access to information, and resolution of issues in an efficient and transparent manner.