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A foreign national must get a residence permit in Chile to stay in the country for more than 90 days. Residence cards are issued by the National Migration Service, with validity periods ranging from six months to two years. Students, retirees, investors, entrepreneurs, seasonal workers and family members of citizens and residents are eligible to apply for resident status. Additionally, the country offers programmes that grant two-year residency to investors through an economic investment of at least USD 500,000 and to financially independent individuals with a monthly income of at least USD 1,000.
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Benefits of Chilean residency
Chile is one of the most prosperous countries in South America. As a member of the OECD and the Pacific Alliance, it boasts a strong institutional framework and a transparent business environment, making it an attractive choice for international investors, entrepreneurs and expats.
The country's picturesque landscapes, including deserts, mountains, forests and pristine beaches, contribute to its popularity among tourists. Purchasing property in Chile offers the potential for high investment returns.
A residence permit in Chile provides the following advantages:
- The right to live long-term in a country with a favorable climate, beautiful nature, developing infrastructure, and high quality of life.
- The right to work officially.
- Access to free healthcare services in public clinics.
- Numerous opportunities for business development.
- The ability for immigration to Chile with a spouse and close family members.
- Eligibility for permanent residency after one year of living in the country and citizenship after five years.
| Basis | Required Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Investments | From USD 500,000 | Two years |
| Financial Independence | From USD 1,000 per month | Two years |
| Work or Study | – | Two years |
| Family Reunification | – | Two years |
Investments
Foreigners can obtain a residence permit in Chile for investment in the economy of at least $500,000. Funds from this program go toward producing goods and providing services within the country. An investor residence permit in Chile is valid for two years and can be renewed.
The document package should include a letter from the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and confirmation of the investment. If the applicant is an owner or partner in an existing company, registration details and an electronic tax folder (carpeta tributaria electrónica) are required.
Financial independence
Financially independent individuals and retirees may apply for Chile Rentier residency. This requires proof of a regular passive income that can cover living expenses in Chile. The law doesn’t specify an exact amount, but an estimated $1,000 per month is recommended for the applicant and each family member. This status is valid for two years and can be renewed.
Retirees must submit their pension certificate and a bank statement showing recent payments. Rentiers need to prove passive income from sources like rental properties or securities interest, which may be shown through a rental contract or a certificate from a shareholder organization.
Employment
Employment with a local company serves as a basis for obtaining a residence permit in Chile. To qualify, the foreign national must receive an official invitation. For this, the foreign national must receive an official invitation from a Chilean company, based on which an entry permit is issued. After entering the country, they can apply for resident status. The application should include a work contract, tax documentation, and proof of the employer’s legal status.
The residency permit is valid for two years and is renewable. Unlike in many countries, residents here can change their job or even employer without losing their residency status.
Foreigners coming to the area for seasonal work may also apply for residency. They must provide a contract with a local employer. The maximum term for this residency is five years, with an option to renew for an additional two years. To maintain this status, they must spend no more than six months in the country each year.
Education
Foreign nationals enrolled in a university in Chile are eligible for residency. They must provide proof of enrollment and documents demonstrating financial stability, such as a bank statement or a notarized letter of support from family.
The initial permit is valid for two years and can be renewed as long as the student remains enrolled. After graduation, they may change their student residency status to a work residency. The student residency also allows part-time work up to 30 hours per week.
Family reunification
Family members of Chilean citizens and residents are eligible for residency (including spouses, children, parents, and other relatives up to the second degree). The application requires documentation proving the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
Family residency permits are issued for two years and are renewable. This type of residency also grants the right to work officially.
Humanitarian grounds
Individuals facing dire circumstances may apply for humanitarian residency. This category is intended for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, or discrimination based on gender, nationality, religion, etc., as well as minors in need of protection and pregnant women visiting Chile on a tourist visa. The country participates in a UN convention, so refugees may qualify for humanitarian residency, although such cases are rare.
Applications on humanitarian grounds are assessed individually by authorized agencies and can only be submitted from within Chile. Applicants must demonstrate a valid reason for remaining in the country. The residency is valid for two years.
Properties for sale in Chile
ProperatiChile temporary residency: requirements
To gain approval from the migration service, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be of legal age.
- Have no criminal record.
- Be in good health.
- Have financial stability.
- Hold valid health insurance.
- Have a valid reason for staying in the country.
Necessary documents for Chilean residence permit
Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
- Copies of passport pages with personal data, previous visas, and issue/expiry dates (the passport must be valid for at least six months).
- A passport-sized color photo (white background, in regular attire, without glasses, or headwear obscuring the face, hair, or hairline).
- A police clearance certificate issued within the applicant’s country of citizenship or any country where they have lived for more than five years.
- A recent health certificate from a certified physician (issued within six months) stating that the applicant is free from infectious diseases and in good health.
- Bank statements showing the applicant’s income.
- A cover letter introducing the applicant, explaining their reason for travel, and providing information about any host party (if applicable).
- An invitation letter from the host confirming they will accommodate the applicant for their stay in the country (if applicable).
The Migration Service may request additional information at any stage of the application review. The required document package varies based on the applicant’s residency grounds, so it’s recommended to contact the Chilean consulate for precise requirements. For instance, proof of residence may be required, such as an address of an apartment or villa in Chile where the applicant plans to live, along with a rental or purchase agreement.
Those applying for family reunification should submit marriage or birth certificates to prove their relationship with a Chilean citizen or resident. If the grounds are an internship, employment, religious, or academic activity, an invitation letter from the host organization, signed before a local notary, may be needed.
Minor applicants require a letter confirming financial support from parents or guardians, signed and notarized. Academic applicants must provide translated and apostilled copies of certificates or diplomas.
Application forms and personal information forms can be downloaded from the official website of the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migraciones). When applying online, all uploaded documents must be in PDF format, while images should be JPEG or PNG. Files should be appropriately named, such as “Surname_BirthCertificate” or “Surname_CoverLetter.”
Process for obtaining Chile residency
Applications must be submitted through the official website of the National Migration Service. Here’s an overview of the online application process:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Language Selection | After accessing the site, click the top-right corner to select your preferred language. Spanish and English are the two available options. |
| Personal Information | Fill in the online form with all required personal details, including age, passport number, country of residence and nationality. The consulate handling your application will appear based on your residence. |
| Save Verification Code | After completing the initial section, a verification code will appear. Save this code, as it is required to continue the application if additional documents are requested. |
| Upload Documents | Once all sections are completed, click “Save and Continue” to proceed. In the final section, upload digital copies of all the required documents. |
After the application is processed and approved, an email will notify the applicant. The applicant will then schedule an in-person appointment at the Chilean consulate to receive a temporary resident visa. On the appointment date, you’ll need to present your passport and original documents.
Upon arrival in the country, applicants must register with the local police and obtain a Chilean ID at the civil registry office.
Reasons for denial
An application may be denied for the following reasons:
- Missing documents to substantiate the grounds for residency.
- Submission of false information or counterfeit documents.
- Insufficient funds to cover living expenses.
- Lack of qualifications to fill the declared position in a Chilean company.
- Criminal record or serious health issues.
Rejection notices are sent via email, outlining the reasons for denial and the timeframe by which the applicant must leave the country if they are currently in the area. The decision can be appealed in court.
Most popular pathways to apply for a residence permit in Chile
The most convenient and common ways to secure residency in Chile include passive income and economic investments. Programs for investors and rentiers offer relatively relaxed requirements. The rapid growth of Chile’s economy creates favorable conditions for foreigners seeking substantial returns on investments.
Additional pathways to residency status in Chile
Religious leaders affiliated with an organization registered in Chile can apply for residency. This requires an invitation from the affiliated church detailing the purpose of the visit and the activities the applicant will perform. Additionally, a certificate of the religious organization’s legal status is required.
Individuals requiring medical treatment in Chile can also qualify for temporary residency. The medical facility can be private or public as long as it is registered with the Health Authority. Along with the application, a letter specifying the diagnosis, type, cost, and duration of treatment must be submitted. The applicant must also demonstrate that they have the funds to pay for medical services and living expenses.
Costs and processing times
Applicants are only required to pay the government fee after the application is approved. If the request is denied, no payment is necessary. The fee depends on the applicant’s nationality and ranges from $50 to $150. The exact amount will be provided during the online application.
Most applications are processed within 15–20 business days, though the actual date of receipt may be scheduled a few days later.
Renewing Chile temporary residency
Foreign nationals can apply to extend their residency status with the migration service no earlier than 90 days and no later than 10 days before the current permit expires. Online applications are also accepted. As with the initial application, applicants must complete the form and submit supporting documents to justify their continued stay in the country.
Upon residency renewal, the national ID (Chilean ID) must also be updated to reflect the new permit duration. This requires an application for renewal at the Registro Civil e Identificación, the Civil Registry and Identification Service.
Permanent residency and Chilean citizenship
Chilean permanent residency allows foreigners to stay indefinitely. Applicants are eligible after one year of continuous residence with temporary status. Although this permit has no expiration date, it will be revoked if the resident leaves the country for two consecutive years.
After five years of lawful residence, foreigners can apply for citizenship. In addition to naturalization, there are other routes to citizenship. The country follows the “right of soil” principle, so children born in Chile automatically receive Chilean citizenship. Close relatives of these children may qualify for residency through family reunification and can apply for a Chilean passport after two years in the country.
FAQ
For investors, the minimum investment threshold starts at USD 500,000.
The standard list includes a copy of the passport, a passport-sized colour photo, certificates of no criminal record and health status and bank statements.
An application for an investor residence permit in Chile is reviewed within 15 to 20 business days. The entire process may take about 90 days.
Currently, purchasing real estate is not considered a basis for obtaining a residence permit.
The spouse and minor children of the investor can be included in the application. Other relatives may apply for resident status under the family reunification program.
Renewal is required if the resident wishes to maintain their status.
Chilean law does not impose strict limitations on the length of time temporary residents can spend outside the country. However, prolonged absences may affect the possibility of renewing the residency status.
Applicants can appeal the migration service's decision in court.
An investor’s spouse and minor children can be included in the application. Other relatives may apply for residency under the family reunification program.
Foreigners are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of residency in Chile.
Additional expenses include government fees ranging from $50 to $150 and costs for legal services, document copies, translations, and apostilles.
The application process is conducted online. However, after approval, the applicant must visit Chile in person to receive the residency card.
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