Remote Work in Chile
Chile has become increasingly attractive for remote workers, offering modern infrastructure, political stability, and a time zone convenient for US clients (only 2 hours ahead of NYC). While there's no dedicated digital nomad visa, the country welcomes remote workers.
Legal Status for Remote Work
Tourist status (90-180 days)
- Remote work for non-Chilean clients is permitted
- No work permit needed for foreign-source income
- Cannot work for Chilean companies or clients
- 90 days visa-free, extendable once for additional 90 days ($100 fee)
- Tax-free if staying under 183 days per year
Temporary residence
- Required if staying longer than 180 days
- Must apply from outside Chile
- Any temporary visa allows remote work
- Become tax resident after 183 days (3-year exemption on foreign income for newcomers)
Internet Infrastructure
Santiago has reliable internet with average speeds of 59 Mbps. Fiber optic is widely available in urban areas.
| Provider | Speed Options | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| VTR | Up to 600 Mbps | $30-60 |
| Movistar | Up to 900 Mbps | $35-70 |
| Entel | Up to 600 Mbps | $30-55 |
| Starlink | ~100 Mbps | $120 |
Mobile data: 4G/LTE coverage is excellent in cities. Prepaid SIMs available from Entel, Movistar, WOM. Data plans: $15-30/month for 30-50GB.
Best Neighborhoods for Remote Workers
Providencia: The hub for digital nomads
- Most coworking spaces
- Excellent cafes for laptop work
- Good metro access
- International restaurants
Las Condes: Business district
- Corporate coworking (WeWork, etc.)
- Professional environment
- Higher prices
Ñuñoa: Trendy and affordable
- Local vibe, good cafes
- Emerging coworking scene
- More affordable housing
Coworking Spaces
| Space | Location | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeWork | Multiple | $200-550/mo | International standard, meeting rooms |
| Launch Coworking | Providencia | $150-300/mo | Local chain, good community |
| Cowork del Centro | Centro | $100-200/mo | Budget option, good internet |
| Santander Work/Cafe | Multiple | Free | Bank-operated, basic amenities |
| Urban Station | Multiple | $100-250/mo | Good value, nice spaces |
Laptop-Friendly Cafes
Santiago isn't known for laptop-friendly cafes (many don't have WiFi or outlets), but options exist:
- Starbucks: Reliable WiFi, outlets, throughout city
- Juan Valdez: Good coffee, WiFi
- Café Altura: Specialty coffee in Providencia
- Emporio La Rosa: Ice cream + coffee, good vibes
Time Zone Advantage
Chile Standard Time (CLT) = UTC-3
- 2 hours ahead of New York (EST)
- 5 hours ahead of San Francisco (PST)
- 4 hours behind London (GMT)
- Perfect for US-based clients and overlapping work hours
Remote Work Tips
- Get a local SIM for backup internet (mobile data is reliable)
- Join expat Facebook groups for community and tips
- Coworking > cafes in Santiago for reliable work setup
- Consider furnished apartments with internet included
- Bring international adapters (Chile uses Type C and L plugs)
Pro Tips
- •No digital nomad visa, but remote work is legal on tourist status for 180 days
- •Santiago time zone is perfect for US clients (2 hours ahead of NYC)
- •Coworking spaces are better than cafes - Santiago isn't cafe-work friendly
- •Get a local SIM for backup internet (~$20/month for 30GB)
- •Providencia is the hub for remote workers and digital nomads
Have questions about remote work in Chile?