Citizenship
Chilean citizenship by naturalization requires 5 years of continuous residence (time on temporary residence counts toward this). Must hold permanent residency at time of application. Expedited 2-year path available for spouses of Chilean citizens who have been married at least 2 years and lived together in Chile. No renunciation of original citizenship required - Chile allows dual citizenship. Requirements include clean criminal record, basic Spanish proficiency, knowledge of Chilean civic principles, and demonstrated "substantial connection" to Chile (physical presence). Processing typically takes 2-3 years from application to approval. Chile grants citizenship by birth (jus soli) to anyone born on Chilean territory.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid permanent residency
- •5 years continuous residence (2 years for spouses)
- •Clean criminal record (Chile and home country)
- +3 more requirements
Family Reunification
Residency permit for family members of Chilean citizens or permanent residents. Covers spouses (including same-sex marriages recognized since 2022), civil union partners (since 2015), children under 18, dependent children with disabilities (any age), and in some cases parents. When the sponsor is a permanent resident or citizen, no financial capacity proof is required. When sponsor is a temporary resident, must demonstrate ability to support the family member. Marriage certificates from abroad must be apostilled/legalized and registered in Chile. Processing takes 6-8 months (up to 12 months if documents are incomplete). Valid for 1 year initially, renewable. Fast track to permanent residency - eligible after 12 months of legal residence (vs 22 months for other categories). Work authorization included.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport
- •Marriage certificate or civil union document (apostilled)
- •Sponsor's Chilean ID or permanent residency proof
- +3 more requirements
Investor Visa
Residency for foreign investors under the 2022 immigration regulations (Decree 177). Requires minimum investment of $500,000 USD in a Chilean project with approval from InvestChile (Chilean Investment Agency). Must obtain a sponsorship letter from InvestChile before applying through SERMIG. Also covers senior managers and specialist staff of foreign-invested companies. A lower-threshold option exists for entrepreneurs investing $60,000 USD who must establish a company within 3 months of approval. Valid for 1 year initially, extendable based on continued investment. Path to permanent residency after 2-4 years depending on time spent in Chile. Spouses and dependents can be included. After 5 years, eligible for citizenship.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport
- •Minimum $500,000 USD investment (or $60,000 for entrepreneur option)
- •InvestChile sponsorship letter
- +3 more requirements
Permanent Residency
Permanent residence (Residencia Definitiva) available after holding temporary residence for the required period. Most categories require 22 months of legal residence within a 24-month visa period. Family reunification holders have a fast track - eligible after 12 months. Must have spent at least 185 days per year physically in Chile and paid taxes. No ongoing income requirements once granted. Valid indefinitely but revoked if residing outside Chile for more than 2 years without authorized extension. Allows full work rights, access to FONASA public healthcare, and all benefits of residents. After permanent residency, must continue to maintain "substantial connection" to Chile to preserve status.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid temporary residence permit
- •22 months legal residence (12 months for family reunification)
- •185+ days physical presence per year
- +3 more requirements
Rentista/Retirement Visa
Residency permit for retirees and those with passive income. Unlike many countries, Chile has no strict age requirement - anyone with sufficient pension or passive income can apply. Requires proof of regular monthly income of approximately $1,000-2,000 USD (no official minimum, but this range is typically approved). Valid for up to 2 years, renewable. Applicants must apply from outside Chile through the SERMIG digital portal. After 2 years, eligible for permanent residency. After 5 years total, eligible for citizenship. Foreign-source passive income is not taxed if spending less than 183 days per year in Chile. Processing times are currently 6-8 months, sometimes up to 12-14 months.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport
- •Proof of pension or passive income ($1,000-2,000+ USD/month)
- •Last 3 months of pension/income statements (apostilled)
- +2 more requirements
Start-Up Chile Visa
Special 2-year work visa for entrepreneurs accepted into the Start-Up Chile (SUP) government accelerator program. Founded in 2010, SUP is one of the world's largest startup accelerators with 3,000+ startups and 6,000+ founders from 85+ countries. Offers equity-free grants from $15,000 (Build program) to $100,000 (Growth program) plus free coworking space, mentorship, and visa processing handled by the program. Startups must be technology-based, innovative, scalable, and aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Founders must have minimum 10% equity and work exclusively on the startup. All visa bureaucracy is handled by the program - applicants only need valid passport (24+ months) and home country police clearance. Applications open throughout the year with cohorts starting in March.
Key Requirements:
- •Tech-based, innovative, scalable startup
- •Minimum 10% equity stake in startup
- •Full-time dedication to startup
- +3 more requirements
Student Visa
Temporary residence permit for international students enrolled in Chilean educational institutions. Not required for study programs under 90 days (tourist visa sufficient). Must apply from outside Chile through the SERMIG digital portal - cannot change status from tourist to student while in Chile. Valid for 2 years, renewable for the duration of studies. Allows part-time work up to 30 hours per week. After visa approval, students have 120 days to download the electronic visa stamp and 90 days to enter Chile. Must obtain RUT (national ID) within 30 days of arrival. Processing time is 8+ weeks, so apply at least 3 months before planned arrival. Visa fees vary by nationality.
Key Requirements:
- •Passport valid for 6+ months
- •Enrollment letter from Chilean educational institution
- •Proof of sufficient funds for study and living costs
- +2 more requirements
Temporary Residence (Work)
The primary work visa for foreigners employed by Chilean companies. Under the 2021 immigration law reform, this replaced the old "Visa Sujeta a Contrato." Requires a job offer from a Chilean employer with a notarized employment contract including mandatory clauses for return travel, pension contributions, and income tax liability. Valid for up to 2 years, renewable while employment continues. If employment is terminated, the visa becomes invalid within 30 days. Applicants must apply from outside Chile through the SERMIG digital portal and collect the visa at a Chilean consulate. After approval, applicants have 90 days to enter Chile and 45 days to present the employment contract for a 1-year extension. Spouses and dependents can be included. Path to permanent residency after spending at least 185 days per year in Chile.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport
- •Job offer from Chilean employer
- •Notarized employment contract with required clauses
- +3 more requirements
Tourist Visa / Remote Work
Chile has no dedicated digital nomad visa, but tourists can legally work remotely for non-Chilean employers. Citizens of many countries (US, EU, UK, Australia, etc.) receive a free 90-day tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) on arrival. This can be extended once for an additional 90 days ($100 USD fee) at the Santiago Immigration Office, allowing up to 180 days per year. Remote work for foreign clients is permitted as it doesn't affect the Chilean labor market. Cannot work for Chilean companies or provide services to Chilean clients on tourist status. Tax implications: generally no Chilean tax if staying under 183 days per year. For longer stays, must apply for temporary residence from outside Chile - cannot change status from within.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport
- •Return/onward ticket (may be requested)
- •Proof of funds for stay
- +1 more requirements
Questions
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