Guide to Residency in Chile

Obtaining a residency visa in Chile is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Chile gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Determine the type of visa you need
  • Chile offers several types of visas, including work visas, student visas, retirement visas, and more.
  • Visit the Departamento de Extranjería y Migración website for more information.
• Gather required documents
  • Valid passport
  • Completed visa application form (available on the Departamento de Extranjería y Migración website)
  • Additional documents depending on the type of visa (e.g., work contract, letter of acceptance from a university, proof of income, etc.)
• Apply for a visa at the Chilean consulate
  • Find the Chilean consulate in your home country.
  • Schedule an appointment and submit your application and required documents.
  • Pay the visa application fee.
• Enter Chile and register with the International Police
  • Upon arrival in Chile, you must register with the Policía Internacional at the Arturo Merino Benítez Airport or at their offices within 30 days of your arrival.
• Apply for a Chilean ID card (Cédula de Identidad)
  • Visit the Civil Registry and Identification Service (Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación) office.
  • Submit your passport and visa.
  • Pay the application fee.
• Apply for a Tax Number (Rol Único Tributario - RUT)
  • Visit the Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Impuestos Internos) office.
  • Submit your passport and Chilean ID card.
  • Fill out the application form.
• Apply for residency status
  • Visit the Departamento de Extranjería y Migración office.
  • Submit the required documents (including your passport, Chilean ID card, Tax Number, and specific documents depending on the type of residency you are applying for).
  • Pay the application fee.
• Wait for approval
  • The processing time for residency applications can vary.
  • You can check the status of your application on the Departamento de Extranjería y Migración website.
• Register your residency status
  • Once your residency status is approved, you must register it at the Civil Registry and Identification Service (Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación) office.

Renewing your residency status

Residency status in Chile is typically granted for a period of one year, after which it can be renewed. You should begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your current residency status expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process and requires submitting updated documents and paying a renewal fee.

Permanent residency

After holding temporary residency status for a certain period (usually two years), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Chile. Permanent residency allows you to live and work in Chile indefinitely. The application process is similar to that for temporary residency, but there are additional requirements and documents needed.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Chile?

"In order to visit Chile, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Chilean consulate or embassy prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Chile, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for residency involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of financial resources, and the applicable fee. Depending on the type of residence permit, additional documents may be required," commented one member living in Chile.

" A 90 day visa is provided upon entry to tourists. This can be renewed by crossing the border with Argentina that is an hour away. A resident visa for 360 days can be obtained either in Chile or from the US. It can be renewed several times. After two or three years of temporary residency one can apply for permanent residency and/or citizenship. Cost of the temporary visa is around $450 and requires a certificate from the FBI showing no criminal record. That can take a month or more to obtain. A cover letter stating that you have amonthly income of more than $1200 US if you are retiring there. Three copies of your current passport and photographs. ," mentioned one expat living in Chile.