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.

• Gather the necessary documents for residency application:
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of address in Chile
  • Proof of financial solvency
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Medical certificate
• Apply for a Tax Number (RUT):
  • Visit the nearest Chilean Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Impuestos Internos) office
  • Fill out the application form
  • Provide the necessary documents
  • Pay the applicable fee
• Submit the residency application:
  • Visit the nearest Chilean Immigration Office (Departamento de Extranjería y Migración)
  • Fill out the application form
  • Provide the necessary documents
  • Pay the applicable fee
• Wait for the application to be processed
• Receive the residency card

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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

"If you plan to stay in Chile for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Temporary Residence Visa or a Permanent Residence Visa. You will also need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial resources, a criminal background check, and a medical certificate," said one expat living in Chile.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

" 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. ," commented one expat living in Pucon, 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," mentioned one expat living in Chile.