The process to get a visa for Chile is relatively straightforward and offers several options to suit the different objectives of your stay in the country. For example, signing an employment contract with any local company entitles you to a visa in Chile. If you are considering company formation in Chile, for example, this could be very useful. This guide provides an overview of the current immigration system, focusing on the Temporary Residence Visa and its main subcategories for workers and investors.
Key Takeaways on Chile Investor Visa and Work Visa
| Which is the main visa type? | The Temporary Residence Visa is the main permit for work, study, or investment. |
| Work visa sponsorship | Chilean employer sponsorship required, valid employment contract mandatory |
| What are the key subcategories for a Temporary Residence Visa? | Work, investor or retiree. |
| Can it be done online? | Yes, the application process is now done online through a government portal. |
| Legal representation | Legal representative required for investor visa tax compliance and business operations |
| Eligible nationalities | All nationalities eligible to apply, no restrictions |
| Is there a pathway to permanent residency? | After holding a temporary visa, you can apply for Permanent Residency. |
Understanding Chile’s New Immigration Framework
The 3 most common types of visa in Chile are:
- Tourist visa.
- Temporary residency visa.
- Permanent residency visa.
1. Tourist visa
The most common and recommended way is for foreigners to enter the country under a tourist visa, and then apply for a change of status to other forms of visa for Chile. It is not recommended that foreigners apply at their consulate in their home country before coming for other types of residency visas for Chile.
2. Temporary residency Visa
This is the first type of visa issued when applying for any sort of permanent visa for Chile. A temporary residency visa is most commonly granted after applying and being granted a visa under the retirement and periodic income visa, work visa, professional visa, family member, or through an investor visa application in Chile.
All people, regardless of the reasons for applying, must first be a temporary resident before they qualify for permanent residency in Chile. Depending on the type of visa, you will need to be a temporary resident in Chile for one to two years, and you must be physically in the country for at least 180 days within a one-year period to qualify for permanent residency.
3. Permanent residency visa
This should be the ultimate goal for residency application, and regardless of the application type it requires at least 180 days of temporary residency in Chile within a one-year period. A permanent residency visa generally lasts for five years, and is renewable indefinitely. After five years, permanent residents have the option to apply for Chilean citizenship without the need to renounce their current citizenship.
The Temporary Residence Visa: Main Subcategories
Expert Tip: The Online Application Platform
From our experience with Chile’s new immigration system, successfully navigating the SERMIG’s online application portal is key. All documents must be digitized and uploaded in the correct format and size. The system can be particular about the files it accepts.
We strongly advise clients to ensure all their scanned documents are high-quality, clearly legible, and correctly labeled before starting the upload process. Any error in the digital submission can lead to the application being rejected or significantly delayed, so getting the online portion right from the start is critical.
1. Work Permit Subcategory
This is for foreign nationals who have a formal offer of employment from a Chilean company. The application requires submitting the signed employment contract.
2. Investor Subcategory
This is for individuals who intend to start or have already started a business in Chile. The application requires a detailed business plan and proof of capital.
3. Rentista and Retiree Subcategories
These are for individuals who can prove a stable, recurring source of passive income from abroad (e.g., pensions, rental income) that is sufficient to support them in Chile.
How to get a visa as a foreigner in Chile?
Here are the 5 steps to get a visa in Chile as a foreigner:
- Step 1 – Determine the type of visa you need: The type of visa you need depends on the reason for your visit (tourism, work, study, etc.).
- Step 2 – Gather the necessary documents: The documents you need will depend on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Step 3 – Apply for the visa online or through an experienced office: You can apply for the visa online at the Chilean immigration service website. You will need to create an account, fill out the application and pay the visa fee. This step can be made easier by hiring a company that is dedicated to this to avoid problems and possible denials.
- Step 4 – Wait for the visa to be processed: The process can take between 3 and 6 months.
- Step 5 – Receive the visa: If your application is approved, you will receive a response. The next step is to apply for the identity card at the Civil Registry.
Please note that if you plan to stay in Chile and you currently have a tourist visa, you can no longer start the temporary visa application process from Chile. If you know before coming that you plan to stay, it is best to apply for a temporary visa about 6 months in advance. Remember that the process may vary depending on your specific situation and current immigration laws.
How can I get a work visa in Chile?
To get a working visa you must have the following documents:
- Letter from employer in Chile
- Employment contract in Spanish legalized at the ministry of foreign affairs and signed by you and the employer.
- Letter of introduction
- Copy of your academic qualifications
- The biographical data page of your passport.
- A recent passport-size photo with white background.
- Application form
- Medical certificate ruling out infectious and contagious diseases.
Criminal Record Requirements for Chile Visas
All applicants for temporary residence permits in Chile must provide:
Police Clearance Certificate Requirements:
- Certificate from home country (issued within 60 days)
- Additional certificates from any country where you resided 1.5+ years in the past 5 years
- Documents must be apostilled and officially translated to Spanish
- Clean criminal record mandatory for approval
Due Diligence Process:
Chile immigration authorities conduct thorough background checks including:
- Verification of income sources for investor visas
- Employment history validation for work visas
- Cross-reference with international databases
- Review of previous visa applications to other countries
Expert Tip: Start the criminal record process early as apostille procedures can take 2-4 weeks in some countries.
Governing Body: The National Migration Service
The National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migraciones – SERMIG) is the government agency in Chile responsible for all immigration policy and for processing all visa and residency applications. The entire application process is now managed through the SERMIG’s official online platform.
What are the requirements for a business visa in Chile?
The requirements for a business visa are:
- Complete the business visa application form
- Submit a passport-style photo, two inches by two inches, white background, full face, taken within the last 6 months.
- Copy of passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Copy of driving license.
- A list of the countries you have visited in the last 5 years, with the following format: Year + country(ies) visited. If you have not been to any country, this should be indicated on the application form.
- A letter from the company where you work, duly notarized indicating name, passport number of each person travelling on business and their activities. The letter must indicate the applicant’s name and position. Only original letters are accepted.
- A letter from the inviting company in Chile, duly notarized (Notary, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs) indicating name, passport number of each person travelling on business and his/her activities. The letter must specify the applicant’s name, passport number, position, duration of stay and activities to be carried out in Chile.
- Copy of the hotel reservation.
- Copy of the return ticket.
What are the requirements for an investor visa in Chile?
You must gather the documents required by the Chilean Investment Agency and the Chilean Migration Service.
You must first submit the documents to the Chilean Investment Agency, which will review them and issue you a letter of support if it validates your project.
You must submit an investor visa application on the website of the Migration Service, before coming to Chile. Applications from within Chile are no longer authorized for this type of visa. Once you have your investor visa granted, you can move to Chile. After your arrival, you will need to register at the civil registry in Chile, requesting an appointment within 30 days.
Legal Representatives for Chile Investor Visa
Foreign investors must appoint a Chilean legal representative who:
Responsibilities Include:
- Tax compliance and SII (Chilean Tax Authority) interactions
- Municipal license applications and renewals
- Labor law compliance for business operations
- Acting as official company contact for all Chilean authorities
Selection Criteria:
- Must be Chilean citizen or permanent resident
- Professional qualifications in law or accounting preferred
- Experience with foreign investment regulations
- Proven track record with similar cases
Liability Considerations:
Legal representatives assume personal liability for company compliance, making careful selection critical for long-term success.
Chile Golden Visa: Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Chile offers a structured golden visa pathway through investment:
Investment to Citizenship Timeline:
- Temporary Residency (1-2 years): Initial investor or work visa
- Permanent Residency: After 1-2 years of temporary status
- Chilean Citizenship: After 5 years of permanent residency
- Dual Citizenship: Chile allows dual nationality
Benefits of Chilean Citizenship:
- Visa-free travel to 157 countries including USA, Canada, EU
- Access to Mercosur area in South America
- No requirement to renounce original citizenship
- World-class healthcare and education systems
Physical Presence Requirements:
- Temporary residents: 180+ days per year in Chile
- Permanent residents: Minimum 1 day per year (with exemptions available)
Moving to Chile
Most people find moving to Chile to be an easy transition. It is a modern, stable and relatively wealthy country that offers expats a great quality of life. With one of the largest economies on the continent, large amounts of international trade as a result of numerous free trade agreements and a thriving market orientated economy, Chile is a great choice for expats considering relocating to Latin America.
Chile has public and private healthcare insurance and its healthcare standards are relatively high throughout the country, although the private medical facilities in the larger cities are slightly more advanced. There is also a multitude of international schools, offering quality education, primarily located in the larger cities across Chile and particularly in Santiago.
Banking in Chile can sometimes progress on ‘Chilean time’ – particularly if one doesn’t speak basic Spanish. There are some banks that have better reputations than others and banking with the bank which one’s company uses can offer many advantages. It is possible to make international transfers, however these can take time.
Expat life in Chile is vibrant and fun-filled. With great living standards, beautiful surroundings and a welcoming population, many expats choose to extend their time there – a sure sign that this South American country is a great choice to relocate to.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chilean Visas and Residency
Based on our extensive experience these are the common questions and doubts of our clients.
What are the types of visas for Chile?
Chile issues five main categories: Tourist Visa; Visa Subject to Contract (work); Student Visa; Temporary Visa (various sub-classes, including investors); and Permanent Stay.
What is an investor visa called in Chile?
Investors normally apply under the Temporary Residence Visa, choosing the “investment” or “business” sub-category.
What is a business visa called in Chile?
Short-term commercial trips use the combined Business & Tourism Visa; longer stays require the Temporary Residence Visa (business sub-class).
What is a Temporary Residence Visa?
This is the main visa that allows a foreign national to live in Chile for a specified period (typically up to two years). It has various subcategories depending on the applicant’s purpose, such as work, investment, or family ties.
How do I get a work permit?
To get a work permit, you must apply for the Temporary Residence Visa under the “work permit” subcategory. This requires having a formal employment contract from a company legally established in Chile.
What needs to be provided to start a visa application in Chile?
Begin on the government’s online portal, complete the form, and upload passport data, photos and any visa-specific documents (contract, proof of funds, enrollment letter, etc.). Originals may be requested at the consulate appointment.
What is required for an investor visa?
For the “investor” subcategory, you must provide a detailed business plan and proof of sufficient funds to execute it. The investment must be in a productive business in Chile.
Can I apply for a Chilean work visa while in Chile as a tourist?
No. Work visas must be submitted and approved outside Chile; status cannot be changed in-country from tourist to work.
What happens if my legal representative fails to comply?
Both you and the representative may face fines, visa cancellation, or future sponsorship bans. Choose accredited professionals and keep active oversight of filings and deadlines.
Are there alternatives to the US $500,000 investment requirement?
Yes. A government-endorsed start-up can qualify with roughly US $60–75 k, while the Rentista visa needs proof of about US $1,500 monthly passive income.
How do I become a permanent resident?
After holding a Temporary Residence Visa for a specified period (typically 24 months, but can be less for certain subcategories), you can apply for Definitive Residence (Residencia Definitiva), which is permanent. After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for Chilean citizenship.
Obtain a business visa in Chile with the help of Biz Latin Hub
At Biz Latin Hub, our team of multilingual legal and immigration experts is equipped to help you with your visa application and ensure the success of your commercial operations in Chile.
With our full suite of market entry and back-office services, we are your single point of contact to do business in Latin America. Reach out to us now to receive personalized assistance to leverage business opportunities in Chile.
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