Getting a Business Visa in Chile Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

A business visa in Chile will give corporate executives access to one of the most stable economies in Latin America. Chile consistently ranks highly on an international level in terms of economic, political, and social development, and has a business environment that is welcoming to foreign investment.

The country is an active promoter and participant in economic integration efforts globally, being a member of APEC, MERCOSUR, the Pacific Alliance, the Rio Group, and UNASUR.

If you are thinking of starting a business in Chile, getting a business visa will likely be a crucial part of the process for yourself or a manager sent to oversee operations. But the process of getting a business visa in Chile doesn’t have to be difficult if you have the help of a local trusted expert to guide you in the process.

Applying for a business visa in Chile

Foreign executives can request a business visa through a consulate located outside or within the country. Generally, the processing time for a business visa is up to three months if done outside the country. Within Chile, it can take longer. Note that the cost of applying for a business visa in Chile is approximately $580 (USD).

Foreigners applying for a business visa to perform economic activities in the country must hold one of the following:

• An employment contract
• A temporary residence visa
• A student visa
• A tourist Visa

Furthermore, applicants must submit the following documentation:

• Copy of passport, which must be valid for at least six months
• Four passport size photos (5×5 cm)
• A notarized letter from the company addressed to the respective Chilean Consul
• Copies of qualifications
• A police check from the country of origin
• A health certificate, issued by a certified medical practitioner
• Proof of a booked return flight ticket

Employment specific requirements 

When applying for a business visa in Chile, you must:

• Include the Chilean company’s Tax ID or RUT (pronounced “root”) within the application
• Present evidence that the employer has paid VAT for the past three months
• Provide evidence that the employee is up to date regarding insurance for the past three months
• Demonstrate proof of legal residence in Chile

Please note that the employment contract must be in Spanish or in the applicant’s native language in case they do not know Spanish. In addition, the contract must be authenticated by a public notary.

Business visa in Chile — important considerations  

During the application process, the Chilean consulate will communicate with the candidate to set up an interview. If the visa is approved, the applicant must pay the fee and deliver the materials and passport to the Chilean consulate. Note that, from the date of issuance of the visa, the applicant has 90 days to enter Chilean territory.

Furthermore, at the time of carrying out immigration control, the applicant must deliver two copies of the consular identification card they were issued during the process. The candidate has a period of 30 days to present the registration certificate to authorities, in order to obtain the identity card for foreigners.

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.

Learn more about our team and expert authors.