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.

• Research the types of residency visas available
  • Visit the official Chilean government immigration website to understand different visa types: Extranjería y Migración.
  • Choose between temporary residency visas (such as student, work, or retirement visas) or permanent residency.
• Gather required documents
  • Passport with at least six months of validity.
  • Birth certificate, apostilled or legalized depending on your country of origin.
  • Police clearance certificate from your home country, also apostilled or legalized.
  • Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay.
  • Health insurance coverage valid in Chile.
• Apply for a visa
  • Complete the visa application form, which can be found on the Trámites Extranjería website.
  • Submit the application form along with all the required documents to the Chilean consulate in your home country or online if available.
  • Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
• Wait for visa approval
  • Processing times can vary, so check the status of your application periodically.
  • Once approved, collect your visa from the Chilean consulate or receive it by mail if that option is available.
• Enter Chile
  • Travel to Chile with your valid visa.
  • Upon arrival, present your visa and passport to the immigration officer.
• Register with the local police (PDI)
  • Within 30 days of arrival, visit the nearest PDI office to register your visa.
  • Bring your passport and visa along with a copy of the entry stamp you received at the airport.
• Apply for a Chilean ID card (RUN or RUT)
  • Visit the Civil Registry and Identification Service office (Registro Civil) to apply for a RUN (for individuals) or RUT (for businesses).
  • Provide your passport, visa, and proof of address in Chile.
  • Pay the ID card application fee.
• Open a bank account
  • Choose a bank that suits your needs.
  • Present your passport, visa, and Chilean ID card to open an account.
  • Provide proof of address and possibly a letter of recommendation from your employer or a bank reference from your home country.
• Apply for permanent residency (after meeting the requirements)
  • Live in Chile for the required amount of time on your temporary visa (usually 1-2 years).
  • Gather updated documents, such as proof of income and a current police clearance certificate.
  • Submit your application for permanent residency through the Trámites Extranjería website or at a regional office.
• Renew your ID card and visa as needed
  • Keep track of the expiration dates and renew your documents before they expire.
  • Follow the renewal procedures on the Registro Civil and Extranjería y Migración websites.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the specific requirements and procedures may change. It is important to consult the latest information from the official Chilean government websites or contact the Chilean consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate advice.

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.