Chile is one of the easiest countries in which to obtain residency. There are a number of categories but the most common are:

Work visa with the visa attached to a contract with a local firm

- Investor visa whereby a person makes an investment or sets up a local business. A basic business plan must be presented to immigration authorities.

- Retiree visa. The person must show he has enough money to survive in Chile from a pension. There is no official amount stated by the authorities but I've ascertained that it must be at least the minimum wage which is around US$300/month

- Rentista visa. The person must show he has enough money to survive in Chile from income derived from investments (shares, rent etc), being more than the minimum wage.

All visa applications can be made by post once you arrive in Chile. You will not have to leave the country in order to receive your visa.

You do not need to find a job or obtain a visa before arriving in Chile as a tourist. All types of visa can be obtained whilst you are in Chile.

You do not need to undertake any medical exams in order to apply for a visa.

Once you have a visa for at least one year you are allowed to import your personal effects free of tax up to a limit of US$5000 (although it is easy to exceed this limit by under-valuing your goods on the customs form and without problems). You may not import a car into Chile.

After 2-3 years of temporary residence you must apply or permanent residency. You do not have to apply for citizenship if you do not wish to.

More information can be found at www.extranjeria.gob.cl