Chile – Residency

What types of residency are available to foreign nationals in Chile?

Chile’s immigration system, established under Law No. 21.325 and its accompanying regulations, recognises two principal residency categories: the Residencia Temporal and the Residencia Definitiva. Within the temporary category, various subcategories exist to accommodate different personal situations — spanning employment and entrepreneurship through to retirement and family circumstances.

Residencia Temporal (Temporary Residence Permit)
The Residencia Temporal is the permit issued by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) to foreign nationals who intend to live in Chile for a defined period, generally for up to two years — except in the case of seasonal workers. Each subcategory may be renewed for a maximum of two consecutive years.

The Residencia Temporal covers foreign nationals across a broad range of subcategories, including: family reunification; persons engaged in lawful remunerated activities; students enrolled at state-recognised institutions; seasonal workers; humanitarian grounds; persons covered by international agreements; members of recognised religious organisations; individuals undergoing medical treatment; retirees or those with passive lease income; investors and associated personnel; and persons conducting multi-entry business management activities.

Family Reunification
The family reunification subcategory enables a foreign national who can demonstrate family ties to a Chilean citizen or a holder of a Residencia Definitiva to apply for a Residencia Temporal. Qualifying relationships include a spouse or civil partner, a parent, a minor child, a child with a disability, an unmarried child under 24 who is enrolled in study, or a minor under the applicant’s legal guardianship.

Employment-Based Residency
The work contract visa (visa sujeta a contrato) is available to foreign nationals who come to Chile to take up employment with a Chilean employer. To be eligible, applicants must hold a signed employment contract or a confirmed signed offer from a company. A separate route exists for independent workers who wish to operate on a self-employed basis or work across multiple employers.

Retirement and Passive Income (Rentista)
The Chilean retirement visa programme allows foreigners with a steady pension or reliable passive income to reside in Chile for up to two years. This permit may be granted to foreign nationals who, in accordance with the regulations of their country of residence, have been awarded a retirement pension sufficient to cover at least their basic needs during their stay in Chile, based on the thresholds set by the Ministry of Social Development and Family. No fixed statutory income thresholds are published; consult the SERMIG website for current guidance on acceptable income levels.

Investor Residency
Chile actively encourages foreign investment and maintains a dynamic business environment, particularly across sectors such as mining, agriculture, and technology. The country offers various incentives to attract overseas investors, including tax treaties, free trade agreements, legal safeguards for investments, and routes to investor visas and residency. This subcategory sits within the Residencia Temporal framework, with permanent residency becoming available once the required period of residence has been completed.

MERCOSUR Nationals
This visa permits nationals of MERCOSUR member states — Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay — to reside in Chile as temporary residents regardless of the activity they intend to pursue, provided they have no criminal record. This represents a considerably more streamlined pathway compared with that available to other nationalities.

Residencia Definitiva (Permanent Residence Permit)
The Residencia Definitiva is the permit granted by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones to foreign nationals holding a valid Residencia Temporal, authorising them to reside in Chile indefinitely and pursue any lawful activity. A permanent residency permit is generally valid for five years and is renewable without limit. It should be noted that the permit may be revoked if the holder remains outside Chile for more than two consecutive years.

How does temporary residency work in Chile, and how can it lead to permanent residency?

Before planning a move to Chile, it is worth understanding the route from initial arrival to long-term settlement. Chile’s immigration structure has its own logic that sets it apart from residency systems found in many other countries, where categories are more rigidly compartmentalised.

The Residencia Temporal is valid for up to two years, with the exception of the seasonal workers subcategory. Most subcategories can be extended for two consecutive years — except seasonal workers, which may only be renewed for up to two additional years, and the special permit for pregnant foreign women, which cannot be extended at all. In practice, this means that most temporary residents can remain lawfully in Chile for up to four years before transitioning to permanent status.

The 180-day minimum stay requirement
Qualifying for permanent residency requires that a temporary resident be physically present in Chile for at least 180 days within a single one-year period. These days need not be consecutive — only the cumulative total matters. Departures from Chile during that year are permitted. This is a notably flexible arrangement compared with certain other countries; France’s long-stay residency rules, for example, impose stricter limits on absences during the initial year of residence.

When to apply for permanent residency
The earliest point at which you can lodge a permanent residency application — after satisfying the temporary residency requirement — is three months before the end of your first year of temporary residency, provided you have already accumulated your 180 days. Depending on the permit subcategory, a person may apply for permanent residence after 12 or 24 months of living in Chile. Those on a standard employment contract visa typically need to complete two years of temporary residency before becoming eligible.

When assessing applications for permanent residency, SERMIG examines the applicant’s labour stability — defined as the pursuit of any lawful economic activity, whether self-employed or as an employee, that can demonstrate income for at least half the months of temporary residency in Chile. Financial stability and a clean immigration record are also taken into account.

Pathway to citizenship
To apply for Chilean citizenship, you must be at least 18 years of age, hold a valid Residencia Definitiva, and have accumulated five or more years of residence in Chile from the date your Estampado Electrónico was issued. Unlike the approach taken in many European countries — where citizenship typically follows a period of permanent residency alone — Chile counts both the temporary and permanent stages together toward the five-year total.

How do you apply for residency in Chile?

Under Law No. 21.325, the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) is the body responsible for handling all residency applications. The process operates primarily online, making it reasonably accessible for applicants whether they are in Chile or still abroad.

Where to apply
Applications for Residencia Temporal permits must in most cases be submitted from outside Chile. The exceptions are applications based on family reunification or humanitarian grounds, which may also be lodged from within Chilean territory. This distinction is significant: the majority of applicants should initiate the process before travelling to Chile, rather than waiting until after arrival.

1. Create an account on the SERMIG portal. Register at the Portal de Trámites Digitales. Those who already hold a ClaveÚnica — Chile’s national digital identity credential — may use it to log in directly.
2. Select the correct residency subcategory. Identify the subcategory that best reflects your circumstances — such as family reunification, lawful remunerated activities, retirement, or investor status. Choosing an incorrect subcategory can lead to outright rejection, so it is worth reviewing SERMIG’s official guidance thoroughly before proceeding.
3. Complete the online application form. Fill in the application form with precise and current information. Take care to verify all personal details before submitting.
4. Upload required documents. Attach the necessary supporting documents to the online portal, confirm that all items are present, and submit the completed application.
5. Pay the applicable fee. Residency applications, extensions, and citizenship procedures each carry fees set according to rates defined by law. Fee schedules are subject to periodic revision — always consult the current rates at serviciomigraciones.cl/en/immigration-fees/ rather than relying on figures from third-party sources.
6. Await a decision and respond to any requests. Allow SERMIG time to process your application — typically up to 30 days as of 2024/2025. You may be contacted with requests for additional information during this period. If SERMIG asks for further documents, you will have 60 calendar days from the date of notification to submit them through the portal.
7. Download the Estampado Electrónico. Upon approval, you will receive a notification prompting you to download your electronic stamp (Estampado Electrónico) — the official document confirming your permit. This must be downloaded within 120 working days of being notified.
8. Enter Chile and register at the Civil Registry. A Residencia Temporal permit issued from outside Chile takes effect from your date of entry, which is recorded by border control authorities in the National Register of Foreigners. Within 30 days of your permit becoming effective, you must attend the nearest civil registry office to request your Chilean identity card. The card itself may take longer than 30 days to arrive, but booking your appointment within that window is sufficient to meet the requirement.

Processing times fluctuate depending on application volumes and the completeness of submitted documentation. A rough estimate of one to three months is commonly cited by practitioners (as of 2024/2025), but official current estimates should always be verified on the SERMIG website.

What documents do you need to apply for residency in Chile?

Document requirements differ according to the subcategory under which you are applying. What follows is a general outline of what is commonly required across most categories. The definitive, up-to-date checklist for your specific subcategory should always be confirmed on the official SERMIG residency pages.

Documents required across most subcategories

• Valid passport or identity document. For applications submitted from abroad, the passport must remain valid for at least one year from the date of application.
• Criminal record certificate. The criminal and/or judicial record certificate from your country of origin must have been issued no more than 60 days before the date of application. It must be issued by the competent authority of your country of origin, or of any country in which you have resided during the past five years, and is required for all applicants over the age of 18.
• Passport photograph. The photograph must be in colour with a white background, with the full face clearly visible, looking directly at the camera, with a neutral expression and open eyes. Accessories such as glasses or headwear are not permitted. The photograph must be recent and uploaded in JPG or PNG format.
• Birth certificate (required for certain subcategories, particularly family reunification).
• Proof of income or financial means — for retirement or rentista applications, this typically means pension award letters or documentation evidencing passive income, such as rental agreements or investment statements.

Apostille and translation requirements
All documents issued abroad or by a consular representation in Chile must be apostilled or duly legalised, as required under Articles 345 and 345 bis of Chile’s Code of Civil Procedure. Any document issued in a language other than Spanish or English must be accompanied by a translation authorised by a certified body. Apostilling documents can be a time-consuming process depending on the issuing country, so this should be factored into your preparation timeline.

Document validity windows
Documents produced by private parties must be submitted within 30 days of the date of issue. Documents issued by public institutions must be presented within 60 days of issue, unless a different validity period is expressly indicated on the document itself. Careful coordination between document collection and application submission is therefore essential.

For permanent residency (Residencia Definitiva)
The Residencia Definitiva application requires an updated criminal record certificate from your country of origin, apostilled or duly legalised and translated where applicable. This certificate must have been issued within 90 days of the application date and is required for all nationalities. Evidence of lawful economic activity or income sustained throughout your period of temporary residency is also typically evaluated as part of the assessment.

Do you need to register with any government department or authority after arriving in Chile?

Yes. Once you have arrived in Chile and your residency permit is in effect, there are mandatory registration steps that every foreign resident must complete. Failing to act within the prescribed timeframes can create complications for your legal standing and your day-to-day life in the country.

Civil Registry — obtaining your Chilean identity card (Cédula de Identidad)
Within 30 days of your permit taking effect, you are required to attend the nearest Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación to apply for your Chilean identity card. The card itself may not be issued within that 30-day period, but booking and attending your appointment within the window is sufficient to satisfy the obligation. This card is indispensable for daily life in Chile — you will require it to open a bank account, access public services, execute contracts, and deal with government bodies.

Recording your entry
A Residencia Temporal permit issued outside Chile becomes valid from your date of entry, which is logged by border control authorities in the National Register of Foreigners. This registration happens automatically when your passport is scanned at the port of entry, but it is advisable to confirm that your entry has been correctly recorded.

Estampado Electrónico download deadline
Holders of a Permiso de Residencia Temporal who are outside Chile at the time of approval are given 90 calendar days from the date they download the permit to enter the country. Should 120 working days pass from the date of notification without the permit being downloaded from the SERMIG electronic system, the permit will expire. It is important to download your permit promptly upon receiving notification and to enter Chile within the stipulated timeframe.

Renewals and changes of address
Applications to renew a temporary residence permit must be lodged with SERMIG no earlier than 90 days and no later than 10 days before the current permit expires. Allowing your permit to lapse without timely renewal can render your immigration status irregular, which may jeopardise both your right to remain in Chile and the prospects for future applications.

What are the rights and restrictions that come with residency in Chile?

The entitlements available to you depend considerably on whether you hold a Residencia Temporal or a Residencia Definitiva. Knowing these differences in advance is important when making practical plans for life in Chile.

Right to work
A temporary residence permit allows its holder to work, study, and conduct business for a maximum duration of one year. Under the current law, most subcategories of Residencia Temporal entitle the holder to engage in lawful paid work, though certain subcategories — such as dependent family members — carry restrictions. Parents, spouses, and children of the main applicant may apply for a Dependent Temporary Resident Visa, which does not include the right to work. Students are permitted to work for a limited number of hours per week. The Residencia Definitiva authorises foreign nationals to reside in Chile indefinitely and participate in any lawful activity.

Access to public healthcare and education
Chile’s health system encompasses both a public provider (FONASA) and private health insurers (ISAPREs). Foreign nationals with legal residency status are generally entitled to enrol in FONASA, which offers subsidised healthcare through public hospitals and clinics. Unlike certain European models where registration with a national health service occurs automatically upon arrival, access to Chile’s public health system is contribution-based and typically requires an active RUT (Chilean tax identification number) together with formal employment or registered self-employment. Children of legal residents are entitled to attend state schools. Full housing rights equivalent to those of Chilean nationals are only available to holders of a Residencia Definitiva.

Travel rights
Chilean residency does not confer freedom of movement across a wider regional bloc in the way that, for example, EU residency enables travel between member states. The Residencia Definitiva does not restrict international travel, provided you comply with the re-entry obligation — an absence from Chile exceeding two years may result in the revocation of your permanent residency status. This concern disappears once you have obtained Chilean citizenship.

Eligibility for citizenship
Foreign nationals may apply for Chilean citizenship after obtaining permanent residency and accumulating at least five years of continuous residence in Chile. Applicants must also demonstrate a clean criminal record, an adequate level of Spanish language proficiency, and submit a comprehensive dossier including a background verification. Chile recognises dual citizenship, meaning applicants are not generally required to surrender their existing nationality upon naturalisation.

Tax obligations
An individual becomes a tax resident of Chile by spending six consecutive months in the country during a given calendar year, or six non-consecutive months per year across two years. Tax residents are liable for personal income tax on their worldwide income, whereas non-residents are only taxed on income sourced within Chile. Foreign nationals are taxed exclusively on Chilean-source income during their first three years of residency, and a further three-year extension of the foreign-source income exemption may be requested. Anyone earning income in multiple countries should seek advice from a qualified tax professional.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information on residency in Chile?

Chile’s residency rules have undergone considerable change since Law No. 21.325 came into force in 2022, and requirements, fee levels, and processing times continue to evolve. It is always preferable to verify information against official government sources rather than depending on third-party websites or older published guides.

Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG)
SERMIG is a decentralised public agency created under Law No. 21.325, operating under the supervision of the President of the Republic through the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security. Its mandate is to implement Chile’s national migration policy, ensuring that migration processes are informed, safe, orderly, and regular, with due regard for gender equality and human rights. The official website — serviciomigraciones.cl — contains authoritative information on all permit categories, document requirements, and fee schedules.

Portal de Trámites Digitales
Residency applications are submitted and monitored online through the SERMIG Digital Procedures Portal, accessed using ClaveÚnica credentials. The portal is located at tramites.extranjeria.gob.cl and serves as the official channel for lodging applications, tracking their progress, and paying the associated fees.

Chilean consulates abroad
If you are applying from outside Chile, your nearest Chilean consulate or embassy is the designated point of contact for consular visa services and pre-departure enquiries. A directory of Chilean consular representations worldwide is maintained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at chile.gob.cl.

ChileAtiende
ChileAtiende is the Chilean government’s central citizen services portal. It offers clear, plain-language summaries of immigration and residency procedures and can direct users to the appropriate SERMIG service for their individual situation.

Immigration fees page
Fee schedules are updated periodically by the Chilean government. Before submitting any application, always verify the applicable rates directly on the official SERMIG immigration fees page, rather than relying on amounts cited in third-party publications.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Chilean residency application process take?

As of 2024/2025, the full process typically takes around two to three months. The actual duration will depend on the subcategory concerned, the workload being handled by SERMIG at the time, and how complete your documentation is when you submit. Applications with missing documents will be placed on hold until they are provided, extending the overall timeline. For the most current processing time estimates, refer to the SERMIG website.

Can I include my family members in my residency application?

Your dependants — including your spouse, children under 18, and parents — may accompany you to Chile. Each will need to submit their own Dependent Temporary Resident Visa application following the same procedure. Dependants are not permitted to work unless they obtain a separate authorisation, and you will be required to demonstrate that you have sufficient means to support them. Each dependant must include proof of the family relationship, such as a birth certificate.

What happens if my residency application is refused?

SERMIG may refuse applications for a Residencia Temporal by means of a reasoned resolution, in line with the provisions of Article 88 of Law No. 21.325 of Migración y Extranjería. You will receive written notification of the grounds for refusal. Where the application contained errors or missing information, you may be given an opportunity to make corrections before a final determination is reached. If your application is refused, it is advisable to consult a qualified immigration lawyer, as the grounds for refusal and any available appeal or reconsideration mechanisms are governed by the legislation.

Can I lose my permanent residency through extended absence from Chile?

Yes. A permanent residency permit remains valid indefinitely unless the holder leaves Chile for a continuous period exceeding two years, which may trigger its tacit revocation. This applies to foreign nationals who were living in Chile under permanent residency and have since remained outside the country for more than two years. Should this occur, a dedicated Residencia Temporal subcategory is available for former Residencia Definitiva holders to restore their regular immigration status.

Does residency in Chile lead to citizenship, and how long does that take?

Foreign nationals may apply for Chilean citizenship after holding permanent residency and residing continuously in Chile for a minimum of five years. In addition to the residency requirement, applicants must demonstrate a clean criminal record, show an adequate level of Spanish language proficiency, and submit a full background verification. Once eligibility has been established, the citizenship application process itself takes approximately two years. Chile recognises dual citizenship, so renouncing your existing nationality is not required.

How does residency in Chile affect my tax obligations?

Chilean tax residents are liable for personal income tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on income arising from Chilean sources. For foreign nationals new to Chile, only Chilean-source income is subject to taxation during the first three years of residency, and a three-year extension of the exemption on foreign-source income may be requested. Given the potential complexity of cross-border tax obligations, professional advice from a tax specialist familiar with both Chilean law and the rules of your home country is strongly recommended.

Do I need to speak Spanish to obtain residency in Chile?

Spanish proficiency is not a requirement for obtaining a residency permit in Chile — whether for retirement, employment, or other temporary residence purposes. The application process focuses on meeting the relevant eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating sufficient income or holding the required documentation. Spanish language ability does, however, become a prerequisite when applying for citizenship at a later stage. Since all official communications and forms from SERMIG are in Spanish, having at least a working command of the language — or the assistance of a qualified interpreter — will significantly ease the application process.

Can I work in Chile while my residency application is being processed?

This depends on your current immigration status in Chile. If you are in the country on a tourist entry, you are not permitted to undertake paid work while your residency application is under review. Those who have applied under certain temporary residency subcategories may be able to request a work permit through a separate application while their residency is being processed. Before commencing any paid activity, verify the rules applicable to your specific situation with SERMIG or a qualified Chilean immigration lawyer.

Is there a digital nomad visa in Chile?

As of early 2026, Chile has not introduced a dedicated standalone digital nomad visa comparable to those offered by countries such as Portugal or Costa Rica. Foreign nationals who work remotely for overseas employers may nonetheless find that they qualify under the investor or independent worker subcategory of the Residencia Temporal framework, depending on their individual circumstances. The standard employment contract visa is not appropriate for those whose work contract remains with a foreign company — in such cases, an investor visa may be the more suitable route. Given that this area of policy continues to develop, always check the current subcategory definitions on the SERMIG website before applying.