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Chile – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Chile

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit to work legally in Chile. The application for the work permit must be made by the foreign national’s employer, not the expat themselves

Exemptions from obtaining a work permit are available for individuals who are considered to have “permanent residency” in Chile, as well as individuals who have a Chilean spouse or dependent children. Additionally, citizens of Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) are able to work in Chile without a work permit for up to 90 days in a calendar year.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in Chile

There are several types of work permits for expats in Chile, including:

  • Work Visa for Independent Work: for self-employed individuals who plan to start a business or work as a freelancer in Chile.

  • Work Visa for Temporary Work: for individuals who have been offered a job in Chile for a specific period of time, typically up to one year.

  • Work Visa for Permanent Work: for individuals who have been offered a permanent job in Chile, and plan to work in the country for an indefinite period.

Eligibility for each type of work permit depends on several factors, such as the type of job being offered, the length of the contract, and the individual’s nationality and qualifications.


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Work Permit Application Process in Chile

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Chile involves several steps:

  • The foreign national’s employer must first submit a request for a work permit to the Chilean immigration authorities.

  • The foreign national must then submit a visa application, including all required documentation, to the Chilean consulate in their home country.

  • Once the visa application is approved, the foreign national must travel to Chile and complete the final steps of the work permit process, including obtaining a medical certificate and a police clearance certificate.

The entire process usually takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

Work Permit Documents in Chile

Foreign nationals who want to work in Chile need to obtain a work permit or visa. The documents required for a work permit application may vary depending on the type of work permit and the nationality of the applicant. However, some of the common documents required include:

  • A valid passport or travel document
  • A job offer letter from a Chilean employer
  • A criminal record certificate from the applicant’s home country or the country of residence
  • Educational certificates, qualifications, and any other relevant documents
  • Proof of health insurance coverage
  • A completed work permit application form
  • A notarized employment contract
  • A health certificate

Additional documents may be required depending on the individual case, such as a professional qualification certificate or a proof of financial solvency.

What Costs Are Involved in Applying for a Work Permit in Chile?

The cost of a work permit in Chile depends on the type of work permit and the duration of stay. Some of the common costs associated with work permit applications include:

  • A work visa application fee, which ranges from USD 60 to USD 200, depending on the type of work visa and the nationality of the applicant
  • A visa processing fee, which ranges from USD 30 to USD 60, depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant
  • A consular fee for document authentication, which varies depending on the consulate and the type of document
  • Translation and notarization fees for required documents
  • Travel expenses to and from the Chilean consulate for document submission and collection

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and additional fees may apply depending on the individual case.

Where Can Expats Go for Reliable Information on Working Legally in Chile?

Expats who want to work legally in Chile can find reliable information and guidance from the following websites:


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