Chile – Work Permits and Working Legally

Do expats need a work permit to work legally in Chile?

Any foreign national intending to work in Chile — whether for a short assignment or on a long-term basis — is required to hold a valid work permit or work visa before starting employment. Chile does not impose a labour market test of the kind found in many other countries; employers are not obliged to demonstrate that no suitable Chilean candidate was available before bringing in a foreign hire. That said, there are proportional staffing requirements under Chilean law that employers must observe.

Employers in Chile are generally free to recruit foreign nationals without going through a pre-approval procedure to show that local workers were unavailable. However, the Labour Code places a ceiling on the proportion of foreign staff: in companies with 25 or more workers, foreign nationals may account for no more than 15% of the workforce, subject to certain exceptions and exclusions.

Every foreign national who is not a Chilean citizen or permanent resident and who wishes to work in the country must obtain appropriate authorisation — typically a Temporary Residence Visa (Residencia Temporal) — sponsored by an employer with a presence in Chile. The process is a shared endeavour: the employer furnishes the signed employment contract and company documentation, while the employee initiates the visa application and provides personal paperwork.

As a signatory to the MERCOSUR agreement, Chile offers an expedited residence pathway for citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The MERCOSUR residence visa is ordinarily valid for two years and is renewable, representing a considerably simpler route compared to the standard process. Holders of Chilean permanent residency are not subject to these requirements, as that status confers unrestricted rights to work.

A short-term work authorisation for people on tourist entry — known informally as the tourist work permit, or Permanencia Transitoria (PET) — is also available in limited circumstances, such as when a visitor receives a brief assignment in Chile. This is very much an exceptional arrangement, however, and is not a substitute for a formal residence visa in cases of regular employment.

What types of work permit are available in Chile?

Chile overhauled its immigration framework with a new law enacted in 2020, published in April 2021 and further updated in 2022. The reform replaced existing residence and work permit categories with a restructured Temporary Residence Visa system comprising 16 subcategories. Foreign nationals who wish to live and work in Chile must now obtain one of these Temporary Residence Visa subcategories.

The principal subcategory of the Residencia Temporal is designed for foreign nationals seeking to reside in Chile temporarily in order to engage in lawful paid activity under a subordinate or dependent relationship with an employer that has an address or branch in Chile. It also covers those who hold a formal job offer from a Chilean individual or company.

This subcategory calls for a local employment contract, a job offer, or a services contract (for the self-employed) as part of the application. Importantly, unlike the previous Work Contract Visa, the current visa is no longer tied to the duration of a specific employment contract, meaning that permit holders can move between employers without complications.

One stream of the Residencia Temporal caters to seasonal workers engaged on a short-term or recurring basis, allowing them to reside and work lawfully in Chile to meet temporary labour demands. The sponsoring company must be formally registered with the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII) and operate in a sector directly connected to the work being carried out. Permits under this stream may be issued for up to five years and extended for a further two years, though the worker’s actual presence in Chile is limited to six months per calendar year, consistent with the seasonal character of the role.

A further stream of the Residencia Temporal accommodates business executives who need to carry out managerial or senior leadership functions for a company operating in Chile. This option enables high-level professionals to oversee local operations without establishing long-term residence. Holders of this permit may enter Chile on multiple occasions, but their total time in-country may not exceed six months in any calendar year.

Separate provisions cover investors, managers, directors, and specialist personnel. Individuals making an investment above the minimum required threshold may apply under this subcategory, which involves submitting a criminal record certificate and a sponsorship letter from InvestChile, the government agency responsible for promoting international investment.

The Permanencia Transitoria (PET) — often referred to informally as the tourist work permit — is a short-term work authorisation rather than a visa. It is valid for one month at a time and requires monthly renewal visits to the immigration office. Despite the colloquial name, the PET is not a tourist visa. Its costs are considerably higher than those of a standard work visa, making it a practical choice only for very brief assignments rather than extended stays.

For permanent residency, the standard requirement is to have held a Temporary Residence Visa for at least two years. The applicant must demonstrate continuous lawful residence in Chile during this period — with limited absences tolerated — and show that they have stable means of support, typically through ongoing employment or another dependable source of income.

Chile has not yet introduced a dedicated digital nomad visa. The absence of such a category creates a degree of legal uncertainty for remote workers, who must currently try to fit their circumstances into existing visa subcategories that were not conceived with location-independent work in mind.

How do you apply for a work permit in Chile, and how long does it take?

Chile has steadily transitioned to a fully digital application system for residence visas and work permits. All applications — whether lodged from within or outside the country — are handled electronically through the SERMIG online portal. The following steps outline the standard process for the Residencia Temporal for remunerated activities, which is the most commonly used route.

1. Secure a job offer or employment contract. Under the current law, workers must be employed and compensated by a company based in Chile, and must hold a local work contract, job offer, or services contract to reflect this. As a general rule, the employer signs the contract before a notary public in Chile, and the employee signs before a Chilean consul in their home country — both parties should co-ordinate closely to prevent delays.
2. Apply online through the SERMIG portal. The worker must submit the visa application from outside Chile by establishing a ClaveÚnica account and completing the process through the Portal de Trámites Digitales of the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG).
3. Upload all required documents. All necessary paperwork — passport, photographs, employment contract, certificates, and so on — must be scanned and uploaded to the portal. Where official documents cannot be verified online, originals must be forwarded to SERMIG’s headquarters for authenticity checks. Ensuring all documents are legible and correctly formatted is essential to avoid hold-ups.
4. Pay the visa fee online. Payment of the applicable immigration fee is made during the application process. The exact amount depends on the applicant’s nationality and the visa subcategory — consult the current fee schedule on the SERMIG portal for up-to-date figures.
5. Await a decision. The applicant will receive a response after a period of several months. Should the application be refused or additional documents requested, the applicant must respond accordingly and the review process will recommence.
6. Enter Chile and submit the employment contract to SERMIG. Upon arrival in Chile, the applicant has 45 calendar days to deliver a notarised copy of the employment contract — along with confirmation of its electronic registration — to SERMIG. This contract must have been signed with the employer who issued the original job offer.
7. Register for a Chilean identity card (RUT). Once the visa is approved, the applicant must apply for a cédula de identidad (identity card) at the Civil Registry. Work may not formally commence until both visa approval and receipt of the RUT number have been confirmed.

Processing times: From submission, the visa is generally granted within approximately three to six months, though this can vary considerably depending on the workload of the immigration service at any given time. Reports suggest that backlogs arising from the 2022 immigration law changes have extended timelines further, with processing commonly taking six to eight months. In particularly urgent situations, emergency processing may be requested, though this still typically requires at least three to four months.

Where an immediate start date is unavoidable, some applicants opt to apply for the Permanencia Transitoria (PET) as a bridging measure. Applications for the PET are lodged in Chile and are ordinarily processed within approximately five days.

Processing times for Chilean work visas and temporary residence permits are subject to fluctuation based on immigration office workloads, the applicant’s specific consulate or migration office, whether the application is made from abroad or within Chile, and any seasonal peaks or policy shifts. Applicants should verify current processing timelines directly with SERMIG before planning their move.

What documents do expats need to apply for a work permit in Chile?

The precise documents required depend on the visa subcategory being applied for and the applicant’s individual circumstances. The list below reflects the standard requirements for the Residencia Temporal for remunerated activities. Always confirm the current checklist directly on the SERMIG portal before preparing an application, as requirements are revised periodically.

Documents required from the applicant:

• A valid passport applicable to all nationalities, with at least six months of remaining validity beyond the intended date of travel.
• A police clearance certificate or equivalent document issued by the competent authority of the applicant’s country of origin, or of any country in which they have lived during the preceding five years — required for applicants aged 18 and over. These documents frequently require apostille or legalisation.
• A comprehensive medical report issued within the previous 60 days, signed and stamped by a general practitioner, confirming that the applicant is in good health.
• Passport-sized photographs taken in accordance with SERMIG’s specifications.
• Professional degree or technical qualification certificates, typically requiring apostille or legalisation, together with a Curriculum Vitae.
• The signed employment contract with the Chilean employer.
• Where the engagement is academic in nature or involves a fee-based contract (contrato a honorarios), the applicant must provide the notarised contract alongside apostilled copies of their academic degrees or professional/technical certificates.

Documents and obligations for the employer:

• Regardless of whether the work is performed under a subordinate arrangement or on a self-employed basis, the employer’s or contractor’s tax folder (Carpeta tributaria) — issued by the SII, Chile’s tax authority — must be included in the residence application. Where this is unavailable, sufficient evidence of financial capacity to meet the contractual obligations must be provided instead.
• Confirmation that the company is formally registered with the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII).
• The notarised employment contract, signed by the employer before a Chilean notary public.

This overview does not constitute a complete list of required documentation. Chilean authorities may request additional materials at any stage of the assessment process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to download the current checklist for their specific visa subcategory directly from the official SERMIG website.

What does a work permit cost in Chile?

Visa fees in Chile vary according to the applicant’s nationality and the specific visa type being applied for. The precise amount owed will not be known until the online application is submitted, but payment is not required upfront — it is made when collecting the visa stamp at the consulate. As fees are subject to periodic revision and differ by nationality and permit category, always check the current schedule directly at serviciomigraciones.cl before budgeting.

Beyond the official government fees, applicants should anticipate a range of ancillary costs, which typically include:

• Translation and notarisation of documents such as employment contracts, certificates, and criminal records
• Apostille or legalisation of foreign-issued documents
• Medical examination fees
• Passport photographs
• Consular appointment costs where applicable

The PET (short-term tourist work authorisation) carries substantially higher fees than the standard work visa — approximately 150% of the regular visa cost — making it a less economical solution for anything beyond the most urgent, short-duration requirements.

On the question of who pays: Chilean labour law does not expressly prohibit employers from passing government visa fees on to employees, but sponsoring employers commonly absorb these costs as part of relocation or expatriate packages. Independent contractors are generally expected to cover their own application expenses. If the cost-sharing arrangement is unclear, seeking guidance from a qualified Chilean immigration lawyer is advisable, as the position can vary depending on the employment structure. Always consult the SERMIG portal for the official, current fee schedule.

Can expats change jobs or employers while on a work permit in Chile?

One of the most significant improvements brought about by Chile’s 2021–2022 immigration law reform is the greater freedom it grants permit holders to change employer. Under the current framework, losing the job that underpinned the original visa application — or voluntarily switching to a different employer — does not in itself constitute grounds for revoking the permit. Holders of a standard Residencia Temporal may therefore move to a new employer without needing to notify SERMIG, with one notable exception: the 90-day permit issued on the basis of a formal job offer.

This represents a meaningful break from the previous system, under which the Work Contract Visa was directly tied to the specific employment contract on which it was granted. The current Temporary Residence Visa is not bound in this way, giving workers considerably more flexibility to navigate the job market without putting their immigration status at risk.

However, those holding a shorter 90-day permit issued against a formal job offer face stricter conditions. If the holder fails to fulfil the contract with the employer who submitted the job offer, SERMIG may cancel the permit and require the individual to leave Chile — regardless of any civil or criminal liability that may attach to the employer who issued the offer that subsequently fell through.

Work permits are generally connected to specific roles and locations, so significant changes to job duties or place of work may require separate approval. Where the new role falls within a profession that requires its own authorisation to practise in Chile — such as healthcare or law — additional steps will be necessary irrespective of visa status. There are no formal academic qualification requirements for obtaining a work-related residence visa, but regulated professions necessitate prior authorisation from the relevant professional body.

Most work-authorising temporary residence visas in Chile are granted for up to one or two years and are renewable provided the employment relationship and eligibility conditions remain in place. Renewal applications should generally be filed before the current permit expires, and it is prudent to begin the process several months ahead of the expiry date to avoid any gap in authorisation.

What are the penalties for working illegally in Chile?

Working in Chile without the required authorisation — or in breach of permit conditions — carries serious consequences for both the individual and their employer. Working without permission is a violation of immigration law, and both the foreign national involved and the employing company can face sanctions.

Applicants are not permitted to work until their visa has been formally approved and their RUT number issued. Commencing work without authorisation can lead to deportation and lasting visa bans, potentially compromising future applications for temporary or permanent residency and even Chilean citizenship.

Financial penalties are denominated in Unidades Tributarias Mensuales (UTM), a Chilean unit of account used for government levies and sanctions. Foreign nationals who fail to apply for their Chilean identity card within the legally stipulated period face fines ranging from ½ to 2 UTM. More serious immigration violations attract heavier penalties — consult the official SERMIG sanctions page for the current schedule.

Notably, Chilean law includes a protective provision for vulnerable workers. A foreign national who has worked without authorisation will not face sanctions if they lodge a complaint against their employer for violations of immigration, labour, or other applicable legislation with SERMIG, the Dirección del Trabajo, the Chilean Courts of Justice, or any other body within Chile’s state administration. This measure is intended to shield workers from exploitation by ensuring they are not deterred from reporting abusive employers by fear of their own exposure.

Businesses hiring or relocating foreign talent to Chile must maintain full compliance with the country’s immigration and work visa rules. Non-compliance can expose an employer to financial penalties, legal liability, and reputational damage. Employers found to have engaged workers without valid documentation face fines and other sanctions under Chilean immigration law, and persistent or serious violations can jeopardise an employer’s ability to sponsor foreign workers in the future.

Where can expats find reliable and up-to-date information on work permits in Chile?

Bringing foreign talent to work in Chile involves navigating an immigration system administered primarily by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG). SERMIG is the central authority for all work permit and residence visa matters and operates a dedicated digital platform for applications and official guidance.

• Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG): The principal immigration authority. Visit serviciomigraciones.cl for application checklists, fee schedules, subcategory guidance, and access to the Portal de Trámites Digitales through which all visa applications are submitted.
• Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): Oversees consular visa matters for applicants applying from abroad. The consular procedures portal can be found at tramites.minrel.gov.cl.
• Dirección del Trabajo (Labour Directorate): The authority responsible for enforcing employment contracts and labour standards in Chile. A valuable resource for questions regarding employment rights and working conditions. Visit dt.gob.cl.
• Chilean embassies and consulates abroad: If you are uncertain whether you meet specific visa requirements, your nearest Chilean embassy or consulate can provide guidance. Once the work visa has been processed, the consulate will contact you to arrange an appointment at which the visa is stamped into your passport and original documents are collected.
• InvestChile: For investors and senior business personnel applying under the investor/manager visa subcategory, InvestChile (investchile.gob.cl) offers guidance and issues the required sponsorship letter.

While the business community has broadly welcomed the regulatory reforms and the move towards digitalised procedures, implementation has proven challenging, generating prolonged delays in visa processing and some criticism over restrictions on changing immigration status from within Chile. Against this backdrop, it is especially important to plan well ahead and rely exclusively on official sources for current information.

Exercise caution with third-party websites, unofficial agents, and online discussion forums — while some contain useful general context, specific details such as fees and document requirements change frequently and may be outdated. Always verify any figures or checklists directly with SERMIG or the relevant Chilean consulate before preparing or submitting an application. Where circumstances are complex — for example, an intracompany transfer from an overseas entity or an investor visa application — engaging a qualified Chilean immigration lawyer is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start working in Chile while my visa application is being processed?

No — you are not permitted to work in Chile until your visa has been formally approved. Some employers may allow remote work to be carried out from the applicant’s home country during the processing period. Where an earlier start date in Chile is essential, applying for the short-term tourist work authorisation (PET) may offer a bridging solution, though it is considerably more expensive and is only valid for brief periods.

Can I apply for a work visa from inside Chile?

If you are already in Chile on a tourist visa and decide you would like to remain and work, you can no longer initiate the temporary visa application process from within the country — with the exception of family-link visas. If you know ahead of arrival that you intend to live and work in Chile, you must apply for a temporary residence visa from your home country, ideally at least six to eight months before you plan to start.

Does my employer need a special licence or registration to sponsor me?

Employers wishing to sponsor a foreign worker must be registered with the Chilean immigration authorities and with the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII), and must be able to supply their tax folder (Carpeta tributaria) as part of the application. Chile does not operate a separate sponsorship licence system of the kind used in certain other countries — registration with the SII and active tax compliance are the key requirements.

Can my family members work if they come to Chile with me on a dependent visa?

Parents, spouses, and children of the primary visa holder may apply for a Dependent Temporary Residence Visa, but this does not automatically confer the right to work. Each dependent family member who wishes to work legally in Chile must go through their own separate application process to obtain individual work authorisation.

How long before I can apply for permanent residency in Chile?

As a general rule, those who have resided lawfully in Chile on a temporary visa for an uninterrupted period of at least two years may apply for permanent residency. In certain cases, however, the law permits an application after just one year, depending on the specific subcategory of temporary residence held.

Do MERCOSUR nationals need to follow the same process as everyone else?

Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay have the option of applying for a simplified Temporary MERCOSUR Residency visa — based on the principle of international reciprocity — rather than following the standard Temporary Residence Visa route. The same online application platform is used, but the process is generally more straightforward and quicker. Applicants should consult SERMIG for the specific document requirements applicable to this subcategory.

What happens to my visa if I lose my job in Chile?

Under the current framework, losing the job that formed the basis of the original permit application does not automatically trigger revocation of a standard Residencia Temporal. Holders of this visa may switch employers without informing SERMIG — the exception being those on a 90-day permit granted on the strength of a formal job offer. In practice, most standard permit holders have a window to seek new employment without immediately losing their immigration status, but it is advisable to take legal advice promptly if you find yourself out of work while holding a time-limited permit.

Is there a fast-track or priority processing option for urgent cases?

Due to backlogs stemming from the 2022 immigration law changes, standard processing currently takes six to eight months. Emergency processing is available in certain circumstances but still requires a minimum of three to four months. There is no broadly accessible premium or express-track service — applicants facing urgent timelines should consider the PET as a short-term bridging measure, or speak with an immigration specialist to determine whether any expedited pathway is available for their particular situation.

Are there any professions that require additional authorisation beyond the visa?

No formal academic qualification requirements apply to obtaining a work-related residence visa, but certain regulated professions — particularly those in healthcare and law — require prior authorisation to practise in Chile regardless of visa status. If you intend to work in a regulated field, you should confirm what additional registration or accreditation steps are required with the relevant professional body before submitting your visa application.