Understanding visas for Chile is essential when planning to live and work in the country. A traveller's nationality, purpose of entry, and planned length of stay will determine which visa is required.
For short-term visits, citizens of select countries can enter visa-free with their passport for stays of up to 90 days. Though no advance application is required, border officials may ask that travellers show proof of funds for the duration of their stay and evidence of their scheduled departure date. Nationals of many South American countries can enter Chile with only their national identity document.
Travellers who don't fall under either of these categories will need to apply for a visa in advance. This can be done online or via their closest Chilean embassy or consulate.
Tourist visas for Chile
Visitors who are not from visa-exempt countries will have to apply for a tourist visa at least 30 days in advance. The required documents for obtaining a visa for Chile vary but normally include a detailed travel itinerary of flights and accommodation, as well as proof of funds to sustain the traveller during their stay.
It can take up to 20 days to process the application, after which the visa must be collected and paid for at the designated Chilean embassy.
Tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days in Chile. A tourist card (tarjeta de turismo), issued on arrival, should always be carried. A fine must be paid if visitors overstay.
This card can sometimes be renewed at an additional fee for an additional 90 days when it nears its expiration date, and this can be arranged through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Migration. Extension isn't guaranteed and is decided on a discretionary basis.
eVisa
Chile has brought out an eVisa, named E-Vistur, to expedite the tourist visa application process. The Chilean government is gradually rolling out the eVisa, and it is currently only available to expats of around 24 nationalities, including Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany, although more countries will become eligible in time.
Up-to-date information on visas and visa fees can be found on the official Department of Foreign Affairs and Migration websites.
Business visas for Chile
For professionals and businesspeople aiming to engage in business activities in Chile, a specific business visa is required. This visa is appropriate for a range of business-related activities, including attending meetings and conferences, exploring business opportunities, and conducting market research. It can be issued for either a single or multiple entries, with the duration of stay determined by the specific activities planned.
Applicants for a Chilean business visa must provide several documents, including a letter of invitation from a Chilean company or business partner. The processing time for a business visa is typically around six to seven business days, but applicants should plan for potential delays.
It is crucial for business visa holders to understand that this visa does not permit them to engage in any form of paid employment in Chile. Activities are restricted to those outlined in their visa application and could vary depending on individual circumstances. Consulting with immigration counsel is advisable for clarity on permissible activities.
Investor visas for Chile
Chile's Investor Visa, also known as the Chilean Golden Visa, offers an attractive pathway for foreign individuals to invest significantly in the country. The visa grants temporary residence permits to those who invest more than a specified amount, and it also caters to senior managers of foreign-owned companies in Chile.
Business investors
The Chilean Investment Agency outlines specific requirements for the Investor Visa. Investments in real estate, bonds, and business are eligible for this visa. The programme promises a residence permit within months for passive investments, with minimal physical presence required. This option is particularly appealing to those seeking to make a significant economic contribution to Chile while gaining residency rights.
Rentiers
The Rentier programme allows foreigners with sufficient regular international income, such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or salaries, to obtain temporary residence in Chile. This programme is ideal for individuals who can sustain themselves and their families financially without the need for local employment.
Startups
The Startup Visa programme targets individuals keen on launching startups in Chile. It offers varying financing terms and conditions, providing a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs. This programme is an excellent opportunity for those looking to innovate and start new business ventures in Chile.
Each programme caters to different investment and residency needs. Prospective applicants should carefully evaluate each option against their personal and financial circumstances.
For the most current information on these investment programmes, including application procedures and eligibility criteria, visit the official Chilean website, InvestChile
Useful links
Student visas for Chile
Foreign citizens who wish to study in Chile and are enrolled in an educational institution must obtain a student-resident visa.
Student visas are usually valid for one year or the duration of the course, whichever is shorter. They can be renewed. Students with scholarships for Chile often have their visas validated for the duration of the scholarship.
It is sometimes possible to take up employment while on a student visa if the Department of Foreign Affairs and Migration deems that the work is necessary to complete or fund the course.
Obtaining a student visa is typically done outside the country through the official Minrel website and at the nearest Chilean consulate.
Foreigners on a student visa may be entitled to bring their spouse or dependant children. To do this, they must apply for a separate visa, including additional documents and proof that all applicants will be financially covered during their stay and will not take up work.
The process of obtaining a study visa can take some time. Those hoping to study in Chile will need to contact their local Chilean embassy and plan well in advance.
Residence visas for Chile
Foreigners who wish to stay in Chile for longer than 90 days must normally get a temporary residence permit. This includes most applicants from visa-free countries.
Temporary Resident Visa
The Visa de Residencia Temporaria allows holders to live and work in Chile. The visa is valid for a year, and can be renewed once. After that, expats should consider applying for permanent residence.
There is an associated dependant visa for family members of the Temporary Resident Visa holder, but dependants on this visa are not allowed to work in Chile.
Permanent residence
Getting Permanencia Definitiva allows foreigners to permanently settle in Chile and live and work with full rights of a Chilean citizen. This is normally for foreign citizens who have lived in Chile for some time and have held previous visas and work permits. Expats should review the official Extranjeria and Minrel websites as well as visit the Registro Civil or any ChileAtiende office to start the process and obtain a unique key to continue an online application.
Visa Subject to Contract
The Visa Sujeta a Contrato de Trabajo is a resident visa and type of work permit granted to foreign workers who have been hired from overseas and intend to live and work in Chile. It is usually valid for the length of an expat’s contract.
The dependant visa linked to this is for the immediate family of the contract worker, and holders of this type of dependant visa are not allowed to work while they live in Chile.
Working Holiday Visa
This visa is another type of work permit that allows nationals of certain countries to travel to and study or work in Chile for up to one year.
*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.