Chile Visa Guide
Visas for moving to Chile
Chile is one of Latin America's most developed economies, offering expats high-quality healthcare, robust infrastructure, and diverse landscapes from the Atacama desert to Patagonia. Under the 2022 Migration Law (Ley 21.325), Chile's temporary residence permits (Residencia Temporal) cover retirement, work, investment, study and related categories, administered by SERMIG.
Key facts
- Capital
- Santiago
- Official language
- Spanish
- Currency
- CLP (Chilean Peso)
- Immigration authority
- Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG)
All Chile visas for expats
Pick the visa that matches your situation. Each guide includes requirements, fees, processing times and a link to the official government source.
Chile Temporary Residence for Work
Temporary residence for foreigners coming to Chile to perform lawful paid activities under a subordinate employment contract with a Chilean employer or permanent resident.
Chile Retirement and Rentista Residence
Temporary residence for retirees with a pension or individuals with constant income from real estate or financial assets, sufficient to cover their stay in Chile.
Chile Investor Temporary Residence
Temporary residence for foreign investors, legal representatives, or senior executives of foreign entities conducting or planning a qualifying investment in Chile. Supported by InvestChile sponsorship.
Chile Mercosur Temporary Residence
Temporary residence for Argentine, Bolivian, Brazilian, Paraguayan, and Uruguayan nationals under the Mercosur reciprocity principle. Allows lawful paid work without a specific contract requirement.
Chile Family Reunification Residence
Temporary residence for immediate family members of Chilean nationals or foreign residents in Chile. Designed to reunify nuclear family units.
Chile Permanent Residence (Permanencia Definitiva)
Permanent residence in Chile, allowing indefinite stay and lawful activity. Obtained after a qualifying period of Residencia Temporal, generally 24 months (reducible to 12).
Not sure which Chile visa fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your income, profession and family situation, and we will narrow down the visas you likely qualify for.
Chile visa FAQs
What is SERMIG?
SERMIG (Servicio Nacional de Migraciones) is Chile's national migration service, created under the 2022 Migration Law to replace the former Departamento de Extranjeria.
Does Chile have a digital nomad visa?
Chile does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers with qualifying passive income use the Rentista/Jubilado visa; those with freelance income may apply under other temporary residence categories.
How long until I can apply for permanent residency?
After holding a Residencia Temporal for generally 2 years (with required physical presence), you can apply for Residencia Definitiva (permanent residency).
Are there tax benefits for new residents?
Yes. Chile exempts foreigners from taxation on foreign-source income for the first 3 years of residence, extendable to 6 years upon request.
Must I apply from outside Chile?
Under Ley 21.325, most Residencia Temporal applications must be filed from abroad through SERMIG's online portal, not from within Chile on a tourist entry.