Chile - permanent

Chile Permanent Residence (Permanencia Definitiva)Permanencia Definitiva

Last verified: April 18, 2026

Permanent residence in Chile, allowing indefinite stay and lawful activity. Obtained after a qualifying period of Residencia Temporal, generally 24 months (reducible to 12).

Who this visa is for

Residents who have completed 24 months of Residencia Temporal
Residents with Chilean family ties (after 12 months)
Investors with active businesses (after 12 months)
Pensioners and rentistas (after 12 months)
Applicants on official missions or cultural/scientific contributions

Requirements

Valid Residencia Temporal at time of application
Minimum 24 months of temporary residence (post-May 14, 2022 rules)
Reducible to 12 months for qualifying categories
Criminal record certificate (max 60 days old)
Valid passport
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
Proof of compliance with temporary-residence obligations

Processing time

Not published officially; varies depending on documentation review

Validity

Indefinite. Tacitly revoked after 2+ continuous years outside Chile unless renewal is requested at a Chilean consulate in the last 60 days of that window (one-time 2-year extension allowed).

Path to permanent

This is the permanent category. After additional residence time, eligible applicants may pursue Chilean nationality.

Fees

Fee	Amount	Note
Residence fee	CLP 138,974 (approx. USD 150 at USD 1 = CLP 929.90 per SERMIG April 2026 reference rate)	Exempt for foreigners with Chilean spouse and for applicants under 18

Application steps

Confirm eligibility timing
Calculate absences (up to 2 months = 24-month rule; 2-6 months = 30; 6-12 months = 36; 12+ months = 48)
Log in to SERMIG Portal de Tramites Digitales with ClaveUnica
Log in to SERMIG Portal de Tramites Digitales with ClaveUnica
Submit application and documents
Submit application and documents
Respond to any requirement within 60 days
Respond to any requirement within 60 days
Pay the fee when notified
Pay the fee when notified
Track status through the portal until resolution
Track status through the portal until resolution

Official government source

Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:

Official source: Servicio Nacional de Migraciones - Chile

Ask about the Permanencia DefinitivaPermanencia Definitiva

Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long must I hold temporary residence first?

24 months is standard. It drops to 12 months with Chilean family ties, active investments, pensions/rentista income, missions, or recognized cultural/scientific contributions.

What fees apply?

CLP 138,974 for general cases. Exempt for applicants with a Chilean spouse or under 18 years old.

Can extended absences delay me?

Yes. The required residency period increases with longer total absences during the temporary phase.

Can I lose permanent residence?

Yes, if you stay continuously outside Chile for more than 2 years without consular renewal.

Does this lead to citizenship?

Yes. After 5 years of continuous residence (3 years with Chilean family in certain cases), you can apply for nationalization.