Chile Visa Guide

Chile - resident

Chile Mercosur Temporary ResidenceResidencia Temporal - Reciprocidad Internacional (Mercosur)

Last verified: April 18, 2026

Temporary residence for Argentine, Bolivian, Brazilian, Paraguayan, and Uruguayan nationals under the Mercosur reciprocity principle. Allows lawful paid work without a specific contract requirement.

Who this visa is for

  • Nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay
  • Mercosur nationals seeking broad work and residence rights
  • Applicants without a tied Chilean employer
  • Families moving together under Mercosur reciprocity
  • Mercosur nationals who will later apply for Permanencia Definitiva

Requirements

  • Valid passport (min. 1 year)
  • Criminal or judicial record certificate

    Max 60 days old; required for applicants 18+

  • Recent color photograph
  • Proof of Mercosur nationality
  • Certified translation

    Required for documents not in Spanish or English

Processing time
Not published officially
Validity
Up to 2 years
Path to permanent
Eligible for Permanencia Definitiva after 24 months (or 12 months with qualifying factors such as family ties or active investments)

Fees

FeeAmountNote
Residence feeVaries by nationality per SERMIG scheduleUnder the Chile-Bolivia agreement, Bolivian and Chilean nationals are exempt from this visa's cost when applying in the other country

Application steps

  1. Apply from abroad via SERMIG portal

    Log in with registered account or ClaveUnica

  2. Upload passport, criminal record, and photo

    Upload passport, criminal record, and photo

  3. Pay the nationality-based fee

    Exempt for Bolivia-Chile reciprocity cases

  4. Collect visa stamp at Chilean consulate

    Collect visa stamp at Chilean consulate

  5. Register with PDI within 30 days of arrival

    Register with PDI within 30 days of arrival

Official government source

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

AI

Ask about the Mercosur ResidenceResidencia Temporal - Reciprocidad Internacional (Mercosur)

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

Frequently asked questions

Which nationalities qualify?

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay under the Mercosur reciprocity principle as implemented by SERMIG.

Do I need a job offer?

No. Mercosur reciprocity is based on nationality, not on a specific employment contract.

Can I work right away?

Yes, the visa allows lawful paid activities except those restricted by the Labor Code (for example, minors).

What documents must be translated?

Any document not in Spanish or English must be accompanied by an authorized translation.

Are there fee exemptions?

Yes. A Chile-Bolivia agreement eliminated the cost for nationals of both countries.

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