Latin America
Chile immigration and visa guide
Chile provides the Visa Tech (fast-track tech permit), Residencia Temporal for employment and investors, Start-Up Chile, and Residencia Definitiva (permanent residency).
Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) & InvestChile
- Processing time
- 4 – 12 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in Chile
Key requirements
- Employment contract with a Chilean enterprise containing mandatory social security and tax clauses
- For Visa Tech: sponsorship letter from InvestChile or Start-Up Chile partner company
- Apostilled criminal background check and academic degree certificate
How to apply for a Chile visa: step by step
- 1
Online SERMIG Platform Submission
Create file on tramites.extranjeria.gob.cl with apostilled diploma and Chilean job contract.
1 - 3 months (Visa Tech: 15 business days)
- 2
Estampado Electrónico (Electronic Visa)
Receive digital approval and download official Estampado Electrónico with QR verification.
Immediate post-fee payment
- 3
Registro Civil RUT / Cédula de Identidad
Schedule appointment at Registro Civil in Chile to obtain national RUT number and physical Chilean ID card.
2 - 3 weeks
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is Permanencia Definitiva in Chile?
Permanencia Definitiva is Chile’s permanent residence permit granting foreign nationals indefinite permission to live, work, and invest in Chile without requiring employer sponsorship.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Chile. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) & InvestChileGeneral information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) & InvestChile on the official website before applying.