FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INFORMATION ON TOURISM
Which document must I require to enter Chile?
Upon entry to Chile, the officials of International Police will request your valid and current
passport. Citizens of the following countries may enter Chile by utilizing their National
Identification Card: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
In case of traveling with a minor, which documents must I submit?
If the minor is traveling with both parents, they must submit the documents validating the bond or
relationship either by being registered in the passport (the parent’s passport), a birth certificate of
the minor or the family certificate.
If the minor is traveling with one of the parents, in addition to proof of the bond, they must submit a
notarized authorization signed by the father or the mother (depending on who will accompany the
minor) in the trip.
If the minor is not your child, they then require a notarized authorization signed by both parents in
order to be allowed to travel with the minor or a document validating your status as the child’s
guardian of the minor may also be submitted.
Do I require any previous authorization or must I carry out any type of procedure to enter
Chilean territory?
In order to enter the country with the status of Tourist, the general rule states that a previous
authorization is not required. Yet, some individuals from some nationalities do require such
authorization, called Tourist Visa, which is requested in the Chilean Consulates of the country or
origin in which the reside.
It is recommended that foreigners, who wish to enter Chile as tourists, visit the Chilean Consulates
in their country of residence in order to obtain the any special information their entry to the country.
May I request a resident visa from abroad?
Yes. In order to obtain it you must go to the Chilean Consulate in your country of origin or in the
country you are in and request a visa according to the activity to preform in Chile. For more
information, see Appendix 2.
In what way may a foreigner remain in Chilean territory?
There are three categories in which a foreigner may stay in Chile:
As a tourist. It is considered as a tourist those foreigners who enter the country with entertainment,
sports, health, studies, development of businesses, and family, religious or other similar purposes,
without the intention of immigrating, residing or developing any remunerated activities.
As a resident: temporal permit or authorization to live in Chile and develop licit activities in the
country.
As a permanent resident, this permission is granted to foreigners in order for them to live in Chile
on a permanent basis and develop any type of activities, without any limitations except for those
stated by law.
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How much time does a foreigner have to reside as a tourist in Chile?
A foreigner may stay in Chile with a status of tourist for a maximum period of 90 days (counted
from the date of entry to Chilean territory. This benefit does not involve payment of any type). Yet,
it is important that you be aware of the fact that border control authorities may limit this period at
the moment of entering the country and grant a permit for less than 90 days. In these cases, if the
foreigner still wishes to stay in Chile for 90 days, they may request an extension of this permit until
the completion of the maximum period of stay allowed by Chilean law.
What procedure must I follow if I wish to stay in Chile as a tourist for more than 90 days?
You have two alternatives:
Request an extension of the status of tourist. This is a discretionary authorization granted to
foreigners so that they may stay in Chile for an additional period of 90 days. The mention extension
has a cost of US$100. This extension as a tourist does not authorize them to work.
Request a resident visa. As a general rule, this visa allows the applicant to stay one year in the
country.
For further information, see Section 2.
May I work in Chile if I have the status of tourist?
In order to work in Chile while having the status of tourist, the interested party must request a
special work permit for tourists. The cost of this work permit is associated to the nationality of
the applicant.
What must I do, to leave the country once my tourism authorization has expired?
You must prove that you have been the subject of the corresponding administrative sanction o that
you have the authorization of the corresponding provincial government from the Chief of the
Department of the Alien Status Office.
INFORMATION REGARDING TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
Which are the types of temporary residence existing in Chile?
The Chilean legislation considers four types of temporary residence:
Subject to contract: This permission is granted to a foreigner, enabling them to work exclusively for
the employer who signed the contract which originated their visa. This visa has a valid period up to
two years and may be extended indefinitely. In spite of this, the foreigner having stayed two years
with this type of residence may request the Definite Permanence. It must be kept in mind that the
settlement of an employment contract generates the immediate expiration of the visa.
Temporary permit. This is a permission granted to a foreigner who proves having family bonds and
interests in the country or that their stay in Chile is considered useful or advantageous. Such
residence enables its main holder to reside in the country temporarily and carry out legal activity
without any special limitations. The duration of this visa is up to one year and is extendable only for
one more year. Upon the expiration date of one year period of this visa, the foreigner must request a
Definite Permanence status or leave the country.
Student Visa: This is a residence permit or authorization granted by the immigration authority to a
foreigner who enables them to study in educational institutions duly acknowledged by the State.
The duration of this visa is up to one year. Should the person hold a scholarship, then this residence
permit will be valid until the foreigner’s scholarship expires and in any case extendable to the end
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of studies. When the foreigner certifies the end of studies, they may apply for the Definite
Permanence.
Refuge and political asylum: The immigration authority may grant this type of visa to those
foreigners who, considering the issue of personal safety, and due to predominant political
circumstances in their country of origin, are forced to resort to a Chilean diplomatic mission seeking
political asylum.
If I have a family bond with a Chilean, which type of residence must I request?
Chilean legislation takes into account the possibility of granting temporary residence to those
foreign people who have a family bond until the second degree with a Chilean individual, that is:
Chilean father or mother of a Chilean: see requirements to obtain a temporary visa due to the
fact of having a family bond with a Chilean.
Spouse of a Chilean: see requirements to obtain a temporary visa due to the fact of having a
family bond with a Chilean.
At the moment of requesting a residence, am I automatically allowed to work?
No, the residence visa allows the applicant to work only once the visa has been stamped on their
passport only, and not before that.
In the case of temporary residence subject to contract, if you wish to work while your application
for a residence is being processed, you must request a special work permit for a in process
residence
In the case of residence for a student, it is not possible for them to work while the residence is being
processed, except in the case of a Professional Practice corresponding to their studies and when
these visas are necessary to finance their studies. These authorizations will pay a right equivalent to
50% of the cost of the Visa Subject to Contract. Authorization to work.
At the moment of settling an employment contract, what must I do?
The importance of putting an end to an employment relationship, in terms of your legal residence in
Chile, will depend on the type of residence you are the beneficiary of.
In case you hold a residence permit subject to contract, said permit will expire automatically, based
on the fact that there is a settlement of an employment contract on which the residence permit was
originated. Once your employment relationship has ended, you have a period of 30 days to
regularize your status, by requesting a new residence.
In case you hold a temporary residence, the fact of terminating an employment contract does not
affect in any way your current residence.
In case you hold a student residence and you have requested an authorization to work, you may face
two options:
You do not wish to work again, in which case the only concern lies on having your rights as a
worker respected. For further information, please visit www.direcciondeltrabajo.cl.
You wish to work again, in which case you must request a new authorization to work. In addition to
this request, you must submit the new work contract and attach a copy of your settlement regarding
your previous employment.
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Which rights do I have as a foreigner working in Chile?
The Chilean labor legislation does not make a difference between Chilean and Foreign workers.
Hence, you have the same rights of any given worker. For additional information, please visit
www.direcciondeltrabajo.cl
What cost does the residence in Chile have?
The cost of residence in Chile is determined by the criteria established in DL N. 296 of 1995. Its
cost is stated in U.S. Dollars (and the equivalent in Chilean currency), depending upon the type of
residence requested and the nationality of the applicant.
In order to know the cost of the different types of residence for the main holder
Once having obtained my visa, which procedures or steps must I follow?
Within the following 30 days after obtaining your residence, you must:
Register your visa at International Police: for this, you must go to the Office of International
Police (www.policia.cl) closest to your home address and submitting the following documents:
Valid Passport.
Two Photographs
Obtain the Identification card: This document is obtained at the Civil Registry and Identification
Office corresponding to your address. For this procedure, you must submit the following
documents:
Valid Passport:
Registry Card at International Police
For further information referring to costs or other useful information, you may enter the webpage of
the Civil Registry and Identification, www.registrocivil.cl.
Which is the procedure to be followed when a visa with an employer suffers a change within
the holding? Is it necessary to change the visa or should I simply let it be known?
Requirements.
You must only report it, since labor continuity is considered. The importance of reporting this
situation in writing is highly emphasized.
It is stated that, if the worker changes within a holding and then the contract is therefore settled, he
is obliged to request a change of visa within the following 30 days. This prevents the worker from
falling in an irregular status as far as permanence is concerned.
INFORMATION CONCERNING DEFINITE PERMANENCE
How long must I reside in Chile to request Definite Permanence?
The legal deadline for permanence in Chile varies according to the type of residence you hold. That
is:
Having a residence subject to contract: this residence requires a stay of two years without
interruption.
Having a temporary residence: This residence requires a stay of one year without interruption.
Having a student residence: this residence requires a stay of two years, but it additionally states that
they must have finished their studies, whether these are college or high school studies.
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Official Residents:
Which is the deadline to submit a request for Definite Permanence?
These requests are considered within the deadline when they are submitted during a period of 30
days following the date of issuing of the certificate which accredits the end of the official visa.
After this period, the foreigner must be sanctioned.
What happens if the person traveled during the period in between?
Nothing. The person is not even reprimanded
What happens with the dependents of a main holder who is an official resident whom wish to
request definite permanence, if the main holder leaves Chile?
They may request Definite Permanence (DEFINITE PERMANENCE) even though the main holder
of the visa leaves the country. The dependent must accompany a Certificate of the Ministry of
Foreign Relations certifying the ending of the Mission or Relinquishing of the official visa.
As far as the manner in which dependents accredit their incomes, this may be specified by any
document that proves their income (work contract, invoices, business initiation, payment of VAT,
shares, etc.). See Requirements Pcorreo-13
When may students opt for a Definite Permanence Visa?
Students may obtain a PERMANENT RESIDENCE when:
They have finished their studies.
They have a High School Diploma.
They have resided two years with a student visa.
They have economic support. This must be proven through an authorized job offer before a notary
public, and may be complemented with other incomes such as money exchange receipts, bank
deposits on their name, etc.
In case of having made one or two changes as far as employers is concerned, how is the time
between visas considered to request a Permanent Residence Visa?
The important issue is that, in case there has been a contract settlement, no more than 90 days
elapse between the date of settlement and the request for the new vista. Only in that case
Will there be continuity. It is so as long as the person does not leave Chile during the period
between the end of one visa and request for a new one, due to the fact that the immigration status
will change to a tourist status.
If a foreigner requests A DEFINITE PERMANENCE, but his visas are of two consecutive
years, but there is a lapse of time without visa due to the fact of having changed employer,
how much time may the foreigner remain without a visa, so that they may be acknowledged as
complying with the deadline?
Up to 90 days.
This deadline is considered from the end of a visa and the stamping of another visa or from
the end of the first one and the date of request of the second visa?
This is considered from the end of one visa (due to the expiration of contract or settlement date) and
the REQUEST for the new visa.
TO THE FOREIGNER WITH TWO VISAS SUBJECT TO CONTRACT SECUENTIAL
BUT WITH DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS, AND THAT IN ONE OF THE TWO VISAS, ONE
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YEAR HAS NOT ELAPSED (example, the person is missing one day due to the settlement of
the contract relationship), MAY THEY REQUEST THE DEFINITE PERMANENCE?
No, because the person does not comply with the two-year period of residence subject to contract
demanded by the Law.
How many changes in terms of employer are allowed?
Any amount of changes can be made according to its need.
It must be considered that, if the first visa subject to contract granted for two years lasted only 1
year and 6 months, due to the termination in advance of the labor relation (for example, a
settlement) and then a second visa subject to contract is granted due to the existence of a new
contract, and they completes the two-year period during the time covered by one of the visas, they
are enabled to request the Definite Permanence within 30 days of the expiration date of the visa. We
remind you that the time of request of a new visa must not exceed ninety days.
What cost does the Definitive Permanence have?
The cost of a Definite Permanence is $41.023 for all requesting individuals, except for the spouse of
a Chilean and minors, who do not pay at all.
Which rights do I have as a resident with Definite Permanence?
This enables the person to reside in Chile indefinitely and carry out any type of activity, without
having any limitations other than those specified by legal dispositions and legal norms.
Which duties do I have as a resident with Definite Permanence?
Within 30 days following to the granting of your residence, you must:
Register your Definite Permanence in International Police. To this effect, you must go to the office
of International Police (www.policia.cl) corresponding to your home address with the following
documents:
Valid passport.
Two photographs.
Obtain the Identification card. To obtain this card, you must concur to the Civil Registry and
Identification Service you must have the following documents:
Valid passport.
Registry Card in International Police.
For further information referring to the cost or other aspects of interest, you may access the
webpage of the Civil Registry and Identification Service, www.registrocivil.cl
I must travel outside Chile. How long may I remain abroad without losing my Definite
Permanence?
The Definite Permanence is tacitly revoked when the main holder has remained during an
uninterrupted period of more than one year outside Chile.
Yet, you may request in Chilean Consulates abroad an extension of your Definite Permanence for
a period of one year. This extension must be requested 60 days before the expiration date of your
Definite Permanence and only a maximum of four extensions may be granted sequentially.
Which are the deadlines to submit reconsiderations concerning Permanent Residence in case
of their rejection?
According to Article 142 bis of the Alien Status Office, it will be possible to submit a request for
reconsideration within three days following the notification of the Resolution of Rejection of
Definite Permanence.
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How many times is it possible to reconsider?
Only once will it be possible to request a Reconsideration of Rejection of Definite Permanence.
When is the Permanent Residence lost?
-By revocation, in accordance to the reasons indicated in articles 65 and 66 of Alien Status Law and
Articles 139 and 140 indicated in the Alien Status Ruling.
-By tacit revocation. That is, for having remained outside Chile for more than one year without
having requested an extension of the Definite Permanence.
-A maximum of 4 extensions. These are requested within a period of 60 days before the year.
Is a Definite Permanence visa held by a foreigner valid indefinitely or must the person renew
it at some point?
A Definite Permanence visa is indefinite, unless it is revoked by the Ministry of the Interior or if the
main holder loses it by tacit revocation.
Which procedures must a foreigner follow after obtaining a Definite Permanence?
Once they has remained in Chile as a resident for 5 years and complies with other legal
requirements, they may request a Letter of Naturalization.
May I decline the Definite Permanence visa without having left Chile? Which reasons would
explain the previous question?
There is no such thing as declining a Definite Permanence.
What do Modifications of Identification and Nationality mean?
a). A Modification of Identification: This is performed when there is a difference in the
Identification between the Certificate of Permanent Residence (Permanence Certificate) and the
Identification Card or there is a difference between the Certificate of Permanent Residence and the
passport.
It might also be due to an alteration in a name, last name, hyphen or other.
Time of delay: Approximately 90 days.
b). Modification of Nationality: This is done when the nationality appearing in the Certificate of
Permanent Residence is different to the nationality indicated in the passport or identification card.
Time of Delay: Approximately 90 days.
INFORMATION ON NATURALIZATION
The formalities for recovery or decline are free of charge, and have a time of delay of 20 days.
Who may apply to the Chilean nationality?
The following people may opt to the Chilean nationality:
The children of foreigners who are in Chile due to the performance of a specific service to their
Government.
The children of in transit foreigners.
Who are the children of in transit Foreigners?
They are those children of foreign mother and father, born in Chile, whose parents were in an in
transit status in Chile, whether this status was that of tourists or residing in an irregular manner.
When may I apply to the Chilean nationality?
In order to apply for the Chilean nationality, the person must wait until their 21st birthday.
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How may I apply to a Chilean nationality?
In order to exercise this right, the person must submit the following documents:
A Chilean Birth Certificate.
A Request of Option to a Chilean Nationality, which must carried out within a period of one year,
counted from the date in which the applicant turns 21.
Photocopy of the certificate of permanent residence or identification card for foreigners, if residing
in Chile.
The request may be submitted in front of the respective provincial governor, in front of the Alien
and Immigration Status Office of the Ministry of the Interior of Chile, or in front the Consul or
Chilean Diplomatic Agent abroad, depending on the location of residence of the applicant.
REQUEST FOR A LETTER OF NATURALIZATION
Where may I submit my request for a letter of naturalization?
The request of the Letter of Naturalization is submitted at the Offices of the Alien Status and
Immigrant Office (Seccion PEDE y Nacionalización, Casificador 8, Correo Central, Santiago) if
they resides in Santiago or in the different offices of the provincial government if they resides in a
province.
Which countries have an agreement of double nationality with Chile?
Agreement of Double Nationality between Chile and Spain:
For those Spaniards those born in The Balearic Island and the Canary Islands.
Advantage: Relinquishing the nationality is not demanded.
Requirement: Submit a Notarized Sworn Statement in which it is requested to submit to the
Agreement of Double Nationality between Chile and Spain.
Who may not request the Chilean nationality through a letter of naturalization?
The following people will not be able to obtain this benefit, Article 3 DS 142:
Those individuals who have been sentenced or who are being currently processed for simple
offenses or crimes, until the matter is duly solved.
Those people who are not capable of making a living.
Those people who practice or promote political doctrines that may produce a revolutionary
alteration of the social or political order, or that may affect the national security.
Those who are involved in illegal activities or good customs or habits, the morality and the public
order and in general those foreigners whose naturalization is not considered convenient for reasons
of national security.
What are the certificates of naturalization and non-naturalization used for?
They are used to accredit that a person has naturalized or not through the Letter of Naturalization.
Generally speaking, the relatives of foreigners ask for this document in order to submit it in the
Consulates, with the objective of validating the double nationality and obtain the respective
passport.
Where is it possible to obtain the certificates of naturalization and non-naturalization?
It is possible to obtain these certificates at any moment in which the interested party or their
relatives request so. They are requested by MAIL to Clasificador No 8, Correo Central, Santiago.
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INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE BORN IN CHILE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR
NATIONALITY OF ORIGIN BECAUSE THEY HAVE BECOME NATURALIZED IN A
FOREIGN COUNTRY
Does a person born in Chile and naturalized in a foreign country lose the Chilean nationality?
According to the constitutional amendment dated August 26, 2005, CHILEAN CITIZENS DO
NOT LOSE THEIR CHILEAN CITIZENSHIP for having become naturalized in a foreign country,
except those who relinquish the citizenship voluntarily before a competent authority.
Which procedure must be followed by a person naturalized abroad, who has not relinquished
the Chilean nationality and wishes to obtain Chilean documents of Identification and travel?
This person must go to the Civil Registry and Identification Service and obtain an updated birth
certificate.
-If in the birth registration there is no sub-inscription indicating the loss of the Chilean nationality,
they may obtain documents as a Chilean citizen directly in the mentioned service.
-If there is a sub inscription in the birth certificate, the requesting party must go to the Alien Status
and Immigration Office or to the provincial governments if the person is in Chile. In case of
residing abroad, the person must go to the Chilean Consulates and request this sub inscription to be
eliminated. To this effect, the person must fill in a form specially made for this purpose and
available in the offices mentioned. Then, the person must enclose a copy of the updated birth
certificate.
Which procedure must a person born in Chile and naturalized in a foreign country that does
not want to maintain the Chilean citizenship?
This person must clearly and voluntarily relinquish the Chilean nationality. To this effect, the the
applicant must go in person to the Alien and Immigration Status Office of the Ministry of the
Interior or to the provincial governments corresponding to their home address if residing in Chile or
to the Chilean Consulates if residing abroad and sign the Form Relinquishing the Chilean
nationality, specially made for this instance and enclose a copy of the letter of naturalization
abroad, in which the date of acquisition of the foreign nationality obtained is clearly indicated. It
must be observed that in this case, the only way in which it will be possible to recover the Chilean
nationality will be BY LAW.
What cost do these procedures have and how long do the formalities of “elimination of sub
inscription of loss of Chilean nationality and the”relinquishing to the Chilean nationality”
have?
These formalities do not have any cost and they take approximately 20 working days.
Which procedures or formalities must be carried out by the Chilean naturalized abroad who
relinquish the Chilean nationality and wish to reside in Chile?
These people must request a residence visa in Chile, either temporary, definite or by grace, or
maintain the Permanent Residence Status which they are main holders of.
Last modification, July 2008
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May persons of Chilean origin who have relinquished the Chilean nationality, request a
definite permanence by grace?
Yes, they may do so and in whichever immigration situation the find themselves in (tourist,
temporary resident or irregular resident)
What Identification will a person naturalized in a foreign country and who maintains the
Chilean residence by virtue of the constitutional amendment have?
This person must obtain the documents as a Chilean and with the names indicated in the Civil
Registry and Identification Service.
May a Chilean who relinquishes the Chilean nationality and has changed them names upon
naturalization abroad obtain documents as a foreigner living in Chile with the names they
registers in the birth registration in Chile?
No. When obtaining the residence as a foreigner and Identification card as a foreigner, the names
appearing in them foreign passport will be maintained.
INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS OF FOREIGNERS
I wish to hire a foreigner. How do I know the person is allowed to work? As an employer of a
foreigner, which are my obligations? I have terminated a contractual relation with a
foreigner. Which are my obligations?
I wish to hire a foreigner. How do I know the person is allowed to work?
The Civil Registry and Identification Service grants to every foreigner who has a residence in Chile
an Identification Card. There is an indication on the back of this card which specifies the type of
residence the foreigner has. Depending upon the type of residence granted to the foreigner, the
employer will know which procedure to follow upon hiring a foreigner.
If the person holds a temporary residence or a definite permanence, there is no problem with you
hiring this person. If the person has a residence subject to contract granted with another employer,
the foreigner is not allowed to work for you. Hence, you must request that he submit a new request
for residence, being the reason the contract you have signed with the foreigner.
If the person has a student visa, that person is not allowed to work. Hence, they must be asked to
request an authorization to work.
Which are my obligations as the employer of a foreigner?
Chilean legislation does not make a difference between hiring a Chilean or a foreigner as far as your
obligations is concerned. The only concern you must have when hiring a foreigner is to make sure
they are in Chile under a regular status.
Last modification, July 2006 14
I have terminated a contractual relation with a foreigner. Which are my obligations?
It will be the responsibility of the employer or of whoever the person in charge of the foreigner is,
to make it known (in writing) to the corresponding competent authority, in a period of 15 days, any
circumstance which alters or modifies the status of residence of the foreigner in question. (If more
background information is required, please verify D.S. No. 597, article 46 of the Immigration
Legislation).
As far as labor matters are concerned, the same norms apply to foreign workers. Further information
in www.direcciondeltrabajo.cl
INFORMATION CONCERNING IMMIGRATION SANCTIONS
What type of infringements may be committed?
What is the amount of the infringements?
How do I know the amount I must pay?
Which type of infringements may I commit?
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The immigration legislation considers basically three sanctions:
By residing irregularly in Chile, when the foreigner remains in the national territory after the tourist
or residence permission has expired.
For working illegally; both the foreigner who works without the respective permit and the employer
who grants the job.
For not registering or not obtaining an Identification card: once the residence or definite
permanence has been granted, the foreigner has 30 days to register and obtain them Identification
card.
What is the amount I must pay?
In order to know how much one must pay one must go to the Alien Status Offices of the provincial
governments or the Intendance of the Metropolitan Region, depending on the location in which they
resides, so that an official of this division determines the amount of the sanction.
Where do I pay the sanction?
You must go to any bank in Chile to request a “Cashiers Check”. This document must be requested
under your name and in favor of the Ministry of the Interior.
Last modification, July 2006 15 once you have obtained the document, you must go to the Alien
Status Offices and regional intendancies in which our officials will deliver a copy of your sanction
and a payment slip.
INFORMATION REGARDING
IMMIGRATION FORMALITIES.
OFFICE
IN
WHICH
TO
PERFORM
THE
Where must I carry out my procedures of Alien Status Office?
In each Intendancy and provincial governments of the country there exists an Alien Status and
Immigration Office in charge of receiving your documents. For further information, please verify
Locations in which to carry out your formalities
In Santiago, you must go to the Alien Status and Immigration Offices of the Intendance of the
Metropolitan Region, located on San Antonio 580 2nd Floor, Santiago commune. Their office hours
are: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Last modification, July 2008
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