Chile

Chile visa guide: visits, temporary and definitive residence

  • 8 visa types
  • checked 24 October 2026

How visas for Chile work

Chile's immigration system is set by Law 21.325 on Migration and Foreigners and its regulation, and is run by the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migraciones, SERMIG). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles the prior authorisations or visas that some nationalities need to visit, through its consulates and the online Consular Service System (SAC). The Investigations Police (PDI) carry out border control and record each visitor's permitted stay on the Tarjeta Única Migratoria.

Visitors enter with a transitory stay permit (Permanencia Transitoria) of up to 90 days, extendable once by another 90 for USD 100. Most nationalities need no visa for this; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs table by nationality shows which ones need a prior authorisation or visa and what it costs. Transitory visitors cannot work or, as a rule, apply for residence from inside Chile.

People who want to settle for a limited time apply for temporary residence (Residencia Temporal), valid for up to two years and renewable, under one of the subcategories of Decree 177 of 2022: paid work, students, retirees and income earners, investors, family reunification and others. Most subcategories must be requested online from abroad on SERMIG's portal. After the permit is granted you download an electronic stamp, enter Chile within 90 days and book an appointment at the Civil Registry within 30 days for a foreigner's identity card. After 24 months of temporary residence most residents can apply for definitive residence.

Which visa do I need?

Tourism, family visits or business meetings up to 90 days: a transitory stay permit, with a visa only if the consular table requires one for your nationality; the stay can be extended once by 90 days.

A job offer or contract with an employer in Chile: temporary residence for paid activities, requested from abroad.

Studying at a recognised institution: temporary residence for students, with up to 30 hours of work a week.

Living on a pension or on rents and financial income: temporary residence for retirees and income earners.

Investing USD 500,000 or more, or managing a foreign-controlled company: temporary residence for investors, with an InvestChile sponsorship letter.

Spouse, civil partner or child of a Chilean or of a definitive resident: temporary residence for family reunification, which can be requested inside Chile.

Fear of persecution after arriving in Chile: refugee claim within seven working days of entry.

Visa types for Chile

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Transitory stay permit (Permanencia Transitoria) and prior authorisation or visa

    Visitors to Chile for tourism, business, family, health or short studies enter with a transitory stay permit of up to 90 days, which SERMIG can extend once by another 90 days for USD 100.

    Maximum stay: Up to 90 days, extendable once by up to 90 days; never beyond the passport's validity

Business and self-employment

  • Investor visa Temporary residence for investors (Residencia Temporal para inversionistas)

    Chile's investor subcategory is for legal representatives and senior managers of foreign companies that will invest at least USD 500,000 in Chile in the production of goods or services, and for managers and specialist technical staff hired by a Chilean company controlled by a foreign investor.

    Maximum stay: Up to two years, renewable for two years at a time

Study and training

  • Student visa Temporary residence for students (Residencia Temporal para estudiantes)

    Foreigners who want to study at an educational institution recognised by the Chilean state apply online from abroad for temporary residence as students.

    Maximum stay: Up to two years, renewable for two years at a time

Work

  • Work visa Temporary residence for paid activities (Residencia Temporal para actividades lícitas remuneradas)

    Foreigners hired by an employer with an address or branch in Chile, or contracted to provide services, apply from abroad for temporary residence for paid activities.

    Maximum stay: Up to two years with a contract; 90 days plus a one-year extension when based on a job offer

Family

  • Spouse and partner visa Temporary residence for family reunification (Residencia Temporal por reunificación familiar)

    Spouses, civil partners and certain children of Chilean citizens or of foreigners with definitive residence can obtain temporary residence for family reunification.

    Maximum stay: Up to two years, renewable for two years at a time

Residence

  • Retirement visa Temporary residence for retirees and income earners (Residencia Temporal para jubilados y rentistas)

    Chile's retiree and income-earner subcategory is for people who receive a retirement pension, or regular income from real estate or financial assets, enough to cover at least their basic needs according to the indicators of the Ministry of Social Development and Family.

    Maximum stay: Up to two years, renewable for two years at a time
  • Permanent residence Definitive residence (Residencia Definitiva)

    Definitive residence lets foreigners live in Chile indefinitely and carry out any lawful activity.

    Maximum stay: Indefinite

Asylum and international protection

  • Asylum and international protection Application for refugee status (solicitud de refugio)

    People who fear persecution or flee generalised violence, conflict or massive human rights violations can apply for refugee status in Chile.

    Maximum stay: Temporary residence while the claim is examined, extendable if not decided within eight months

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Chile?

Only if the Chilean consular visa table lists your nationality as needing a prior authorisation or visa. Everyone else enters on a transitory stay permit of up to 90 days granted at the border.

Can I apply for Chilean residence while visiting as a tourist?

As a rule no. Holders of a transitory stay permit cannot apply for residence inside Chile, except in cases such as family ties with Chileans or definitive residents, dependants of temporary residents and humanitarian reasons.

How much does Chilean temporary residence cost?

It depends on nationality. SERMIG links a fee table by nationality (Exempt Resolution 129194 of 2020) with separate amounts for temporary residence in general, work-contract residence and students; the fee is paid in the Treasury (TGR) portal before the application is sent.

When can I get permanent residence in Chile?

Temporary residents whose subcategory allows it can apply for definitive residence after at least 24 months, or longer if they spent more than two months abroad. The fee is CLP 142,726; spouses of Chileans and minors are exempt.

Does Chile have a working holiday visa?

Chile runs Working Holiday programmes under agreements with specific countries, applied for through SERMIG. Check whether your country has an agreement before planning on it.

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.