Chile investor visa (temporary residence for investors)

Two groups qualify. First, legal representatives and people in management or senior executive roles in a foreign company that seeks to invest USD 500,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, in Chile, provided the investment is aimed at producing goods or services. Second, managers, senior executives and specialist technical staff hired as employees or service providers by a company established in Chile whose capital is controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign investor holding at least 10 per cent of the voting shares or an equivalent share of the capital or assets.

Chile does not offer residence for buying property or for passive investment alone; the subcategory is linked to an active business investment and to the applicant's role in it.

The key document is a sponsorship letter (Carta de Patrocinio) issued by Chile's Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, InvestChile, together with a document describing the investment, at least its purpose and amount, and the nature of the applicant's role. Owners or partners of a company already incorporated can add the deed of incorporation and amendments, the certificate of start of activities, the electronic tax folder and proof of payment of the municipal licence.

Personal documents are a passport valid for at least one year, a criminal record certificate from the country of origin or of residence in the last five years (over 18, issued within 60 days) and a recent colour photo. Documents not in Spanish or English need an official translation; foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised.

Apply on SERMIG's Portal de Trámites Digitales with your account or ClaveÚnica while outside Chile and pay the fee in the Treasury (TGR) portal before sending. SERMIG may ask for more documents or a complementary review at a Chilean consulate. After approval, download the electronic stamp within 120 working days, enter Chile within 90 days and book a Civil Registry appointment within 30 days for your identity card.

Renewal requires evidence of progress in carrying out the committed investment; SERMIG states that the investment project must be under way and presented as a consolidated company. Attach the company's electronic tax folder, the municipal licence payment for the current period where applicable and documents showing your contract with the company and the associated income, apostilled or legalised. A spouse or partner and children can obtain dependent permits tied to yours.