Chile permanent residence (Residencia Definitiva)

Temporary residents whose permits were requested after 14 May 2022 must have lived in Chile in that capacity for at least 24 months. The time required rises with absences, continuous or not: up to two months abroad, 24 months; more than two and up to six months, 30 months; more than six and up to twelve, 36 months; more than twelve, 48 months.

Under Article 79 of Law 21.325 and Article 66 of its regulation, the minimum can be reduced to 12 months in certain personal circumstances, and in other cases SERMIG can require more than 24 months. Only temporary residence subcategories that expressly allow it lead to definitive residence.

All applicants upload a valid criminal record certificate from their country of origin, apostilled and translated if needed (over 18), the passport or national ID page and the Chilean foreigner's identity card (over 18). Then come the documents for the basis of the application: family ties with a Chilean or a definitive resident (marriage, civil union or birth certificates), membership of a religious congregation, or income.

Employees show the employment contract legalised before a notary or registered with the Labour Directorate, a certificate that it is in force, payslips or fee receipts, the pension contribution history from their AFP and the health contributions certificate from Fonasa or an Isapre. Self-employed applicants show their start of activities certificate from the Internal Revenue Service. Someone supported by another person adds a notarised maintenance declaration and the sponsor's income documents.

Apply on SERMIG's Portal de Trámites Digitales with ClaveÚnica or a portal account, no more than 90 days before the deadline to request the renewal of your temporary residence. Mandatory documents must have electronic verification; where that is not possible, they must be legalised before a notary with an advanced electronic signature. If SERMIG requests additional information and you do not provide it in time, the application can be refused under Article 88 of Law 21.325.

Definitive residents may live in Chile indefinitely and do any lawful activity, as employees or on their own account. Recognised refugees receive definitive residence directly. Definitive residents can later apply for Chilean nationality; SERMIG lists the naturalisation letter fee at CLP 39,742 in general and CLP 7,949 for spouses, widows or widowers and parents of Chileans.