Chile student visa (temporary residence for students)

The subcategory is for foreigners who want to settle in Chile to study at establishments recognised by the state, such as universities, professional institutes and schools. The application can only be made from abroad, using an account created on SERMIG's digital portal or ClaveÚnica. Short courses that fit within 90 days can be done on a transitory stay without this permit.

Upload a passport valid for at least one year from the date of application, a criminal record certificate from your country of origin or the country where you lived in the last five years (for applicants over 18, issued no more than 60 days earlier), a recent colour photo with a white background in JPG or PNG, and a certificate of enrolment or of regular student status.

You must also prove how you will support yourself: bank deposits, regular transfers in your name, a sworn statement of support signed before a notary by a sponsor in Chile who proves their income, or a scholarship certificate stating its duration, funding and institution. Documents in languages other than Spanish or English need an official translation; foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised; private documents must be uploaded within 30 days and public ones within 60 days of issue, all in PDF.

Pay the fee in the Treasury (TGR) portal before submitting the application from abroad. When the permit is granted you are notified by email; you have 120 working days to download the electronic stamp (Estampado Electrónico) and then 90 calendar days to enter Chile, where the permit's validity starts. Once the stamp is activated, book an appointment at the Civil Registry within 30 days for your foreigner's identity card; missing this is an immigration infraction. To renew, show that you are still studying and how you are funded.

Student residents may carry out lawful paid activities for up to 30 hours a week without any extra authorisation, either at their own institution or for any other employer. Working does not affect student status unless the 30-hour limit is exceeded. The permit can be revoked if you lose regular student status, subject to force majeure arguments in the revocation procedure. A spouse or partner and children under Article 74 of Law 21.325 can obtain temporary residence as dependants, with validity tied to yours.