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The Santiago skyline and Gran Torre Santiago with the Andes mountains behind
Latin America & Caribbean · Country guide

Chile

A stable South American economy with online residence applications through its National Migration Service.

Capital
Santiago
Languages
Spanish
Currency
Chilean peso (CLP)
Pathways covered
4

Sample content — pending verification. This page shows the structure of a Visa & Beyond guide. General descriptions are for orientation only; specific rules, fees, costs and deadlines have deliberately not been filled in. Always use the official links on this page for current requirements.

Last reviewed . Immigration rules change often. This is general educational information, not legal or immigration advice, and Visa & Beyond is not affiliated with any government. Confirm everything on the official website before you apply. Disclaimer

Overview

Chile’s National Migration Service manages residence applications, many of which are submitted online.

This guide is an overview and does not list fees or criteria. Official pages are mostly in Spanish.

Visa pathways

The main routes people research for Chile. Names are given for orientation; read eligibility, fees and processing information on the official page.

Visit & tourism

Visitor entry

Many nationalities can visit without a visa. Check official Chilean sources for yours.

Work

Temporary residence

Several temporary residence categories exist, including for work. Applications are made online.

Official page
Study

Student residence

For students admitted to Chilean institutions.

Permanent residence

Definitive residence

Available after a period of temporary residence, subject to conditions.

Official page

Work opportunities

Chile's National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migraciones) publishes residence categories and runs online applications. Spanish is essential for most jobs.

Work abroad guides

Study opportunities

Learn Chile, an official initiative promoting Chilean higher education, is a starting point for comparing universities.

Study abroad guides

Estimated living costs

Living costs vary widely by city, household size and lifestyle. We have not yet published verified figures for this guide. When we do, each estimate will show its source and date. Use this list to plan the categories you will need to budget for.

Rent (shared or one-bedroom)Figure pending verification
Utilities & internetFigure pending verification
GroceriesFigure pending verification
Local transportFigure pending verification
Health insurance / healthcareFigure pending verification
Mobile phone planFigure pending verification
Initial set-up costs (deposit, furniture)Figure pending verification

Important requirements

Commonly requested across many visa types. The official document list for your specific visa always takes priority.

  • A valid passport. Many countries require it to remain valid for a minimum period beyond your stay; check the exact rule for your visa.
  • A completed application submitted through the official government portal or an authorised visa application centre.
  • Evidence of the purpose of your stay, such as an offer letter, letter of admission, invitation or itinerary.
  • Proof that you can support yourself financially, usually through bank statements, sponsorship letters or scholarship letters.
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo), medical examinations or police certificates may be requested for some visa types.
  • Payment of the official government fee. Fees are published on the official website and can change.

Official government resources

Official sources for Chile

Life in Chile

Santiago is the economic centre. Newcomers often mention the cost of housing, earthquake preparedness and getting a national ID number (RUT) for daily life.

Life abroad guides

Keep reading

Essential guides

Other destinations