Chile
Temporary Residence
Chile is the most economically stable country in South America, with first-world infrastructure, excellent wine country, and a startup scene that rivals any in the region. The trade-off is that it's pricier than neighbors and immigration is more bureaucratic.
Our framework evaluates Chile across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
Something off? These scores improve with feedback. Help us get it right
Immigration Overview
Chile is South America's quiet success story. While neighbors struggled with economic instability, Chile built a modern economy with low corruption, transparent institutions, and infrastructure that rivals developed countries. Santiago is a proper international city with world-class restaurants, a growing tech scene, and excellent public transportation.
The country stretches 2,600 miles from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, offering everything from ski resorts to wine country to dramatic fjords. For expats, the appeal is stability combined with adventure. The trade-offs are real though: immigration is more complex than neighboring countries, costs are higher (closer to Southern European levels), and Spanish proficiency matters more.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Temporary Residence (Work)
For professionals with job offers or remote work
- Requires job offer from Chilean company OR
- Proof of remote work income for foreign employer
- Valid for 1-2 years, renewable
- Path to permanent residence after 2 years
Rentista/Pensionado Visa
For those with pension or investment income
- Minimum ~$1,500/month income
- Plus additional per dependent
- 1-2 year validity, renewable
- Path to permanent residence
Tech/Startup Visa
For entrepreneurs via Start-Up Chile program
- Apply through Start-Up Chile accelerator
- Receive equity-free funding ($20k-100k)
- 1 year work visa included
- Access to Santiago's startup ecosystem
Chilean Nationality
After 5 years of permanent residence
- 5 years as permanent resident
- Basic Spanish proficiency
- Chilean history and civics exam
- Chile allows dual citizenship
Why Chile?
Economic Stability
Highest credit rating in South America. Low inflation (historically). Transparent institutions and rule of law.
First-World Infrastructure
Modern metro systems, reliable utilities, fiber internet, paved highways. Feels like Europe, not typical Latin America.
Wine Country
World-class wine regions just outside Santiago. Excellent food scene. Mediterranean-like climate in central Chile.
Startup Hub
Start-Up Chile put the country on the map. Growing tech ecosystem. Regional headquarters for many multinationals.
Geographic Diversity
Ski in the Andes (1 hour from Santiago), desert astronomy, Patagonian wilderness, Easter Island. All one country.
Quality Healthcare
Excellent private hospitals in Santiago. ISAPRE private insurance system. Medical costs lower than US.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Chilean residence:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Apostilled and legalized police clearance
- Proof of income or employment contract
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled)
- Health certificate
- All documents translated to Spanish by official translator
- Application through Departamento de Extranjeria
Chile's immigration process is more bureaucratic than neighbors. Processing times have improved but can still take 3-6 months. Many expats apply from within Chile on a tourist visa and await approval. Using an immigration attorney is recommended given the complexity.
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