Chile Immigration Requirements and Citizenship

• Chile is an economically diverse and one of the most progressive Latin American countries. Along with an open culture, low-crime rate, exceptional recreational opportunities and fantastic food, Chile offers one of the most desirable countries in which to immigrate. Chile's immigration requirements are lengthy and somewhat bureaucratic, but are easy and corruption-free when compared to other Latin American destinations.

Chilean Tourist Visa:

• The first step in the immigration process is to receive a Chilean tourist visa, or tourist card. This can be arranged beforehand at any Chilean Embassy or Consulate. A tourist card can also be acquired upon arrival at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago - it allows a stay of up to 90 days for a $61 fee. Once in Chile, it is possible to extend your tourist card for a fee at any immigration office. But 90 days should suffice on taking the next step towards residency.

Temporary Resident Visa, Student Visa or Subject to Contract Visa:

• These three visas will allow a stay in Chile for up to one year and each can be extended for another year. Of the three, the temporary residency visa in Chile is the easiest to receive as it does not require placement in school or an employment contract. These visas will require up to two months, so beginning the process once you arrive in Chile is important. Requirements for a temporary residency visa are two notarized passport copies, two notarized tourist card copies, two passport-sized photographs and proof of income in the form of work contracts and bank statements.
  For those wishing to obtain a Student Visa they will need to supply official paperwork from a school stating course schedule and payment. Subject to Contract Visas require paperwork submitted by your employer. One thing to note is if you are terminated from your employment your visa will be revoked.

Permanent Residency:

• A permanent resident of Chile has all the rights as any other citizen, including working, purchasing property and access to social services. You can only receive permanent residency in Chile once you have lived there for two years as a temporary resident, but can begin the application process after one year of residency. The process for obtaining permanent residency includes an application, proof of sufficient funds, a personal interview and $15 fee. It also helps to provide additional support for becoming a permanent resident in the form of Chilean relatives, business investments, fluency in Spanish, community relationships and knowledge of Chilean political affairs. If you leave the country for more than one year after receiving permanent residency it will be revoked.

Chilean Passport:

• Although being a permanent resident allows you the same legal rights as a Chilean citizen you cannot receive a passport until you have been lived there for five years. A Chilean passport allows you to keep your native passport so you will have dual citizenship. Along with five years of permanent residency, you must have no criminal convictions while in Chile and proof of financial stability.