Visa Types

Visa Types & Categories to Apply for Chile

All travelers to Chile require a visa, ranging from the 90-day tourist visa to work and study permits.

There are the following Chile visa types:

  • Tourism
  • Temporary Resident Visa
  • Resident Visa Subject to Contract
  • Student Resident Visa
  • Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation
  • Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities
  • Worker Opportunity Temporary Resident Visa

Chile Short-term Visa

Chile Short-term Visa

You can apply for short-term visas for realizing your temporary travel to Chile. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, exchange programs, short-term work, and many other non-permanent nuances. You can check all the required documents for each type of visa application, visa fees, processing time, and where to apply for a visa below.

 


 

Chile Tourist Visa

Chile Tourist visa is designated for foreign nationals intending to enter Chile for recreational, sports, health, business, without immigration, residence, or development of the remunerated activity. It is a permit that enables foreign nationals of countries that require it, to enter Chile as a tourist.

 

Required Documents for Chile Tourist Visa

 

1. Application Form

2. Valid Passport

  • Issued by the corresponding authority of the country of origin or similar document

3. Photo

  • Color photograph (5x5 cm)
  • With a white background
  • Full face and front face are 3/4 of the photograph

4. Proof of Financial Means

  • Prove financial solvency that allows you to travel and finance your stay.

5. Invitation Letter Authorized Before a Notary or Hotel Reservation.

6. Return Ticket to Your Country of Origin or Another for which you have Entry Authorization

7. Proof of Civil Status

  • Such as Marriage/Divorce/Death Certificate
  • Birth certificates of children

8. Criminal Record

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Chile Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Chile Tourist visa is 15-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Chile Tourist Visa Fee

Chile Tourist visa fee is 30-150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Chile Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a Chile Tourist visa in Chile visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Chile Resident Visa

Chile Resident Visa

Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay longer in Chile, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country before coming to Chile.

Chile Resident visa enables you to enter Chile as a potential resident and stay while you apply for residency.

 

 

Chile Temporary Resident Visa

Chile Temporary Resident Visa permits foreign nationals to obtain permission to settle in Chile because they have family ties, interests in the country, or whose residence is useful or advantageous for Chile.

The holder of this Chile Temporary Resident Visa may develop any legal activity in Chile.

 

Required Documents for Chile Temporary Resident Visa

 

1. Application Form

2. Valid Passport

  • Issued by the corresponding authority of the country of origin or similar document

3. Photo

  • Color photograph (5x5 cm)
  • With a white background
  • Full face and front face are 3/4 of the photograph

4. Criminal Record Certificate

  • Apostilled or legalized
  • No more than 60 days old from the date of visa application

5. If There are Family Relations such as Chilean Spouse or Ascendants or Chilean-naturalized Issue/Spouse, Parents or Issue of Aliens Residing in Chile Under a Permanent Residence Visa or a Temporary Residence Visa

  • Certificate of marriage or birth, apostilled or legalized.
  • To establish sufficient economic means to allow you to settle in the country without becoming a social burden.

6. In the Case of Businesspersons (entrepreneurs, investors, traders, or rentiers)

  • To establish an applicant's status as an entrepreneur and its activities in Chile;
  • İnvestments to be performed in Chile as well as capital imported;
  • Status as trader and activities performed in Chile or as rentier, by stating his/her property or Chilean capitals from which he/she regularly earns his/her income

7. In the Case of Qualified Personnel (scientists, researchers, academicians, lecturers, professors, professionals, or technicians)

  • Professionals or technicians: relevant degree, duly legalized or apostilled.
  • Employment contract, duly legalized or apostilled, made with a Chilean legal entity or an international agency recognized by the Chilean Government; or legalized or apostilled copy of a contract made between domestic and foreign entities, Assistance, Technical Cooperation, technology transfer, and skilled human resources agreements.
  • In the case of scientists, researchers, academicians, lecturers, or professors, such status must be established by submitting credentials or certificates from academic or university institutions, duly legalized or apostilled, and the institution or body in which they shall discharge duties in Chile, as well as the relevant invitation or contract, duly certified by a Notary Public.

8. In the Case of Communications Professionals

  • To establish the agency or press media of which the applicant is a member by submitting documents or certificates of the relevant company, indicating the specific communication activities to be performed in Chile and the time it will take

9. In the Case of Members of Religious Orders

  • To establish such status by submitting documents or certificates duly certified or apostilled by the relevant church or religious community, which must be legally recognized in Chile;
  • A letter, certified by a Notary Public, issued by the institution's superior in Chile, describing the member of such religious order, his/her activities in the country, and the place where he/she will discharge duties.

10. In the Case of Medical Treatment

  • A letter issued by the medical establishment or institution, duly certified by a Notary Public, specifying the treatment to be undergone by patients and the reasons to carry them out in Chile.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Chile Temporary Resident Visa

The average processing time for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa is 15-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Chile Temporary Resident Visa Fee

Chile Temporary Resident visa fee is 30-150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Chile Temporary Resident Visa?

You will apply for a Chile Temporary Resident visa in Chile visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 


 

Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract Visa

Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract permits foreign nationals retained by a company legally organized in Chile to obtain a Residence Visa subject to a contract with a maximum duration of two years.

The person concerned must file for the permanent residence permit within 90 days before the expiry of the visa, provided he/she has not been absent from the country for over 180 days in the past year.

 

Required Documents for Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract

 

1. Application Form

2. Valid passport

  • Issued by the corresponding authority of the country of origin or similar document

3. Photo

  • Color photograph (5x5 cm)
  • With a white background
  • Full face and front face are 3/4 of the photograph

4. Criminal Record Certificate

  • Apostilled or legalized
  • No more than 60 days old from the date of visa application

5. A Letter by Employer

  • Addressed to the Chilean Consul attesting to the contract entered into
  • The document must be signed by a Notary Public

6. An Employment Contract Signed Before a Notary Public

7. Professional Degree, if appropriate

8. Medical Certificate

9. Documents that Need to be Provided by the Company has Retained the Alien

  • Certificate on company organization.
  • Registered address in Chile.
  • Establishing that the person retained is essential for the country's development.
  • VAT evidence of payment for the last three months.
  • Evidence of payment of worker's social security contributions during the last three months.

* Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Notes to Consider While Applying for Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract
  • The employment contract must be drafted according to the Chilean regulations and contain the following clauses:
    • Employer's duty to answer for the income tax payment applicable to the compensation paid.
    • Employer's duty to pay worker's social security contributions and health insurance in Chile or abroad.
    • Duty to pay return tickets upon the termination of the employment contract, both for the beneficiary and his/her family group.

 

Processing Time for Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract

The average processing time for a Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract is 15-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract Fee

Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract fee is 30-150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract?

You will apply for a Chile Resident Visa Subject to Contract in Chile visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 


 

Chile Student Resident Visa

Chile Student Resident Visa entitles foreign nationals to pursue studies in Chile as full-time students in State or private educational establishments approved by the State. The visa does not permit students to work.

There is also a Dependent Resident Student Visa, which is issued to the holder's relatives and has the same validity as the holder's visa. Such a visa does not permit the conduct of gainful activities.

The applicant may apply for a permanent residence permit, to the extent he/she has resided in the country for at least two years, within 90 days before the expiry of the visa, provided that he/she has not been absent from the country for over 180 days.

Those performing "professional training or internships" may only apply for a student visa when carried out at a Chilean State or State-accredited educational establishment or higher education or specialized institutions for which they require the respective enrollment.

Otherwise, they must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa in professional or technical status, if holding the certifying degrees or a visa subject to contract if not holding them, provided they meet the other requirements proper to this type of visa.

 

Required Documents for Chile Student Resident Visa

 

1. Application Form

2. Valid Passport

  • Issued by the corresponding authority of the country of origin or similar document

3. Photo

  • Color photograph (5x5 cm)
  • With a white background
  • Full face and front face are 3/4 of the photograph

4. Criminal Record Certificate

  • Apostilled or legalized
  • No more than 60 days old from the date of visa application

5. Enrollment Certificate or Admission Letter Issued by a State-accredited University or Educational Establishment

6. Documents Attesting to Applicant Having Sufficient Means to Cover His/Her Expenses while a Student in Chile

7. In the case of Student Exchange Programs

  • A letter or certificate by the University or educational establishment at which studies are pursued attesting to his / her capacity as a full-time student of said institution and that he/she will pursue studies in Chile during a specific term

8. A Medical Certificate

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Chile Student Resident Visa

The average processing time for a Chile Student Resident visa is 15-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Chile Student Resident Visa Fee

Chile Student Resident visa fee is 30-150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Chile Student Resident Visa?

You will apply for a Chile Student Resident visa in Chile visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 


 

Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation

Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation permits foreign nationals to obtain a Temporary Residence visa, known as "International Orientation Visa", for a one-year term, extendable for one additional year. This visa is designated for professionals holding a graduate degree from any of the 150 top-ranked foreign academic institutions according to the WOS Global Ranking per discipline, currently used by Becas Chile.

 

Required Documents for Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation

 

1. Application Form

2. Valid Passport

  • Issued by the corresponding authority of the country of origin or similar document

3. Photo

  • Color photograph (5x5 cm)
  • With a white background
  • Full face and front face are 3/4 of the photograph

4. Criminal Record Certificate

  • Apostilled or legalized
  • No more than 60 days old from the date of visa application

5. A Professional or Vocational Degree, Legalized, or Apostilled

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation

The average processing time for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation is 15-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation Fee

Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation fee is 30-150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation?

You will apply for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa for International Orientation in Chile visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 


 

Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities permits applicants to obtain a Temporary Residence Visa known as Opportunity Visa for a one-year term, extendable for an additional one-year period. It is issued according to a score based on criteria like educational background, age, language, occupation, and territory.

 

Required Documents for Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities

 

1. Application Form

2. Valid Passport

  • Issued by the corresponding authority of the country of origin or similar document

3. Photo

  • Color photograph (5x5 cm)
  • With a white background
  • Full face and front face are 3/4 of the photograph

4. Proficiency in Spanish

  • Applicants shall present a SIELE or DELE international examination certificate evidencing that they have at least an intermediate-level proficiency. Individuals coming from a Spanish-speaking country holding a high school certificate in such countries shall be exempt from this requirement.

5. A Certificate Evidencing an Investment of At Least 2,400 Unidad De Fomento (UF) (about Us $ 100,000)

6. A Business Plan Indicating the Chilean District in which Investments will be Made

7. Effective Import into the Country of the Investment Committed Before the Visa is Stamped, Under Chapter Xiv of the Chilean Central Bank's Compendium of Foreign Exchange Regulations.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities

The average processing time for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities is 15-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities Fee

Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities fee is 30-150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities?

You will apply for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa for Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Chile visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 


 

Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident Visa

Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident Visa permits applicants to obtain a temporary residence visa, called "Opportunity Visa", for a one-year term, extendable for one additional year. It is issued according to a scoring system based on criteria like educational level, age, language, occupation, and territory. This visa is designated for professionals, technicians, and persons having accredited trades wishing to come to Chile to look for work and reside in this country.

 

Required Documents for Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident Visa

 

1. Application Form

2. Valid Passport

  • Issued by the corresponding authority of the country of origin or similar document

3. Photo

  • Color photograph (5x5 cm)
  • With a white background
  • Full face and front face are 3/4 of the photograph

4. Proficiency in Spanish

  • Applicants shall present a SIELE or DELE international examination certificate evidencing that they have at least an intermediate-level proficiency. Individuals coming from a Spanish-speaking country holding a high school certificate in such countries shall be exempt from this requirement.

5. Criminal Record Certificate

  • Apostilled or legalized
  • No more than 60 days old from the date of visa application

6. A Professional or Vocational Degree, Legalized, or Apostilled.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident Visa

The average processing time for a Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident visa is 15-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident Visa Fee

Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident visa fee is 30-150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident Visa?

You will apply for a Worker Opportunity Chile Temporary Resident visa in Chile visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

FAQ

If I travel with my child, what documents are required for me to enter Chile as a tourist?

​​​​​​If the child is traveling accompanied by both parents, the following documents are required:

  • Passport or current National Identity Document depending on the country of origin.
  • Original birth certificate or family notebook, plus three photocopies.

If the child is traveling accompanied only by one of their parents, the following documents are required:

  • Valid passport or national identity document, depending on the country of origin (see question above).
  • Original birth certificate or family book, plus three photocopies.
  • Original authorization of the parent who does not travel, signed in front of a notary, giving his consent for the departure of the minor, or the approval of the corresponding family court, plus three photocopies.
  • Original death certificate, in case one of the parents is deceased, plus three photocopies.

What documents are required if a child enters Chile as a tourist without parents?

If the minor does not travel accompanied by his parents, the following documents are required:

  • Valid passport or national identity document, depending on the country of origin (see question above).
  • Original birth certificate or family book, plus three photocopies.
  • Original authorization of both parents, signed in front of a notary, giving their consent for the departure of the child, plus three photocopies.
  • Original death certificate, in case one or both parents are deceased, plus three photocopies.
  • Original authorization of the corresponding family court, giving consent for the trip of the child, plus three photocopies.

How long can I stay in Chile as a tourist?

The standard allowed period is 90 days from the date of entry into the country. However, immigration or police departments may exceptionally limit the stay of the tourist for a shorter period. This will be indicated on the stamp in your passport or tourist card.

Can I work in Chile with my tourist visa?

Yes. You must request a special work permit for tourists, valid only for 30 days. The cost depends on your nationality (it is 150% of the cost of a standard work permit). It is called Permiso de Trabajo con Turista, or Permiso PET.

Can I work in Chile with my student visa?

You can only work under two circumstances:

  1. When performing the professional practice corresponding to your studies and/or
  2.  When this work is necessary to pay for your studies

How long must I reside in Chile in order to be eligible to request Chile permanent residency?

If you are in Chile with a work visa subject to contract, temporary visa, student visa, then you have to reside in Chile for two uninterrupted years, one year, two years, respectively.

How many employer changes are allowed when I have a work visa subject to contract?

There is no limit to the number of employers you can have, as long as you properly and timely request the change at the immigration department level.

When entering Chile, do I need to present any documents other than my passport and visa?

A valid visa is not a guarantee of entry to Chile. You may have to satisfy other legal requirements.

Third-country nationals may be allowed to enter Chile if they:

  • Possess a valid travel document which allows its holder to cross borders
  • Possess a valid visa, if required
  • Justify the purpose and conditions of their intended stay and have sufficient means of subsistence both during their intended stay and for return to their country of origin or transit to a third country
  • Do not have an alert issued for them to refuse entry
  • Are not considered to be a threat to public policy, international security, public health, or international relations

This means that a police officer, during border control, may ask you to present both notifications and documents that justify the purpose and conditions of your stay in Chile and the evidence that you have sufficient means of subsistence.

Can my Chile visa application be refused?

In some circumstances, a visa may be denied. Common reasons are fraud or misrepresentation, disrespect for the visa adjudicator or Chile, criminal record, security risk, lack of strong ties to the country of residence, intention to reside or work in Chile when not authorized, lack of a legitimate reason for traveling, not having travel arrangements or health/travel insurance, applying on excessively short notice, previous rejection of a visa application and prior immigration violations, among others.

If my Chile visa application refused, will I get the visa fee back?

No. Chile visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa decision