Key Takeaways

  1. Chile has moved to a digital platform managed by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG). You must start all temporary residence applications online before entering the country.
  2. The new Migration Law does not allow changing from tourist status to resident status while inside Chile. You must apply for your work visa from your country of residence.
  3. Chile does not issue a separate work permit card. You apply for Residencia Temporal (Temporary Residence).
  4. Your employment contract must contain the Income Tax clause, the Social Security clause, the Validity clause, and the Travel clause.
  5. Visa processing can take between 6 and 8 months due to high demand and the implementation of the new law.
  6. Foreign companies without a registered legal entity in Chile cannot directly sponsor a work visa. An Employer of Record can act as the legal employer in Chile to sponsor the visa and ensure compliance with labor laws.

Chile is one of the most stable economies in Latin America. The nation has extensive copper and lithium reserves, as well as an agricultural sector renowned for its wine and fruit exports. The country also has a reputation for innovation and technology. With programs like Start-Up Chile, Santiago has become a center for entrepreneurship and foreign investment.

Businesses view Chile as a gateway to the South American market, thanks to its transparent business environment and extensive network of free trade agreements. Professionals are drawn to the high quality of life and modern infrastructure. Relocating to Chile or hiring international talent requires a deep understanding of the country’s immigration policies. In 2022, the Chilean government implemented Law No. 21.325 to modernize how and when foreigners can apply for work permits.

Entering as a tourist with the hope of finding a job and staying is no longer a viable legal pathway for most people. Securing a job offer and managing the visa application from abroad is now the standard. We provide a complete guide on the Chilean work visa system, explaining the requirements, processes, and legal details to ensure a successful application for employees and compliance for employers.

For more on the business environment, read our guide on Doing Business in Chile.

Chile Work Visa System Explained

The Chilean immigration system operates using the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG), which falls under the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security. SERMIG is the centralized authority for all migration matters. It processes applications, grants permits, and enforces migration policies.

Entry (Visas and Authorizations)

Allows a foreign national to cross the Chilean border. Most Western citizens do not need a visa for short-term visits and enter with a Permanencia Transitoria (Transitory Stay) permit, formerly known as a tourist visa. This does not grant the right to live or work in Chile long-term.

Residence (Permits)

Grants the holder the right to live in Chile for a specified period and, in most cases, to engage in economic activities. The category for foreign workers is Residencia Temporal (Temporary Residence).

Elimination of In-Country Status Change

Under the old law, foreigners entered as tourists, found employment, and then applied for a visa change without leaving the country. However, Article 70 of the new law requires applications for Residencia Temporal to be submitted from outside Chile. Exceptions are strictly limited to specific humanitarian cases or family reunification of immediate family members of Chilean nationals or permanent residents.

For more information, read our guide on How to Hire Employees in Chile.

Work Permit vs. Work Visa

Chile integrates the right to work directly into the residency status.

  • Work Visa (Residency): The Residencia Temporal is in the subcategory for “Foreigners engaged in lawful remunerated activities.” Obtaining this residency status automatically grants the holder the legal right to work for the sponsoring employer.
  • Work Authorization for Tourists: Individuals in Chile on a Permanencia Transitoria (tourist) permit can apply for a Work Authorization. It is a temporary permission for artists, technicians, athletes, or consultants who need to perform specific, periodic tasks for a short duration. This authorization does not allow the holder to settle in Chile.

Types of Work Visas and Permits in Chile

Chile offers several visa categories for different types of employment and durations.

Temporary Residence

Lawful Remunerated Activities (Actividades Lícitas Remuneradas): This is the standard visa for foreign nationals planning to live and work in Chile as employees.

  • Target Audience: Foreign nationals who have a formal employment contract with a company in Chile.
  • Validity: Granted for up to two years. It can be renewed for an additional two years. Once the holder has completed 24 months of residence, they become eligible to apply for Residencia Definitiva (Permanent Residence).
  • Dependents: The holder can apply for dependent visas for their spouse, civil partner, and children. Dependents are not allowed to work unless they obtain their own work permits.

Seasonal Workers (Trabajadores de Temporada): This subcategory is for industries such as agriculture and tourism. The structure allows workers to return yearly for peak seasons without needing to apply for a new visa every year.

  • Target Audience: Foreign nationals entering Chile for specific seasonal jobs.
  • Validity: The permit can be valid for up to five years. It restricts the holder’s physical presence in Chile to a maximum of six months within each calendar year.

Investors and Related Personnel: This visa category allows entry for people with investment projects.

  • Target Audience: Foreign investors, legal representatives, and senior management personnel of foreign companies investing in Chile.
  • Requirements: Applicants must show a minimum investment amount (quoted around $500,000 for specific programs, though rules may vary). A project requires sponsorship or a letter of support from InvestChile, the foreign investment promotion agency.

Multiple-Entry Business Permit (Gestión de Negocios Múltiple Entrada)

This permit is similar to a frequent flyer business visa for executives.

  • Target Audience: International executives or directors who travel to Chile regularly for business.
  • Validity: The permit allows for multiple entries into the country.
  • Restriction: The total stay in Chile cannot exceed six months within any given calendar year. It is strictly for non-resident business activities.

Work Authorization for Tourists (Autorización de Trabajo para Turistas)

This is an authorization attached to a tourist permit rather than a full residence visa.

  • Target Audience: Professionals such as technicians repairing machinery, artists performing at concerts, athletes competing in tournaments, or consultants on short assignments.
  • Validity: Valid only for the duration of the tourist permit, which is usually 90 days.
  • Limitation: You cannot use this authorization to transition into long-term residency. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave Chile and apply for Residencia Temporal from abroad.

Mercosur and Pacific Alliance Visas

Nationals from neighboring regions benefit from some international agreements that simplify the residency process.

  • Mercosur: Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay can apply for Residencia Temporal based on the Mercosur agreement. This pathway does not strictly require a job offer at the time of application.
  • Pacific Alliance: Nationals from Mexico, Colombia, and Peru may also have access to streamlined processes under the Pacific Alliance framework.

Requirements for a Chile Work Visa

Securing a Residencia Temporal requires both the employer and the applicant to meet eligibility criteria.

Employer Eligibility

The company hiring the foreign worker acts as the sponsor for the visa

  • Legal Domicile: The company must be legally incorporated and have a registered domicile within Chile.
  • Tax Compliance: The employer must possess a valid Tax ID (Rol Único Tributario, RUT). They must also be compliant with the Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Impuestos Internos, SII). This includes proving that they have no outstanding debts regarding VAT or social security contributions for their existing workforce.
  • Hiring Limits: The Chilean Labor Code specifies that for companies with more than 25 employees, at least 85% of the workforce must be Chilean nationals. There are exceptions for technical specialists and foreign nationals who have lived in Chile for more than five years or who are married to Chileans.

Applicant Eligibility

The foreign national must prove they are suitable for residence and employment:

  • Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin and any country where they have lived for the past five years.
  • Professional Qualifications: Skilled positions require proof of education, although this is not compulsory for every role. Applicants should provide apostilled copies of their university degrees or professional titles. For regulated professions, such as medicine or law, these titles must be validated by the University of Chile.
  • Job Offer: The main requirement is a signed employment contract or a formal, notarized job offer from a Chilean company. The employment contract must show the following. If these clauses are missing, the visa application will likely be rejected:
    • The contract must state that the pay will be in Chile and in Chilean Pesos. The salary cannot be lower than the national minimum wage.
    • There must be a validity clause that protects the employer from illegal hiring. It must state in Spanish: The obligation to provide services under this contract shall only be fulfilled once the worker has obtained the corresponding residence visa in Chile. This confirms that the worker will not start active duty until they have the legal right to do so.
    • The contract must clearly state that the employer will make the necessary social security deductions for the Chilean pension system and health insurance.
    • The employer must commit to withholding and paying the appropriate income tax (Impuesto Único de Segunda Categoría) on behalf of the employee, on salaries that exceed the tax-exempt threshold.
    • The employer must include a travel clause that agrees to pay for the return ticket of the worker (and potentially their family) to their country of origin once their employment ends. The obligation remains until the worker leaves Chile or gets a new visa with a different employer. The employer cannot deduct this cost from the employee’s salary.

Required Documents for Chile Visa

A successful application depends on the submission of complete and accurate documents. Foreign documents must be Apostilled or Legalized at a Chilean consulate. Documents that are not in Spanish or English must be translated.

For the Employee

  • A scan of the bio-data page of a valid passport. The passport should have at least one year of validity remaining from the date of application.
  • Apostilled Criminal record certificate issued by the national or federal police of the country of origin (and residence, if different) within the last 30 to 60 days.
  • A recent passport photograph (5×5 cm) with a white background and a neutral expression, in JPEG or PNG format.
  • Apostilled copies of university degrees or professional certificates for technical positions.
  • A detailed curriculum vitae is requested to verify professional experience.

For the Employer

  • The employment contract must include all special clauses, must be signed by both parties, and must be notarized in Chile.
  • If the contract was signed more than 30 days before the application submission, a notarized certificate confirming that the contract is still valid is required.
  • Documents such as the Certificate of Start of Activities (Inicio de Actividades) from the SII or proof of VAT payments for the last three months to prove the company is active and solvent.
  • Legal paperwork proving the company’s existence and the legal representative’s authority to sign employment contracts.

For Dependents

  • Marriage certificates or birth certificates must be apostilled to prove the relationship to the main visa applicant.
  • Notarized Affidavit of Support statement from the main visa holder committing to covering the living expenses of their dependents in Chile.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Chile

1

Secure Employment and Prepare Documents

The process begins with the job offer. The employer drafts a contract that includes the immigration clauses. The employee signs the contract (digital signatures are accepted, or physical copies are mailed). The employer then notarizes the contract in Chile. Simultaneously, the employee obtains the criminal record check and has it apostilled.

2

Create an Account on the SERMIG Portal

The applicant must access the Portal de Trámites Digitales and create an account using a valid email address. This portal will be used for all communication regarding the visa.

3

Submit the Application

Once logged in, select Solicitud de Residencia Temporal (Application for Temporary Residence).

  • Enter all personal details exactly as they appear on the passport.
  • Choose the subcategory Actividades Lícitas Remuneradas (Lawful Remunerated Activities).
  • Upload the PDF scans of the passport, notarized contract, apostilled background check, and employer documents. Ensure all files are legible.
  • Review the information and submit the application. A confirmation email will be sent to the registered address.

4

Application Review and Payment

SERMIG reviews the application for completeness and compliance. If any documents are missing or incorrect, they will notify the applicant via email to upload corrections. Once the application is approved, they will send a notification to pay the visa fee.

5

Electronic Stamp (Estampado Electrónico)

After the payment is verified, SERMIG issues the Estampado Electrónico. This is a digital certificate that functions as a visa.

  • The applicant has 120 days to download this document from the portal.
  • Once downloaded, the applicant has 90 days to enter Chile. The validity of the residency begins on the day the individual enters the country.

6

Registration and ID Card

On arriving in Chile, applicants should verify the instructions printed on their Estampado Electrónico document for additional instructions.

Within 30 days of entry, the resident must book an appointment at the Registro Civil (Civil Registry) to apply for a Chilean ID card (Cédula de Identidad). This card contains the RUN (Rol Único Nacional), a unique national identification number essential for opening bank accounts, signing internet contracts, and accessing healthcare.

Processing Time and Costs for a Chile Work Visa

Processing Time

The transition to the new digital system and the backlog of applications have affected processing times. Currently, the processing time for a Residencia Temporal is averaging between 6 and 8 months.

The Associated Fees

Visa fees in Chile are determined by reciprocity. This means the cost for a Chilean visa matches what the applicant’s home country charges Chilean citizens for a similar visa.

Country / NationalityEstimated Fee (USD)
United States$160–$190
United KingdomApproximately $150
CanadaApproximately $265
Australia$225 to over $2,800
Other Nationalities$15 to over $600

The fee is paid only after the visa is approved. There is no application fee at the start of the process, except for the Tourist Work Authorization, which requires payment upon request.

What are The Paths to Becoming a Permanent Resident in Chile

Foreign nationals are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence if they have held a Temporary Residence permit for at least 24 months. The applicant must provide evidence of a stable income throughout the residence period to prove they can support themselves.

In exceptional cases, such as having family ties to Chilean citizens or making meaningful investments, this period may be reduced to 12 months.

Absence Limits

To qualify for Permanent Residence after 24 months, the applicant cannot have been absent from Chile for more than 60 days in total during the validity of their temporary permit.

If an applicant is absent for more than 60 days (but less than 12 months), their eligibility for permanent residence will be delayed. They would have to extend their Residencia Temporal until they accumulate a total of 30 or 36 months of residence, depending on the length of their absences.

Application Window

Applications for Permanent Residence must be submitted within the last 90 days of the current Temporary Residence permit’s validity. Missing this window forces the applicant to renew the temporary permit instead, resetting the clock for permanent residency.

How an Employer of Record (EOR) Can Help

For foreign companies that wish to hire talent in Chile but do not have a registered legal entity in the country, direct hiring is legally impossible. An EOR service in Chile provides a solution to this challenge.

  • As an Employer of Record, we acts as the legal employer of the worker in Chile on behalf of the foreign client.
  • Remote People is a legally registered entity in Chile. Through its recruitment agency, it can hire employees and act as the official sponsor for the Residencia Temporal.
  • We also drafts the employment contract to ensure that all immigration clauses are included and fully compliant with Chilean Labor Law.
  • We can calculate and withhold the necessary taxes and social security contributions to ensure the worker is in good standing with the SII, which is a requirement for any future Permanent Residence application.
  • While the government processing time remains at 6-8 months, using our EOR service eliminates delays caused by errors in documentation or non-compliant contracts, reducing the risk of rejection.

Secure Your Chilean Work Visa and Start Your Dream Job Today!

Chile offers a clear and regulated pathway for foreign workers, although the new Law 21.325 has introduced stricter rules. You must plan everything before you leave your home country. Also, employers must ensure their documents are correct and that employment contracts include all required immigration clauses.

The work authorization permit, the Residencia Temporal, gives you a 24-month path to permanent residency if you manage your time carefully. For international businesses without a local office, using an Employer of Record like Remote People is the easiest way to handle these requirements. With proper preparation, hiring in Chile and accessing its skilled workforce is a smart business decision.