Migratory | Global Mobility
We support foreign companies and professionals throughout all the immigration processes necessary to live and work legally in Chile, ensuring efficient, strategic management aligned with full regulatory compliance.
- Temporary Residency,
- Permanent Residency,
- Work Permit,
- Nationality,
- Provisional RUT (Chilean National Identification Number),
- Corporate Plans,
- Audits,
- Contracts,
- Relocation.
Stages of a Process
Initial evaluation
Strategy and timeline
Document preparation
Presentation and follow-up
Obtaining permission
FAQ
1. How can I live legally in Chile? / How do I obtain a visa for Chile?
To reside in Chile for a limited period, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, meeting the requirements of the corresponding immigration subcategory.
The Temporary Residence Permit is valid for a maximum of two years.
Subcategories include: family ties, worker, investor/rentier, humanitarian reasons, studies, among others.
(Art. 64 Law 21.325)
2. Can I carry out paid activities if I hold Temporary Residence Permit?
No, holders of Temporary Residence Permits (for tourism) cannot perform paid work in Chile.
Exceptionally, the SERMIG (National Migration Service) may authorize specific and occasional activities that generate income in Chile or abroad.
(Art. 69 Law 21.325 / Art. 133 DS 177)
3. Can I apply for Temporary Residence if I am already in Chile?
Yes, only in the following cases (Art. 69 Law 21.325 / Art. 16 DS 177):
- Individuals with family ties to Chilean citizens or permanent residents.
- Holders of a valid Temporary Residence Permit who wish to extend it, change their subcategory, or change their status from dependent to primary holder.
- Humanitarian reasons.
- Applications submitted by government agencies when the decree so stipulates.
- Holders of Temporary Residence Permits who entered Chile before February 12, 2022.
4. What is the deadline for applying for Permanent Residency?
You can apply for Permanent Residency starting 90 days before your Temporary Residency permit expires.
You can also apply early if you have already met the minimum residency requirement for your subcategory.
(Art. 62 DS 177)
We recommend that our clients begin the process 120 days before the expiration date.
5. What happens if I submit incorrect or incomplete documents?
SERMIG will issue a notification requesting additional information.
The applicant will have 60 calendar days to submit the required documentation.
Failure to do so within this timeframe may result in the application being rejected.
(Art. 88 Law 21.325)
6. How long must I have resided as a holder of Temporary Residence to apply for Permanent Residence?
For applications submitted after May 14, 2022, applicants must have been temporary residents for at least 24 continuous months.
(Art. 57 Law 21.325)
7. What is an Apostille?
The Hague Apostille is a unique certification that validates public and private documents issued in a member country of the Hague Convention so they can be legally used in other signatory countries.
Chile implemented the Apostille in August 2016.
At Cuevas Abogados, we handle apostilles and legalizations both in Chile and abroad.
8. Can I lose my Permanent Residency?
Yes. Permanent Residency is automatically revoked if the holder remains outside of Chile for more than two consecutive years, unless:
They request an extension at the corresponding Chilean consulate at least 60 days before the expiration date.
(Art. 68 Law 21.325)
9. Who can apply for the Naturalization Certificate (Chilean citizenship)?
Those who meet the following criteria may apply:
- Are over 18 years of age.
- Hold a valid Permanent Residency permit.
- Have resided in Chile for 5 years or more since the granting of the first Temporary Residency permit that led to the Permanent Residency permit.
(Art. 10 letter c) Political Constitution / Art. 6 Law 21.325)