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Main Residency Pathways Overview
Chile remains one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America for business-oriented migrants and professionals. However, recent immigration reforms (since 2022) have significantly changed how applicants must approach residency.
Chile Immigration – Key Updates & Strategic Pathways (2026)
Under current Chilean immigration law, tourist visas can no longer be converted into residency permits (except in rare humanitarian cases).
This means:
- Applicants must apply for residency while outside Chile
- Entering Chile as a tourist does not provide a pathway to legal residency
- Improper strategy may result in delays, visa expiration, or rejection
Processing Risks & Considerations
Chile remains a viable option, but only when the case is properly structured from the outset.
- Processing times are longer than previous years
- Authorities apply stricter review standards
- Tourist visas may expire before residency approval
- Citizenship applications face higher scrutiny
Temporary Residency for Employment Activities (Corporate Sponsorship)
- Requires a Chilean legal entity
- Applicable to multinational employees and professionals
This immigration category allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in Chile by engaging in remunerated employment activities. It is primarily intended for executives, professionals, technicians, and employees hired by Chilean companies.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate, among other requirements, the existence of genuine employment activities in Chile and sufficient financial means.
Temporary Residency for Investors
This residency program is designed for foreign nationals who wish to live in Chile and carry out investment activities, contributing to the country’s economic development through the creation of or participation in business projects.
This category is intended for foreign investors who can demonstrate a significant investment in Chile, which may be structured in the following ways:
- Investment Project: A minimum investment of USD 500,000, accompanied by the submission of an investment project that must be reviewed and supported by InvestChile, the government agency responsible for promoting foreign investment in Chile.
- Participation in a Chilean Company: Company Ownership / Shareholder Strategy
A practical option for entrepreneurs and business owners:
- Minimum 10% ownership in a Chilean company
- Requires a locally registered business structure
Suitable for founders, investors, and international entrepreneurs. Acquisition of a participation equal to or greater than 10% of the share capital of a company incorporated in Chile, provided that the investment meets the criteria established under current immigration regulations.
Note: This category benefits from an expedited review process, and a decision may be issued in approximately two weeks.
Temporary Residency for Multiple-Entry Business Activities
This category is designed for businesspersons and executives who need to travel to Chile frequently, allowing multiple entries and exits from the country to carry out commercial or business-related activities.
It is particularly suitable for entrepreneurs, investors, executives, technicians, and representatives of foreign companies visiting Chile to attend corporate meetings, explore investment opportunities, oversee projects, or strengthen business relationships.
This permit is granted for two years, allowing the holder to remain in Chile for up to six months per calendar year during the validity of the residency.
Temporary Residency for Rentiers
This residency option is available to foreign nationals who wish to live in Chile by demonstrating stable income from abroad, such as rental income, investments, or other passive income sources.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate monthly income equal to or greater than the Chilean minimum wage, currently USD 650 per month, derived from stable sources abroad.
Minimum income: approx. USD $650/month
- Acceptable sources:
- Dividends
- Rental income
- Financial investments
Document validity requirements:
- Private documents: 30 days
- Public documents: 60 days
It is intended for individuals who wish to reside in Chile without engaging in employment activities in the country, provided they can demonstrate sufficient and regular financial means to support themselves.
Temporary Residency for Retirees
This immigration category is intended for foreign nationals who wish to live in Chile by demonstrating pension or retirement income from abroad.
It is designed for retired individuals who wish to establish residence in Chile while enjoying a high quality of life and stability, demonstrating regular income from a pension or retirement system.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a lifetime monthly pension equal to or greater than the Chilean minimum wage, currently USD 650 per month, issued by a public or private pension institution abroad.
Temporary Residency under the Mercosur Agreement
This immigration pathway allows nationals of Mercosur member countries to live and work legally in Chile, facilitating regional mobility and integration.
This category is available to nationals of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil, who may apply for this category by demonstrating their nationality and compliance with the applicable immigration requirements.
The visa grants temporary residency for up to two years, allowing the holder to lawfully reside, work, and carry out economic activities in Chile.
Student Visa (Emerging Pathway)
- Based on enrollment in accredited Chilean institutions
- Provides temporary residency status
- Suitable for flexible entry strategies
We are currently expanding partnerships with Chilean universities.
Temporary Residency under the Mercosur Agreement
This pathway allows nationals of Mercosur countries to live and work legally in Chile.
Eligible nationalities include:
- Argentina
- Uruguay
- Paraguay
- Bolivia
- Brazil
The visa grants temporary residency for up to two years, allowing full economic activity in Chile.