Eligibility quiz
Do you have a spouse with permanent residence in Chile?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Chile for life
Holders can live in Chile indefinitely.
They can get a Chilean identity card for foreign residents.
Study in Chile
Foreign nationals can attend preschool, primary and secondary education.
The student scholarships and bonuses covered by the law do not have a 24-month residence requirement.
Work in Chile
Holders can work for any employer, run a business or carry out other lawful activities.
Their residence is not tied to an employer or occupation.
Travel from Chile
While their residence remains valid, holders can leave and re-enter Chile without a Chilean entry visa.
Access housing support
Holders have the same access to owner-occupied housing as Chilean citizens, if they meet the ordinary requirements.
Use public healthcare
Foreign residents can access healthcare on the same basis as Chilean citizens, if they meet the health authorities' requirements.
Access social support
Residents can access social security and state benefits on the same basis as Chilean citizens if they meet each benefit's requirements.
Cash benefits funded entirely by taxes generally require 24 months' residence, though some have other residence rules.
Exceptions include certain care situations for children under 18 and some humanitarian or public-health cases.
How to apply
Applying onlineApplying online
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your online application.
See required documentsFill in the application online
Sign in to the Chilean migration service’s online portal with ClaveÚnica or create an account, then choose “Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva” and fill in the form. If your spouse or civil partner has permanent residence, ask for the required residence period to be reduced to 12 months; the reduction is not automatic.
Fill in the applicationSubmit your application
Upload your documents as PDFs and your photo as a JPG or PNG, then submit the application while your temporary permit is still valid. You will receive an email confirming that you sent it.
Submit your applicationPay the fee
Pay the fee shown in the online portal unless you are exempt.
Pay the feeWait for the decision
Follow your application in the portal under “Consulta estado de trámite” and respond to any requests for more information. If your application is accepted for processing, you will receive a certificate by email; the decision will also be sent to you.
Follow your applicationRequest your identity card
Within 30 days of being notified that your application was approved, ask the civil registry for a new identity card and bring your approval decision and notification. The card will show your new permanent residence status.
Request your cardSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I request a Chile identity card after Residencia Definitiva is approved?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Partner's birth certificate *
Get your spouse's or civil partner's birth certificate from the office that issued it. A certificate issued by a public office should be no more than 60 days old.
* Only if your spouse is Chilean or you have a civil partner.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMarriage certificate *
Get your marriage certificate from the office that issued it. A certificate issued by a public office should be no more than 60 days old.
* Only if you are applying through your spouse.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationCivil union certificate *
Get the certificate of your civil union agreement from the office that issued it. A certificate issued by a public office should be no more than 60 days old.
* Only if you are applying through your civil partner.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Identity card requirements
Holders normally must get a foreigner identity card within 30 business days after residence is granted.
Missing the deadline can lead to a penalty, and the card generally must be renewed every five years.
Residence can be lost
Residence is automatically lost after more than two continuous years outside Chile unless an extension is requested at a Chilean consulate before the two years end.
The extension is available once for two years, allowing up to four continuous years abroad.
Immigration authorities can also take residence away by a decision giving their reasons.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Santiago Chile English Speaking Expats
English Facebook group for people living in Chile interested in Chilean local life
Join on FacebookExpats in Chile - Chile Information Project (CHIP)
English Facebook group for people living in Chile interested in Chilean local life
Join on Facebookr/chile
Reddit group for people interested in Chilean local life (Spanish & English)
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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