Eligibility quiz
Do you have a valid temporary residence permit in the investor and related personnel category?
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
Sign in to the Chile migration service portal with ClaveÚnica or create an account, then fill in the Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva. The usual residence period is 24 months; an investment or an operating company may justify reducing it to 12 months, but the reduction is not automatic.
Fill in the applicationSubmit your application
Upload your documents as PDFs and submit your application while your temporary permit is valid, normally during the 90 days before it expires. Your emailed receipt confirms submission but is not a residence document.
Submit your applicationWait for a request
Follow your application in the portal and watch for requests for documents or payment. If asked for documents, use Completa Antecedentes in your portal inbox to upload them within 60 days and finish the submission; if you cannot obtain a document, upload a letter explaining why.
Follow your applicationPay the fee online
When the portal requests payment, open Completa Antecedentes in your inbox, select Realizar and pay the fee online. Return to the migration service portal and finish the process.
Pay the feeWait for the decision
Watch your email and portal inbox for the decision; if your application is accepted for processing, you will also receive a certificate showing it is in progress. If refused, you can appeal in the portal while in Chile within five days of notification, with new supporting documents.
Follow your applicationDownload your certificate
If approved, download your decision or certificate from the notification or the migration service portal. It confirms your permanent residence and lets you carry out lawful activities in Chile.
Download your certificateDocuments needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Proof of temporary residence
Provide the electronic stamp for your temporary-residence permit or the visa stamped in your passport. If applicable, you can provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certificate ending your official mission instead.
Application form
This is your online application for Residencia Definitiva. Upload your supporting documents as PDFs; documents from public offices should generally be no more than 60 days old, and those from private organisations no more than 30 days old. Required documents must have electronic verification or, where that is unavailable, be notarised as SERMIG specifies.
Copy of your passport or ID
Scan the identification page of your passport or your identity document from your country of origin. Upload the copy with your application.
Proof of investment
Provide a document describing the purpose and amount of your investment and, if applicable, your role and duties. Include documents showing your investment in Chile or that your company is operating there. These can support a request to apply after 12 months, but the shorter period is not automatic.
Current company certificate *
Provide a current certificate for your company. It forms part of your evidence of income or financial support.
* Only if you are a business owner.
Taxpayer file *
Provide the electronic taxpayer file for your business from Chile's tax service. This supports your evidence of income or financial support.
* Only if you are a business owner or partner.
Copy of your Chilean ID *
Scan your Chilean foreigner identity card. Upload the copy with your application.
* Only if you are over 18.
Police certificate *
Get a criminal-record certificate from your country of origin, issued no more than 60 days before you apply. Documents in Spanish or English do not need translation; documents in other languages need an official translation.
* Only if you are over 18.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationCompany incorporation deed *
Provide your company's incorporation deed and any amendments. Include the documents showing how your company was set up and any later changes.
* Only if you are a business owner or partner.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationBusiness start certificate *
Provide the certificate showing that your company started its activities. Also include evidence of payment for its municipal business licence.
* Only if you own or are a partner in an established company.
Tax returns *
Provide the latest income tax return for your company and your latest personal income tax return. Include the company's VAT payment declarations.
* Only if you are a business owner.
Considerations
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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