Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is a Chilean citizen?
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
Fill in the application
Sign in to the Chilean migration service’s digital portal with ClaveÚnica or create a portal account, then select “Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva” and fill in the form, including your email address and mobile number. If you are asking for a shorter residence period because your child is Chilean, ask for the reduction in your application; it is not automatic.
Fill in the applicationGather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your online application.
See required documentsSubmit your application
Upload your documents to the matching fields in the portal as PDFs, and upload your photo as a JPG or PNG. Submit your completed application before your temporary residence permit expires.
Submit your applicationPay the fee
Watch your portal inbox for a payment notice. If you receive one, pay the fee using the link and instructions in the notice.
Pay the feeWait for the decision
Check your portal inbox and application status while the migration service considers your application. Answer any questions and send any extra records it asks for.
Check your applicationDownload your permit
Once your application is approved, follow the migration service’s instructions to get and download your permit. It lets you live in Chile indefinitely and carry out any lawful activity.
Download your permitGet your identity card
When needed, apply to the Civil Registry for your Chilean identity card. You can then use it to identify yourself in Chile.
Get your identity cardSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a Chilean identity card after my Residencia Definitiva is approved in Chile?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Child's birth certificate
Get your Chilean child's original birth certificate from the Civil Registry. It must include your child's details and the personal details of both parents.
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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