Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a citizen of 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 Servicio Nacional de Migraciones digital portal with ClaveÚnica or create a portal account, then complete “Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva” with your email, mobile number and request to reduce the residence period based on your marriage or civil union. The usual period is 24 months; a reduction to 12 months is not automatic, and time away from Chile may increase the required period.
Fill in the applicationSubmit your application
Upload the required files and submit your completed application through the digital portal. The system does not accept an incomplete application.
Submit the applicationSave your submission receipt
Save the confirmation email and electronic submission receipt. The receipt proves you submitted the application, but it is not a residence document.
Find receipt informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my Servicio Nacional de Migraciones Residencia Definitiva submission receipt in Chile?”
Wait for the decision
Follow your application through “Consulta estado de trámite” in the portal and respond if the service asks for more information or documents. You will receive the decision by email and in your portal inbox.
Check your application statusBook your card appointment
If your application is approved, book an appointment with Registro Civil within 30 calendar days to get your Chilean identity card.
Book your appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Registro Civil appointment for a Chilean identity card after Servicio Nacional de Migraciones approves my Residencia Definitiva?”
Get your identity card
Attend your Registro Civil appointment and obtain 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 from Registro Civil after Servicio Nacional de Migraciones approves my Residencia Definitiva?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Partner's birth certificate
Get a current birth certificate for your Chilean spouse or civil partner. It shows their Chilean citizenship.
Marriage certificate *
Get a current marriage certificate showing your marriage to your Chilean spouse. Use the original record.
* Only if you are married.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationCivil union certificate *
Get a current certificate of your civil union with your Chilean partner. Use the original record.
* Only if you are in a registered civil union.
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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