Eligibility quiz
Do you regularly receive steady income from property that covers your basic needs 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 documentsOpen the application
Sign in to the Chilean migration service's digital portal with ClaveÚnica or create an account, then select “Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva”.
Open the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I open the Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva in Chile's migration service digital portal?”
Fill in the application
Fill in the online application and upload the requested documents as PDF files.
Fill in the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva online in Chile?”
Submit your application
Submit your application online while your temporary residence is still valid. Save the confirmation sent by email; it does not by itself give you residence or permission to work.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit my Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva online in Chile?”
Wait for the decision
Follow your application in the portal, send any requested documents and pay any fee requested online through the portal. If your application is accepted for processing, a certificate will arrive by email; wait for the decision.
Follow your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow the status of my Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva in Chile?”
Complete your identification
If your application is approved, follow the notice to complete any identification and paperwork required. You can then live in Chile indefinitely and carry out lawful activities.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What do I do after my Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva is approved in Chile?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Copy of your Chilean ID
Scan your Chilean identity card for foreigners.
Temporary residence record
Provide your electronic temporary residence permit or the visa stamped in your passport. If your residence was based on an official mission, provide your mission completion certificate instead.
Application form
Complete the online “Solicitud de Residencia Definitiva” form. Upload your supporting documents as PDFs with electronic verification; if that is not possible, have them notarised and authorised with an advanced electronic signature.
Copy of your passport or ID
Scan the identification page of your passport or your identity document from your country of origin.
Employment contract *
Provide your employment contract and any changes to it, notarised and authorised with an advanced electronic signature. Alternatively, provide confirmation that the contract is registered electronically with the labour authority.
* Only if you work for an employer.
Employment certificate *
Get a certificate showing that your employment contract is still in force. If you are a public official, provide a certificate showing how long you have worked and that your appointment is still in force.
* Only if you work for an employer or are a public official.
Rental contracts *
Provide the rental contracts for your rented properties.
* Only if you receive rental income from property.
Company formation records *
Provide the deed that formed your company and any changes to it. Get copies from the registry that holds them if you need them.
* Only if you run a company.
Payslips *
Provide your payslips showing the wages you receive.
* Only if you receive wages from an employer.
Taxpayer record *
Get your taxpayer file from the tax authority.
* Only if you are self-employed, receive rental income or run a business.
Health contribution certificate *
Get a certificate of paid health contributions from your public or private health insurer.
* Only if you work for an employer or are self-employed.
Police certificate *
Get a current police certificate from your country of origin.
* Only if you are over 18.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPublic appointment record *
Provide the decision or decree appointing you to your public post.
* Only if you are a public official.
Service invoices *
Provide your service invoices issued through the tax authority. If you are self-employed, also provide the tax authority’s annual report of your service invoices.
* Only if you receive income shown on service invoices.
Business start certificate *
Get your certificate of starting business activities from the tax authority.
* Only if you are self-employed.
Pension contribution record *
Get your historical pension contribution statement from your pension fund administrator.
* Only if you work for an employer or are self-employed and pay pension contributions.
Property purchase deeds *
Provide the purchase deeds for your rented properties. Get copies from the property registry if you need them.
* Only if you receive rental income and have purchase deeds for the rented properties.
Property ownership certificates *
Get a current ownership certificate from the property registry for each property you rent out.
* Only if you receive rental income from property.
Rental income records *
Provide records showing the monthly rent payments you receive. You can obtain them from the parties to the rental or from your bank.
* Only if you receive rental income from property.
Pension payment records *
Get records of your pension payments from the organisation that pays you. These can show retirement, disability or other pension payments received in Chile or abroad.
* Only if you receive a pension.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationCompany status certificate *
Get a certificate showing that your company is still in force.
* Only if you run a company.
Income tax returns *
Provide the latest income tax returns for your business and for yourself as an individual. Get copies from the tax authority.
* Only if you run a business.
VAT return *
Provide your VAT return showing the tax declared and paid. Get a copy from the tax authority.
* Only if you run a business.
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
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated