South America
Chile offers one of the most straightforward visa processes in South America with 90-day visa-free entry for over 90 nationalities. While there is no dedicated digital nomad visa, remote workers can use the Temporary Residence Visa for longer stays. The country boasts excellent infrastructure, fast internet, and a stable economy, making it attractive for digital nomads despite higher costs compared to neighboring countries.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Most nationalities can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days on a Permanencia Transitoria permit. No prior visa required — simply present your passport at the border. You'll receive a tourist card (Tarjeta Única Migratoria) as proof of legal entry. Paid work is not permitted, but a one-time 90-day extension is available for $100 USD through SERMIG.
Paid work activities are explicitly prohibited on the Permanencia Transitoria permit. However, remote work for foreign employers/clients (not earning income in Chile) exists in a legal grey area — it is widely practiced by digital nomads but not explicitly authorized by law. SERMIG can grant work authorization for specific sporadic activities (public shows, sports, lecturing, consulting, technical expertise) upon request.
Extension: 90 days (max 1x)
Cost: $100
Process: Apply through SERMIG Digital Procedures Portal (tramites.serviciomigraciones.cl) before your permit expires. Submit scanned passport, TUM, proof of financial means, and statement of reasons for extension. Pay $100 USD through the portal. Children and adolescents exempt from fee.
Renewal: After 180 days total, must leave Chile. Cannot apply for residence permit from within Chile except in limited cases (family bonds with Chileans, dependents, or national migration policy objectives per Article 69, Law 21.325).
Tax residency is triggered by staying 6 consecutive months in a calendar year, or more than 6 months across two consecutive calendar years. During first 3 years of tax residency, only Chilean-source income is taxed. Extension to 6 years available upon request. Progressive income tax rates from 0% to 40%.
The main pathway for digital nomads and remote workers planning longer stays in Chile. Under the Residencia Temporal permit, you can reside for up to 2 years with work authorization. The most relevant subcategories are Retired Persons/Rentistas (passive income), Lawful Remunerated Activities (employment), and Investors. Must apply from outside Chile through SERMIG's digital portal. Processing takes 6-12 months.
Minimum $1,500/per_month
Alternative: Bank statements showing consistent income or savings of approximately $18,000 USD. For Rentista subcategory: passive income of $1,000-$1,500/month from real estate, investments, dividends, or pensions. Additional $500/month per dependent.
Temporary residence permit holders can work legally in Chile, including remote work for foreign companies. The Lawful Remunerated Activities subcategory covers employment; the Rentista subcategory is for passive income earners. Workers can change employers freely without notifying SERMIG under Law 21.325. Dependents (spouses, civil partners, children under 24 if studying) can also work without independent visas.
Extension: 730 days (max 1x)
Cost: Free
Process: Apply through SERMIG Digital Procedures Portal during the last 90 days before permit expiration. Submit valid passport/ID, electronic stamp, Chilean ID certificate, criminal record certificate (max 60 days old), and subcategory-specific documents (e.g., work contracts, enrollment certificates). A fine applies if applying with expired permit.
Renewal: Cannot renew, but can apply for Residencia Definitiva (permanent residence) after 2 years of continuous temporary residence. Must apply 10-90 days before temporary visa expires. Requires at least 180 days/year physical presence, with absences under 60 days per 24-month period.
Tax residency is triggered by 6 consecutive months in a calendar year or 6+ months across two consecutive calendar years. First 3 years: taxed only on Chilean-source income. Can request extension to 6 years of foreign-income exemption. After exemption period: worldwide income taxed at progressive rates 0-40%. Must register with SII (tax authority). Annual tax returns filed in April.
Required for nationals of 104 countries who need prior consular authorization to enter Chile (per Decree 359, effective September 17, 2025). Apply at a Chilean consulate before travel. Once granted, allows the same stay as visa-free entry: up to 90 days, extendable once for 90 more days. Fees vary by nationality.
Same restrictions as visa-free tourist entry. Paid work is prohibited. Remote work for foreign employers is in a legal grey area — widely practiced but not explicitly authorized.
Same as visa-free tourist entry. Tax residency triggered by 6 consecutive months in a calendar year or 6+ months across two consecutive calendar years.
Available to young adults (18-35) from 20+ countries with bilateral agreements including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, Germany, and others. Allows living and working in Chile for up to 12 months. Cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months. Can only be used once.
Full work authorization included. Can work for any employer but not the same employer for more than 6 months. Freelance and remote work permitted.
Subject to standard Chilean tax rules. If staying 6+ consecutive months, Chilean tax residency is triggered. First 3 years: only Chilean-source income taxed.
A subcategory of the Residencia Temporal permit for foreigners studying at state-recognized educational institutions in Chile. Valid for up to 2 years. Students can work up to 30 hours per week without additional authorization. Must apply from outside Chile through SERMIG's digital portal.
Students can work up to 30 hours per week without additional permits. Exceeding 30 hours jeopardizes student status and may result in permit revocation. Work can be at the educational institution or elsewhere.
Subject to standard Chilean tax residency rules. First 3 years: only Chilean-source income taxed.
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025